Santa Barbara

The beginning of the castle date to the 9th century at the time of Muslim control of the Iberian Peninsula. It was used in military roles up until the 18th century but by the mid 20th century, was an abandoned shell. Opens to public viewing in the 1960's, it has since had an elevator installed to bypass the arduous climb to the top.

This unmistakable landmark, rising high above the city, is a the focal point of many city photos. There are no doubts it is photogenic from the bottom. Fewer pictures seem to focus on the top area. Hopefully we struck a good balance here.