The Alcazaba of Mérida

It was ordered by Abderraman III. The main aims of its construction were to protect its governors and subjects, during the continuous conflicts in the emirates, as well as dominate the passage of the bridge over the Guadiana River.

The Alcazaba´ s perimeter is approximately 550 meters. Its walls are 2.70 meters thick and 10 meters height, and most of them were built with granite ashlars from the former Roman and Visigothic constructions and its structure was filled with soil, stones and mortar. Twenty five square towers are adjacent to the building and they are also useful as buttresses.

The main entrance to the place is flanked by two towers and two gates in which predominate the horseshoe arches.

Inside, its cistern that supplied water has survived. We should highlight the double staircase that goes down to the water tank.

The Conventual Santiaguista is adjacent to the wall on its Northern side. It was built by the Knights of that Order in 1230 and there they installed de Casa de la Orden y Encomienda.

The group has been recently restored and nowadays it is used as headquarters of the Presidency of the Regional Government of Extremadura.