Alcazaba of Badajoz
Statue of Ibn Marwan
Alcazaba of Badajoz is a fortress which played an important role in order to control the areas between Spain and Portugal. It all started from the rise in power of Ibn Marwan in the 9th century to up till 19th century.
A Statue of Ibn Marwan is erected beside the walls of alcazaba. His full name was Abd al Rahman Ibn Marwan ibn Yunus (d.889), also known as al-Galisi (son of a Gallaecian). He came from Portugal but later he settled in Merida. He fought few wars with Muhammad I, Emir of Cordoba. In the end, he was allowed to settle in Badajoz as a part of his surrendering terms. Ibn Marwan was able to assert his power over Gharb Al-Andalus (now Portugal). He fortified this city and later he was able to take more areas under his control.
Gate of Yelves or Cars
A street named as Parque Alcazaba brings its visitors to the inner buildings of the fortress. Puerta de Yelves ia a gate which provided access to this side of the fortress in the past. Sometimes it is referred as Puerta de Yelves o de Carros. A second arch of the medieval door of Puerta de Yelves, controlled the access to the alcazaba from inside.
Gallows Tower and Pendon Tower
Horca Tower or Gallows Tower was the place which was used to hang the people. In the 17th century this tower was used as a guard post and later a house was established here till the 19th century. The Pendon Tower stands at the north-western end of the citadel. Its name comes from the assumption that the flag or banner of city flew here. A walk at the ramparts of the Alcazaba offers wonderful views of the city and its surrounding areas.
The Rosario Battery was built in the 16th century and the Almohad walls of the castle were filled with the earth in order to combat the artillery. The main reason to build this battery was to defend the sections between the head of the Palmas Bridge and the Fort of San Cristobal. A water gap wall was built in 1763 because the battery built in the previous century was destroyed by the landslide.
Torre de las Siete Ventanas (tower of the Seven Windows) used to exist on the river side but the current tower is much different in design. A coracha of the fortress begins at this tower from the Almohad period. The reason to build this small gate was to create an access fetch water from the River Guadiana.
History
During the Muslim period, a fortress had existed here from the 9th century. The fortress which we see today is from 12th century, built by Abu Yaqub Yusuf. This Alcazaba of Badajoz is one of the largest monument in Spain, built by the Arabs. It covered a 8 hectare sight where population lived inside the walls peacefully. The fortress has an oval layout and it is reinforced with the barbican, towers and bastions.
There are the remains of the 13th century church which was built over the Muslim mosque of the alcazaba.
Plaza Alta (the High Square) is next to the walls of alcazba. This square has beautiful arches which support buildings decorated in traditional Mudéjar motifs in various colors. The side facing the Plaza Alta was on a low slope so more towers were built to defend the fortress.
Scare-Dog Tower or Torre de Espantaperros
One of the most famous towers of Alcazaba of Badajoz is the Torre Espantaperros (Scare-Dogs Tower). It stands on the southern end of the alcazaba and it is built 20 meters away from the main wall. The old name of this tower was ‘Watch Tower’ but later Christians changed its name to Torre de Espantaperros. One of the main reasons to build this tall tower was to watch the progress of the enemy troops when approaching the city.
This wonderful tower was built in 1169 by the Muslims, later a 16th century Mudéjar bell tower was added at the top by the Christians. When bells were added to this tower they will make very strong sound to remind the Christians of their belief. This loud sound was frightening the unbelievers (Muslims) whom they were called dogs by the conquerors (Christians).
Inside the alcazaba, a small square (plazuela) is named to honour the founder of this city, Ibn Marwan. A whitewashed building belongs to the University of Extremadura. At the back of this university lies the Biblioteca de Extremadura (Library of Extremadura). On the opposite side of the university building, there are few old towers and next to them is the Archaeological Museum of Badajoz.
During the outbreak of the Portuguese Restoration War in 1640, the San Pedro Barracks were established here. Medieval houses were turned into artillery stores and in the 18th century it served as the barracks of the Extremadura Infantry Regiment. These barracks were damaged during the Peninsular War in the early 19th century. The San Pedro Barracks were named after a chapel which existed here with the same name.
Capital Gate
A paved path leads to the Capital Gate, it is one of the three gates from the Islamic period which have survived to this day. It was one of the main gates of the citadel which would connect the medina to the military compound (the qasba). The Almohads enlarged the walls of alcazaba and during this enlargement they replaced the earlier gate with the current one.
On the top of the second arch, a capital can be seen. This capital came from the forum of Augusta Emerita (Merida). Due to the capital placed at the top of the door, the name was given to this gate as the ‘Capital Gate’.
From Plaza Alta, one can go at the back and enjoy the beauty of the Torre de Espantaperros. The tower looks tall, well built and graceful even after over seven centuries have passed. After visiting the city of Badajoz, I came back to alcazaba once more to enjoy the serenity of this wonderful place. I saw a newly married couple with their photographer, posing for photos. On the slopes of the hill, trees were planted o add greenery to this historical site.
