The fort during this time afforded such prosperity to the area that people began to build houses outside of the protection of the walls in order to capitalise. The fort at this time protected those on the route from bandits and others would-be hijackers of the large boats and goods wagons. The Rio Velez was far larger than we know it to be these days and allowed transport of heavy goods between the two cities. Velez (then known as Ballix-Malaga) had also now become an area of huge strategic importance to the Nasrid Kingdom, lying on a key route that allowed access and trade to Malaga and the coast from the Moorish capital of Granada. The outer walls of the Alcazaba sheltered and protected the local population and the buildings inside the inner walls provided a great level of fortification in the event of attacks on the area. The function of the Fortaleza changed dramatically at this time as it became one of the most important strongholds in the Nasrid Kingdom. By this time the population around Velez had come to consider themselves Moorish and the fort was no longer viewed as a symbol of oppression but one of protection. ![]() At the beginning of the 14th century, the Nasrid kingdom of Granada grew in prominence and solidified Moorish control over the Iberian Peninsula. ![]() Over the next 500 years, Velez’s fort remained largely the same. The fort was a display of power designed to put down any uprisings or rebellions from the Andalucian locals. The location also made the fort incredibly imposing on local life always visible to those who might have been plotting against the rulers. Originally, it was intended not to defend but to subdue the local population, who had traditionally caused a lot of problems for the Moorish rulers.īuilt on the tallest hill in the immediate area, it was the perfect site from a military point of view, affording long distance views of oncoming enemies and an easily defendable geographical location. Velez-Malaga’s Alcazaba, or ‘Fortaleza’ as it’s more commonly known, was built in the 10th century. It’s a great monument to visit as you can explore the fort itself and take the stairs up to the top to see fantastic views over Velez, the mountains and coast. ![]() Having loomed over the Velez skyline for more than a thousand years in one shape or another, the Fortaleza is the town’s most iconic sight…
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