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Cordoba
The history
After the reconquest of Cordoba in 1236 from the muslims, the city began its Christian period and numerous administrative buildings began to be constructed. Alfonso XI ordered the construction of the current Alcazar in 1329 on the site of an old Alcazar from the Caliphate period, which had previously been the residence of the Roman governor. It is, therefore, a key monument in the history of Cordoba.
The Alcazar had a purely military use until, at the end of the 15th century, the Catholic Monarchs took up residence here to lead the reconquest of Granada. The most important historical moment lived in the Alcazar took place in 1486, when the Catholic Monarchs met with Christopher Columbus to discuss their new route to the Indies. A sculpture in the gardens of the Alcazar represents this moment that laid the foundations for the discovery of America.
From the 16th century, the Alcazar belonged to the Inquisition until, with the abolition of this practice, it became a civil prison. The Gallery of the Inquisition of Cordoba collects numerous utensils that explain the practices of this dark chapter of history. In 1955, the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos became the property of the City Council of Cordoba.
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The Alcazar
The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos is located along the Rio Guadalquivir and sits on the foundations of the old Muslim fortress that connected with the Caliphate baths. The Christian fortress is surrounded by defensive walls, given its military character, and today two of its four original towers remain standing. The interior of this palace houses numerous royal rooms with historical objects of great value and there even is a sarcophagus of the third century.
It is worth mentioning the Hall of Mosaics, which houses an important collection of mosaics from Roman times that were brought from their original location in the Plaza de la Corredera. Also noteworthy is the courtyard of Muslim aesthetics that houses this building from the Christian era: the Moorish Patio. Its structure and decoration is reminiscent of the Patio de los Leones of the Alhambra in Granada, although the Moorish courtyard of the Alcazar was built fifty years earlier. One of the most striking parts of the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos are the royal baths of Doña Leonor, mistress of Alfonso XI, which follow the Arab bath model.
The Alcazar Gardens
The Royal Gardens of the Alcazar were built on the old Alcazar Gardens of the palace. It is an area full of fountains, ponds and species such as palm trees, cypresses, orange and lemon trees. The unique beauty of this place adds to its historical importance. Queen Isabella the Catholic used to stroll through the gardens of the Alcazar while reading. This is perhaps the best part of visiting the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos.
Enjoy this beautiful castle and gardens !