A VISIT TO GIBRALFARO

written by María Dolores Arrózpide Liceaga , Malaga 20.2.2005

This former Arabic fortress, which has served to defend the city of Malaga throughout its long history, was built on El Faro hill, taking advantage of the extensive views visible from its summit.

We enter on foot via an extremely steep path which begins just a few metres from LEXIS language school itself. We could have taken a bus to the top, but as we’re all in such good shape…

After a short rest, we pass through the arch in the double wall and head left, where we find the first of several viewpoints. This one overlooks Malaga’s park, its harbour and the huge expanse of the Mediterranean sea.

Continuing our walk along the south wall, we come to a second viewpoint, this time affording views of Malaga Cathedral and the Malaga Picasso Museum. From here, the original layout of the city, which dates back to mediaeval times and the centuries that followed, is clearly distinguishable from the more modern expansion of recent decades. The bare vaults of the Cathedral are certain to catch the visitor’s eye, while the huge Customs Palace to the left is a reminder of just how far into the city of Malaga the sea once reached many years ago.

Strolling along the walls, we can enjoy the cool sea breeze and the warmth of a sun that is almost a permanent fixture in the Malaga sky. Evil tongues say that euphoria-inducing particles are blown across to us from neighbouring Africa. The fact is that high above the city, walking in the sun over these ancient stones, we are truly in paradise.

Next, we come to what was once the dungeon or prison. We can climb even higher and enjoy views not only of the city and the sea but also of the Malaga mountains, a natural park whose dense vegetation is home to thousands of wild boars. The brown earth of the clearings contrasts sharply with the masses of green in the gardens and woods. The interior of the Gibralfaro fortress, protected by huge trees and bushes, features several areas ideal for enjoying a pleasant stroll.

As we continue to skirt the fortress, this time on its north side, we can see La Concepción Botanical Gardens . Eventually, we come to a path which leads up to the viewpoints of the eastern side. Here, the sea and the beauty of the coast are the stars of the show: the small coves that flank the promenade are visible as far as Los Baños del Carmen and El Palo, locations with which the beach-loving students at LEXIS language school are highly familiar. Time to take some photos: a group shot, one of our friends, this view, that view, before finally descending a flight of steep steps to the esplanade near the entrance.

We enter the building that was once home to the fortress’ gunpowder arsenal, which (thanks to my devotion) has now been turned into a charming castle museum telling the story of the different occupants that have inhabited it over the centuries.

By now, we are quite hungry. Cheerfully, we head down the same path via which we ascended earlier and in a few short minutes we are back at the language school again. Some go for afternoon tea, others head inside to check their e-mail, the remainder return home to rest.

It’s been a good afternoon.