“In the name of Allah, the merciful, the merciful. Allah ‘s blessing and his protection for those who owe him obedience. He had this fortress built and thus fortified it as a place of refuge for those who are subject to his obedience. ..) “
This inscription is made on a marble plaque and was installed over the Alcáçova access door to commemorate its construction, being the first monument erected by Muslims in Spain.
The occupation of Merida in 713 by the Muslim army under General Musa ibn Nusayr, after a long siege, marked a new milestone in the evolution of the city’s history. This was the beginning of the secular slope that would not recover until the mid-19th century. XIX
The main objectives for this construction were to protect its rulers and subjects during the frequent revolts of the Emirati, as well as to control the passage through the bridge over the Guadiana river.