Alcazaba of Antequera facts for kids
The Alcazaba of Antequera is an old fortress in Antequera, a town in southern Spain. It was built a long time ago by the Moors. The Moors were people from North Africa who lived in Spain for many centuries. This strong castle was built in the 1300s.
It stands on top of even older Roman buildings. The Alcazaba helped protect the area from Christian armies moving south.
What is the Alcazaba of Antequera?
The Alcazaba is a type of castle built by the Moors in Spain and Portugal. It was a walled city or fortress where the governor lived. It was also a safe place for people to go during attacks.
This fortress has a rectangular shape. It also has two main towers. These towers were important for watching out for enemies.
The Main Towers
One of the most important parts is its main tower, called the keep. In Spanish, it's known as the Torre del Homenaje. This tower was built in the 1400s. It is one of the biggest keeps in all of al-Andalus. Al-Andalus was the name for the parts of Spain ruled by the Moors. Only the Comares Tower in the famous Alhambra palace is larger.
On top of this big keep, there is a Catholic bell tower. It also has a small chapel. This part was added much later, in 1582. It is called the Templete del Papabellotas.
Another important tower is the Torre Blanca. This means "white tower" in Spanish. It is connected to the main keep by strong walls. These walls helped to protect the entire fortress.
What Does "Alcazaba" Mean?
The word "alcazaba" is used for Moorish fortresses in Spain and Portugal. It comes from an Arabic word, casbah. This word is often used for similar old buildings in North Africa. So, when you hear "alcazaba," think of a strong, historic castle from the time of the Moors.
See also
In Spanish: Alcazaba de Antequera para niños
