Along the Middle Ages, different Christian kings had conquered and lost this Arabic fortress before the Catholic Monarchs (Isabella and Ferdinand) finally won it. It is, undoubtedly, the most relevant historic monument in Loja.
Archaeological rests which have been found within, evidence the existence of urban settlements from the Iberic and Roman periods. The Muslim town of Medina Lausa, was organised around the Alcazaba, which was the central axis of the town, and the seat of the political and military power. Many of its towers and walls still survive today, though quite damaged. For instance, the tower called Torre del Homenaje, with two interior storeys, built using the technique known as ashlar; Torre Ochavada, Torre de las Almenas, Torre del Maestre, Torre del Agua, and Torre de Basurto. These and the Caserón de los Alcaides cristianos (the building where the Christian governors ,"alcaides", lived), among other rests are the most relevant buildings we can see today within this fortified place. |
From this place, which has suffered from deterioration and witnessed the vicissitudes of
history, you can overlook the whole town. On ancient engravings, like those made by G.
Hoefnagle in 1585, we can appreciate the monumental character of Loja's Alcazaba
("Alcazaba" was the Arabic name for castle or fortress), a key point in the
conquest of Granada.
A bastion or tower, named after
its octagonal shape, which has had many different uses along its history. Its inner part
could be inhabited and it used to be rented in public auction by the local revenue
officers to raise funds for the municipal administration. In 1576 a clock is installed in
the tower, "because from that place, it will be heard in most parts of the
town". In 1601 the "alcaide" don Pedro de Tapia claims it
back as belonging to the fortress, to use it as a gunpowder arsenal; and in 1612, after a
petition made by the neighbours of Jaufín and Mesón de Arroyo, it is agreed to install
again the clock.