Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs

"The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a fortress and palace with solid walls, contains within it a large part of the architectural evolution of Córdoba. Roman and Visigoth remains coexist with those of Arab origin in this majestic site, as it was a favourite place for the different rulers of the city. When Córdoba was conquered by Fernando III the Saint in 1236, the building, which was part of the old Caliphal Palace, was completely devastated. Alfonso X the Wise began its restoration, completed during the reign of Alfonso XI. Throughout history it has been given multiple uses, such as the Seat of the Holy Office (Inquisition), or prison (in the first half of the 19th century). The visitor who sees this fortress for the first time is surprised by an almost rectangular construction with extensive walls of stone ashlars and four towers that outline the corners (the Lions Tower, the Tribute Tower, the Inquisition Tower and the Palomas Tower). Inside, the different rooms are arranged around patios with exotic and beautiful flowers, aromatic herbs and leafy trees. The rooms and corridors are closed with Gothic stone domes. In one of the entrance galleries a pagan sarcophagus from the first quarter of the 3rd century is displayed. On its front there is a high relief on an allegory of the passage of the deceased to the afterlife through a half-open door. Of all the rooms, a small baroque chapel stands out: the Hall of Mosaics, in which Roman pieces of this type from the subsoil of the Corredera are displayed. Below this room are the baths, of Arabic inspiration, divided into three vaulted rooms with star-shaped skylights. These are connected to the boiler located under the keep. Of the two courtyards, the Mudejar style stands out for its beauty. With marble paving, the murmur of the water running through the channels and pools refreshes the atmosphere and relaxes the tired visitor. The extensive gardens that close the complex are a sample of the monumentality and splendour of this Alcázar in Cordoba."

"This fortress was used as primary residence by the famous Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon. It was build on previous Islamic constructions and it has a military character. In the gardens, you can see a statuary complex representing the Catholic Monarchs with Christopher Columbus. He had here, in 1486 or 1487, his first audience to solicit support for his expedition to find a western sea route to Asia."

" Tuesday to Sunday from 8.45 a.m. to 3.15 p.m. Last admission 30 minutes before closing time. Price Adult: € 5 Students up to 26 years : € 2.50"