Historic · Loja

Alcazaba of Loja

The Alcazaba of Loja is the walled citadel above Loja's old town, built from about 895 and a Nasrid frontier stronghold until 1486, with a keep, octagonal tower and three-aisled cistern.

About Alcazaba of Loja

The Alcazaba occupies the hilltop at the heart of Loja, on the western edge of Granada province above the Genil valley. Building began around 895 and went on into the 13th century; under the Nasrids it was a key frontier fortress, in sight of the border watchtowers, until Ferdinand of Aragon took Loja in 1486. Its walls and cistern were declared historic monuments in 1931.

Inside the walls you reach the keep, the octagonal Torre Ochavada, the remains of the main Nasrid building with its domed hall, and a well-preserved three-aisled cistern. The Caserón de los Alcaides Cristianos holds the Historical Museum, opened in 2004. The battlements look over the Genil valley.

Entry to the Alcazaba and museum is free, with no booking. Current hours are Tuesday to Friday 10:00–14:00, Saturday 12:00–13:30 and Sunday and holidays 10:00–13:30, closed Monday; the tourist office updates them monthly and arranges guided town tours with a week's notice. Park outside the old town and walk up the steep, cobbled Calle Colegio. Allow about an hour. Steps and uneven ground rule out wheelchairs and pushchairs, though children enjoy the towers.

Come in the morning, as there are no afternoon openings, and avoid summer midday heat on the walls. Spring and autumn are ideal.

Alcazaba of Loja in pictures

The towers and walls of the Alcazaba of Loja rising above the rooftops of the town

What you’ll find

ExhibitionExhibition visit (10:00–14:00)Ticket
Free entryFree visit (10:00–14:00)Free
Guided tourGuided tourBook
Monument visitSelf-guided visit (10:00–14:00)Ticket
Ramparts walkWall walk (10:00–14:00)Ticket
ViewpointSightseeingFree

Nearby places to visit

Loja sits midway between Granada and Antequera on the A-92. The Iglesia de la Villa, Montefrío (21 km) crowns another Nasrid frontier stronghold to the north, and the gorge of the Tajos de Alhama (23 km) wraps around Alhama de Granada to the south-east. Westwards, the Playa de Valdearenas (19 km) is an inland beach on the Iznájar reservoir, and the Anís Museum (26 km) in Rute tells the story of the local aniseed spirit. In Loja, try the syrup-soaked roscos de Loja pastries at the bakeries near the old town.