Badajoz Alcazaba

The Alcazaba places Badajoz’s origins on an elevation overlooking the Guadiana. Ibn Marwan’s ninth-century foundation began a history of extensions, changing governments and different uses. Walls, gateways and archaeological remains do not all belong to the same building campaign. Espantaperros tower, octagonal and projecting beyond the enclosure, illustrates how an outlying defensive tower could watch the surroundings without merging into the main wall. Spaces of government, religion and residence existed within the complex; the palace housing the museum adds another historical layer. Walking around the enclosure and enjoying its views is different from entering individual towers or buildings. Their opening arrangements need separate checking, because access to the wider monument does not automatically provide access to every interior.