The sail wall with its bell, which separates the first and second enclosures of the fortress in Alcazaba, Almeria, Spain.

© Eusebio Torres/Shutterstock

Segundo Recinto

Almería


The second enclosure of the Alcazaba sits above the Muro de la Campana de la Vela, a wall named after its bell, which once chimed in times of danger. Much of the compound is covered by the ruins of a palace built by the city's Muslim ruler Almotacín in the 11th century.

Also in the compound is a pair of reconstructed medieval houses containing archaeological exhibits, and a 15th-century Christian chapel, the Ermita de San Juan.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Almería attractions

1. Ermita de San Juan

0.04 MILES

This austere brick chapel, located in the second compound of the Alcazaba, stands atop the fortress' former mosque. Little remains of the original Mudéjar…

2. Tercer Recinto

0.06 MILES

The highest part of the Alcazaba, the Tercer Recinto consists of a castle constructed by the Catholic Monarchs in the early 16th century. Many of the…

3. Alcazaba

0.06 MILES

A looming fortification with great curtain-like walls rising from the cliffs, Almerìa's Alcazaba was founded in the mid-10th century and went on to become…

4. Primer Recinto

0.1 MILES

The Alcazaba's lowest compound, the Primer Recinto, was originally a residential area. Excavations have unearthed remains of houses, streets and a complex…

5. Alcazaba Entrance

0.11 MILES

The entrance gate to the Alcazaba is on Calle Almanzor. Climb the stairs and go through the Puerta de la Justicia to enter the fortress.

6. Muralla de Jayrán

0.13 MILES

Visible from the Alcazaba, this fortified wall was built in the 11th century to defend the outlying northern and eastern parts of the city.

7. Plaza de Pavía Market

0.18 MILES

Offering a colourful picture of local neighbourhood life, the rowdy Plaza de Pavía market has stalls selling a mix of produce, cheap shoes and churros …

8. Iglesia de San Juan

0.2 MILES

Remains of Almería’s Islamic past are evident throughout the city, including at this church, which was built over the remains of the city’s former mosque…