Álora Castle, Álora, Spain

Álora's castle was first built by the Phoenicians and subsequently expanded under Roman rule. In the 5th century the castle was destroyed by the Visigoths.

The present Álora Castle was built in the 9th century by the Moorish state of Córdoba during a campaign against the Mozarabic rebel leader Umar ibn Hafsun. Later modifications in the 10th century added two enclosures. The inner enclosure was square and used as a fortress. The outer enclosure, with several towers, covered a large area of the perimeter of the hill.

During the 17th century the parish church was built on the old mosque inside Álora Castle also using one of the castle towers. The castle was damaged by the earthquake of 1680 and since then was also used as the village cemetery. The church tower still shows several bullet holes made by a squadron of French cavalry in August 1823.

From the castle you can enjoy breathtaking views of the fertile Guadalhorce Valley and the town of Álora.

User Reviews

Hamzeh Alavirad (3 years ago)
Very nice viewpoint, but hard to get there following Google Maps route suggestion. Also don't rely on the opening hours mentioned on Google.

Stephen Wood (3 years ago)
Do not try to drive up, much better to walk and immerse yourself into this authentic village. Free to enter and great views all around.

michael comerford (3 years ago)
Steep road up to it but views fantastic when up there. The opening times of the castle seem a bit hit + miss.

Scotty pojke (3 years ago)
Lovely spot to enjoy some views of the town and region. The castle itself was nice but not amazing.

Richard Lawrence (3 years ago)
Drive up the castle is beautiful. It's really skinny streets and challenging to get through. Was in a small car (hyandai i20) and struggled to fit down the road driving forward. Turning back the way you drive up is a much easier drive. Absulotely beautiful spot to watch the sunset

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Andy Hay

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Argos Theater

The ancient Argos Theater was built in 320 BC. and is located in Argos, Greece against Larissa Hill. Nearby from this site is Agora, Roman Odeon, and the Baths of Argos. The theater is one of the largest architectural developments in Greece and was renovated in ca 120 AD.

The Hellenistic theater at Argos is cut into the hillside of the Larisa, with 90 steps up a steep incline, forming a narrow rectilinear cavea. Among the largest theaters in Greece, it held about 20,000 spectators and is divided by two landings into three horizontal sections. Staircases further divide the cavea into four cunei, corresponding to the tribes of Argos A high wall was erected to prevent unauthorized access into the theatron and may have helped the acoustics, but it is said the sound quality is still very good today.

Around 120 CE, both theaters were renovated in the Roman style.

Álora Castle

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