When I go for walks in very busy places, I pretend that no one else exists, just that special space or place and me, and that way I can enjoy the experience, which is what really matters.

Every walk is different; each one is special, whether I’m on my own or with other people. This is one of my favourite places in the city, the Alcazaba Castle, not only for its history, but also for its age and because it isn’t one of those places that flaunts luxury; rather, it is a great fortress that looked out to sea many centuries ago, protecting the city. And even today it still looks out to sea, as if recalling those times.

I’ve explored it with various people; I’ve even acted as a sort of tour guide for many of them. I’ve had fun, I’ve walked its paths, but the experience when I’m on my own is different. You can pay attention to the small yet significant details that are often overlooked when you’re with others.

I pretend there are no tourists and that the castle is just for me, both in each of its rooms and in its beautiful gardens. Every corner offers me beautiful views of the city, with a blend of the old and the new. The tall towers, together with the pine trees, create picture postcard scenes; when I look up, the sun bathes the gardens, creating dreamlike images as I look down.

Exploring this part of the castle in this way makes me notice every hidden space, things I’ve missed on previous visits, whether through distraction or simply because it wasn’t the right time to see them. A corridor, an opening, a staircase made of rocks, or perhaps a hidden natural nook.

I love climbing the stairs, even though they’re quite slippery, and gazing at the connection that once existed with the other castle further up, Gibralfaro Castle, which together formed an imposing fortress overlooking the sea. The castle and the city look so beautiful that even the birds seem to be celebrating their splendour. I can’t put into words just how much I love being here, wandering amongst the staircases and passageways.

And whilst I was up there, taking a moment to enjoy the breeze, I looked down and saw more doors or perhaps hidden archways, and that’s the marvellous thing about fortresses. More paths to explore amongst the walls and towers, the ancient roofs that have gazed at the sky for so long and watched the birds fly by.

On my way down, I came across far more tourists than there had been by the ramparts, but I didn’t let that bother me; the gardens are beautiful, and I tried to take photos with as few people in them as possible. I’m absolutely fascinated by the fountains.

These interior gardens are full of different levels, staircases with just a few steps, and a variety of plants and shrubs. Everything is always beautifully maintained. Arched doorways and openings, and exquisite architecture, that distinctive castle style that I never cease to admire.

There’s even a map inside for tourists. But despite that, the route is marked with numbered signs so you can follow it in order. I must admit I’ve never followed that order, not once in all the times I’ve visited, and it’s that sense of exploration that I find most wonderful.

Another of the inner gardens features a large fountain and connects various rooms, each with plenty to see. You can move from one room to another via narrow, dimly lit corridors, all of which, in turn, lead back to that inner courtyard.

One of the rooms contained what looked like an ancient tomb, or at least that’s what it seemed to me.

In another, there was this beautiful vase, a huge one, by the way.

In yet another, there was this ancient clay oven.

Next to that one, a room full of old utensils. The room was practically pitch black, but I managed to provide a bit of light with my mobile.

Visiting the castle transports me to another era and becomes a journey through history and the present, as if opening portals to look through them and enjoy the experience.

Thank you very much for joining me on this Wednesday stroll. Warm regards to you all. See you soon.
Amonet.

All photographs are my own.