Alcazaba, Almería

Favorite thing: The Tercer Recinto at the north-west end of the Alcazaba is a fortress which was added by the Catholic Monarchs. Its thick stone walls and sturdy round towers are in much better condition than the rest of the Alcazaba.

Favorite thing: It was founded during the first half of the 10th century by the Cordoba caliph Abd ar-Rahman. At the heart is the Segundo Recinto while at the east end is the Ermita de San Juan chapel which was converted from a mosque by the Catholic Monarchs.

Favorite thing: A view of the mountain fortress, surrounded by the city.

Fondest memory: Marching in a parade on a scorching July or August day, being pelted with flower petals and colored confetti. After the parade, our uniforms were not only dripping wet from perspiration, but stained from the multiple shades of confetti. This was during fiesta time, probably in 1967.

Favorite thing: Built in the 11th century by Jairan, the first ruler of the Almeria taifa, the wall descends the valley on the north side of the Alcazaba and climbs the Cerro de San Cristobal on the far side.