There are walks that are very special to me, that are out of the ordinary, and although the ones I take in nature are the best of all, some fill my heart with joy; they are gateways to other times, to history, art and wonder.
I’ve always loved castles, and today I’m lucky enough to live in a city that has two of them. Actually, I think in ancient times they were a single structure, a great fortress with a massive wall that protected the city from enemies and invasions. Today, they stand as a testament to that history, but also to a wealth of art.
I can’t deny it, I’ve been to Alcazaba Castle on many occasions; most of them have been guided tours I’ve taken with people who’ve visited me here in the city, and I’ll never forget the first time I was there, just two months after arriving in the city, once I’d sorted out all the paperwork I had to do.
So every visit, every walk, is not just a journey into the history of the castle itself, but into my own history in Spain. I’ve always had a deep-seated passion for the medieval era; it fascinates me, as do castles, though I’m more drawn to fortresses. I’m not talking about those luxurious, opulent castles brimming with wealth, but rather the fortresses with those columns between the walls from which soldiers could keep watch for the enemy.
I close my eyes and I feel as though I can see those moments, though they’re surely just a figment of my imagination; but the massive walls, the sense of security they provide , I love what that represents. The older the place, the more appealing it is to me.
I think I’ve visited it six times now and I’d go a thousand times over; it’s one of those places that offers a unique view every single time. Its age – it dates back to the 11th century , is evident in its walls, but it’s not just that; the interior is simple when compared to photos of opulent castles I’ve seen online, yet I think that’s what I like best.
It contains many rooms, linked by a courtyard, or rather, several inner courtyards, and most of the rooms display relics, artefacts and art. Every walk I’ve taken there has revealed different aspects to me, as if it were magical.
This walk, of which I’m showing the photos, is the most recent one I took, but whenever I walk along its paths within the walls, I always remember the previous walks, because they’re full of memories: the first time I visited, the visit I made with my family, with a friend and former student who came to visit me, with my aunt and uncle…
When I’m inside, walking through those rooms steeped in history and art, I feel that energy coming from somewhere else, from centuries ago, and I think that’s what always captures my attention. Every time, and on this latest walk in particular, I’ve taken a closer look at the exhibits, the walls, and the decorations in that Moorish, Caliphate, Taifa and Nasrid style.
Another important thing I do whilst walking around is to admire all that exquisite Moorish architecture. Perhaps many people don’t like this sort of castle or imagine something else when they enter, but the thrill I feel every time I’m there is truly like travelling back in time. I love the history, the architecture and all of that combined with the art.
Every brick in that place, every wall, every tower, every staircase has a story, and the views of the city from every vantage point are breathtaking. The higher you climb, the better the views become. I never tire of talking about how much I love this place; time flies so quickly when I’m walking around there that the hours just slip by, but it doesn’t matter, I feel completely at ease.
Every space I passed through was special, as was every door or archway I walked through; I was always led to another beautiful room with something to discover, and I was always admiring the beautiful decorations on the arches.
For me, personally, it’s a magical walk, where the views of the city, intertwined with those stone walls, towers and greenery, create a truly special atmosphere.
Every step is a step through a structure with a long history, and for me, it’s the oldest building I’ve visited so far. I’ll certainly be back to show you more special spots in this beautiful place, as well as the second castle, which sits higher up.
Thank you very much for joining me on this Wednesday walk; I send my warmest regards to you all. See you soon.
Amonet.
All photographs are my own.