1002 SPAIN (Andalusia) - La Alcazaba in Málaga

Located on the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) of the Mediterranean, at about 100 km east of the Strait of Gibraltar and about 130 km north of Africa, Málaga enjoys a subtropical-mediterranean climate and has a history of about three millennia. Founded by the Phoenicians, reached under the hegemony of Ancient Carthage, then was ruled by the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire. After the fall of the empire, it was ruled first by the Visigoths and then by the Byzantine Empire, and in the 8th century was conquered by Moors, as most part of the Iberian Peninsula. In 1487 it again came under Christian rule in the Reconquista.

The archaeological remains and monuments make the historic center of the city an "open museum", displaying its rich history. The Moors left posterity the dominating presence of the Castle of Gibralfaro, which is connected to the Alcazaba (in the postcard), the lower fortress and royal residence, placed on a hill within the city, originally intended to defend it from the incursions of pirates. Later, in the 11th century, it was completely rebuilt by the Hammudid dynasty, and, like many of the military fortifications constructed in Islamic Spain, has a quadrangular plan.

It was protected by an outer and inner wall, both supported by rectangular towers, between which a covered walkway led up the slope to the Gibralfaro. The entrance featured a grand tower that led into a sophisticated double bent entrance. After passing through several gates, open yards with beautiful gardens of pine and eucalyptus trees, and the inner wall through the Puerta de Granada, one finds the 11th and 14th century Governor's palace. An open 11th century mirador to the south affords views of the gardens and sea below.

About the stamp

In early 2010 a new official logo, "I Need Spain", was introduced as a variation of the "Sun of Miro" (painting by Joan Miro), chose in 1982 by the Spanish Government as image for the overseas promotion of tourism. The stamp used on the postcard, issued on January 2, 2013, depicts even this logo. 

References
Málaga - Wikipedia 

Sender: Ana
Sent from ? (Spain), on 23.04.2013
Photo: Salvador Aznar