Blog English, Country, Mérida, Spain

The Alcazaba of Mérida, Spain

In Mérida, one of the cities designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we visited the Arab Alcazaba, considered the oldest Muslim fortress on the Iberian Peninsula. This fortified enclosure is located next to the Roman bridge over the Guadiana River and is part of the Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida.

This imposing fortress was built during the Muslim period in Mérida, under the rule of Umayyad Emir Abd al-Rahman II in the year 835 AD. The design and layout of the structure were carried out by the architect Abd Allah, who was inspired by Byzantine models. It is the oldest alcazaba on the Iberian Peninsula. The complex served as the headquarters of the Umayyad administrative offices, the governor’s residence, and a strategic control point for access to the city from the Roman bridge. It also functioned as a refuge for the Arab minority during internal conflicts with the Cordoban authority and as a military base from which the emir’s troops launched operations to suppress Mozarab revolts in the south and conduct raids into the Christian kingdoms to the north.

The term “Alcazaba” comes from Arabic and means “the citadel.” It refers to a fortified urban enclosure meant to serve as the residence of a governor and to defend a specific area. Unlike castles, alcazabas often contain a medina within—the Arabic term for a small city.

 

According to an inscription placed at its main gate, which restricted access to the military zone, the Alcazaba of Mérida was inaugurated in the year 835 and was built by Abd al-Rahman, in the name of Allah, to protect those who obey the emir. This gate initially served to protect Muslim rulers and subjects from potential uprisings by the local population, in addition to controlling access across the Guadiana River bridge. To the right of it is the gate that restricted access to the military zone.

Upon entering the Alcazaba, you can see the remains of the foundations of the so-called “Puerta del Puente” (Bridge Gate). This was one of the four main entrances to the Roman city wall. Imagine it as monumental, with two large arches through which people and vehicles circulated at that time. It is thanks to the image on the coin minted for 62 years by the Roman city of Augusta Emerita (from its founding in 25 BC until the time of Tiberius in 37 AD) that we have been able to identify the shape of the “Puerta del Puente” (Bridge Gate). Its image, with the double gate between the towers, is today the heraldic symbol of Mérida.

The perimeter of the alcazaba was protected by a wide moat, except on the side facing the Guadiana River. Along its length, 25 solid towers are integrated into the wall. Albarrana towers—towers separated from the main structure—were added later by the Order of Santiago. The walls, approximately 2.7 meters thick, are built using ashlars and reused materials from earlier periods. The core consists of rubble, earth, and granite fragments, reflecting the construction techniques of the time.

Inside the fortress, Roman-era archaeological remains are preserved, including the city’s main road, the foundations of the wall, and a monumental gate with two archways and towers.

Inside, there is a cistern—unique in the Iberian Peninsula. It is a subterranean reservoir that stores water filtered from the nearby Guadiana River, accessible via a double staircase from the lower level of a tower. The interior features repurposed pilasters from a Visigothic building. Their relief decorations include columns on the sides and vegetal motifs framing circles containing grape clusters and palmettes on the front faces.

Above this cistern stood a mosque, whose floor plan can still be recognized, and which was later converted into a church. The third floor, possibly used as a signal tower, no longer survives.

Other excavated areas within the fortress reveal remains that predate its construction. These include a well-preserved section of the Roman road, which continues into the Archaeological Zone of Morerías, and a Roman urban house that underwent several renovations over time. This house, first excavated in 1969 and again at the end of the 20th century, revealed its full layout and its last major renovation: a set of private baths built between the 3rd and 4th centuries.

The portico shown was built in the late 19th century by a private individual, covering part of the Powder Tower and reusing Roman and Visigothic materials in its columns. At the corner was the palace of the Andalusi governor. This was a walled compound, isolated from the rest of the alcazaba and protected by two internal towers, designed to be a final defensive stronghold in case the main walls were breached. Later, Christian constructions such as the Powder Tower and the Santiago Convent were added onto its walls. The Order of Santiago established its headquarters here in 1578. The building has been restored and now serves as the headquarters of the Presidency of the Regional Government of Extremadura.

