The hilltop Alcazaba's hefty walls and towers dominate the city and command magnificent views.

It was founded during the first half of the 10th century by the Cordoba caliph Abd ar-Rahman. At the heart is the Segundo Recinto while at the east end is the Ermita de San Juan chapel which was converted from a mosque by the Catholic Monarchs.

The Tercer Recinto at the north-west end of the Alcazaba is a fortress which was added by the Catholic Monarchs. Its thick stone walls and sturdy round towers are in much better condition than the rest of the Alcazaba.