Its origin dates back to the end of the 9th century. A century later, on 14th May 913, the siege by Abderramán III is documented, according to Ibn Hayyan, who describes it as “impregnable”. In this attack to defeat the rebels, supporters of Ibn Hafsun, the chronicler narrates that, faced with resistance, the attackers set fire to the slum quarter and they ended up surrendering, the rebels being detained and the inhabitants of Fiñana pardoned.

Unlike the other castles, which were demolished or abandoned, la Alcazaba will play a key role in all the historic eras as defence and control of the territory. Belonging to the Cora de Ilbira, Granada, according to Al Udrí in the 11th century.

In the times of the Granadan Abd Allah the Alcazaba was reinforced and formed part of a frontier line, confronted by the territorial interests of King Al Mutasim of Almería.

In the first half of the 14th century, Ibn Al Jatib describes Fiñana as a “city” with “large treasures and crops”, which gives us an idea of the importance it had, and how it remained walled. It maintained its importance during the Nasrid reign, being head of a district and having a vizier.

The evolution of history has meant that the urban fabric has joined up and overlapped with the original structures of the walls and fortifications, leaving as visible elements three turrets: the Homage, the current viewpoint following its adaptation, the base of the Clock Tower and the Poniente turret, as well as some sections of wall.

Also preserved is the old entrance to the Alcazaba, half-hidden behind a home, which incorporates in its walls two Roman gravestones of reused marble.

The special location of this fortification on a small hill, surrounded by steep slopes in three parts, facilitated its defence and impregnability. Its strategic location on the Almería to Granada road also gave it importance, being the region’s main town.

Another noteworthy episode was the Catholic Monarchs’ stay on 29th December 1489 following the conquest of Almería, an event today recreated and recovered for the history of Fiñana.

Of great interest is the architecture and structure of the Alcazaba neighbourhood, the old slum quarter, with its central square, today Plaza de la Libertad, where the souk would once be located, and where the Andalusí Festival is celebrated in summer. In this area, which was within the city walls, the grand aljibe was also noteworthy, which some authors consider to be Arab baths, and another, smaller water storage, located under this same area at the entrance to the Alcazaba.

When you access the lookout tower you will enjoy beautiful views of the mountains and the valley. Look for a QR code and you will go back in time to what the Fiñana Alcazaba could have been like. You will understand why it was impregnable.