In the northern part of the alcazaba, in what is now a gardened area, numerous ashlars, columns, and architectural elements from various historical periods can be seen.

Finally, a section of the original Roman founding wall is visible, reinforced with reused granite blocks in an intervention that, according to available data, dates to the 5th century AD.

Blog English, Country, Mérida, Spain

The Temple of Diana in Mérida, Spain

One of the most important historical features of the Extremadura region in Spain is its role during Roman times, especially due to the presence of major archaeological sites, such as the city of Mérida, which was the capital of the province of Lusitania in ancient times. For this reason, Mérida is famous for its magnificent collection of Roman monuments, reflecting the importance of Extremadura in antiquity as a strategic province of the Roman Empire. Continue reading “The Temple of Diana in Mérida, Spain”

Blog English, Country, Spain, Zamora

The Zamora Castle, Spain

In the highest part of the Spanish city of Zamora, in Castilla-León, is located its castle, built on rock and adapted to the natural and irregular shape of the terrain. According to the chronicles, its construction was ordered by Alfonso II, however, recent studies by historians suggest that it was actually Fernando I who ordered its construction. Therefore, it is estimated that the castle dates from the mid-11th century, although very few traces remain from that period. Continue reading “The Zamora Castle, Spain”

Athens, Blog English, Country, Greece

Saint Nicholas Church of Athens, Greece

The Church of Agios Nikolaos Rangavas, located in the heart of Athens’ historic Plaka neighborhood, is a hidden treasure that offers a window into the city’s rich Byzantine heritage. This elegant Orthodox church, dedicated to St. Nicholas, is renowned for its unique architectural features, historical significance and for being the oldest church in Athens. Continue reading “Saint Nicholas Church of Athens, Greece”

Athens, Blog English, Country, Greece

Cathedral Basilica of St. Dionysius the Areopagite of Athens, Greece

A hidden treasure in the vibrant city of Athens in Greece, which certainly deserves a visit is the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Dionysius the Areopagite. This temple is a true jewel of religious architecture that captivates with its rich history and is a palpable testimony of the cultural heritage and religious fervor that characterizes this city. Continue reading “Cathedral Basilica of St. Dionysius the Areopagite of Athens, Greece”

Athens, Blog English, Country, Greece

Roman Agora of Athens, Greece

Located between the Acropolis of Athens and Monastiraki Square is the impressive Roman Agora. This enclosure, a legacy of the Roman presence in Greece, was built between 19 B.C. and 11 B.C., under the rule of Emperor Augustus, and later expanded by the philhellenic emperor Hadrian, a great defender of this culture and its traditions. In 267, after the invasion of the Heruli (Germanic people who inhabited Northern Europe and participated in the invasion of the Roman Empire), the city of Athens was limited to the interior of the late Roman wall. The administrative and commercial center of the city was moved from the ancient Agora to the Roman Agora and Hadrian’s Library. Continue reading “Roman Agora of Athens, Greece”

"Zaragoza", Blog English, Country, Spain

The Aljafería Palace, Zaragoza, Spain

The Aljafería Palace, a majestic fortified building, was built in Zaragoza, Spain during the second half of the 11th century. Its construction was ordered by Abu Ja’far Ahmad ibn Sulaymán al-Muqtadir Billah, known by his honorific title of Al-Muqtadir, “the Powerful”, as his recreational residence. The name of Aljafería is derived from the pronoun of Al-Muqtadir, Abu Ya’far, and from “Ya’far”, “Al-Yafariyya”, which evolved into “Aliafaria” and from there to “Aljafería”. Initially, the construction was carried out outside the Roman wall, on the plain known as La Almozara, a place where Muslims carried out their military exercises. With the passing of time and urban expansion, the building has been integrated into the city. Continue reading “The Aljafería Palace, Zaragoza, Spain”

Athens, Blog English, Country, Greece

Athens, Greece: Its largest church and its smallest church

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, known to Greeks as Mitropoli, is a majestic church of Byzantine origin dedicated to St. Mary of the Assumption. Located in the Plaka district, right at the foot of the Acropolis, it is currently the largest church in Athens and the seat of the Archbishop of Greece. Continue reading “Athens, Greece: Its largest church and its smallest church”