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The Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos in Cordoba, Spain
The Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos is found in Cordoba, in the Andalucia region of Spain, on the edge of the Guadalquivir river and near to the Mezquita.
The Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos in Cordoba
Spain This Way review: The gardens of the Alcazar are the highlight of a visit and whilst not as splendid as those of the Alcazar in Seville they are very nice.
The Alcazar de los Reys Cristianos was a Visigoth fortress in early medieval times. Following the Arab conquest of Spain the Abd ar- Rahman I and his successors built the Alcazar and this became the official residence.
The complex and gardens were extended but in 1236 Cordoba was recaptured by the Christians during the Reconquest.
In the early 14th century Alfonso XI of Castile began the current building on the site of the old fortress.
Whilst only parts of the original structure remains the current building has an Islamic style as Alfonso built the new Alcazar in Mudehar style.
The Alcazar has four towers connected by four walls. The newest of the towers is the Tower of the Inquisition and was used to archive the documents of the Spanish Inquisition when the alcazar became the headquaters of the Inquisition.
Much of the Alcazar including the Arab baths became torture and interrogation chambers.
In the 19th century the Alcazar became a garrison for the troops of Napoleon Bonaparte and was then converted into a prison.
In the 1950s the Spanish government turned the Alcazar into a tourist attraction.
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Two of the towers of the Alcazar can be visited and from the top of these you can get some magnificent views of Cordoba.
Inside the Alcazar are various rooms and patios. The Mosaics Hall was once a chapel and is now used to display four mosaics that were found while excavating in parts of Cordoba.
Underneath the Mosaics Hall are the Royal baths said to have been built by Alfonso XI for his mistress.
There are two patios. The Women's Patio, an area that was reserved for women when the Alcazar was used as a prison. This area has been excavated and you can see the excavations.
Theother patio is the Mudejar Patio and remains a lovely patio filled with orange and lemon trees and jasmine.
The gardens of the Alcazar are a highlight of your visit. Originally vegetable gardens using water from the adjoining Guadalquivir river the gardens were transformed in the 18 and 19th centuries into beautiful Moorish gardens.
In the gardens there are three large pools and five more smaller pools. These are located on three different levels and these are surrounded by walkways, clipped trees, palm trees, citrus trees and lots of flowers.
There are also a number of statues including a representation of the meeting of the Monarchs Isabel and Fernando with Christopher Columbus.
The Alcazar is open every day except Mondays. In the summer it is open mornings only.
Attractions nearby
Of course the biggest attraction in Cordoba is the wonderful Mezquita-Cathedral and Cordoba itself is a lovely city to explore.
The Patios of Cordoba are very popular and offer a chance to see the private internal patios that many of the buildings contain.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Andalucia guide.
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Map of Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos and places to visit
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Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos places to visit
Mezquita of Cordoba
The Mezquita of Cordoba is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world and is considered one of the top treasures of Spain.
Mezquita of Cordoba guide
Patios of Cordoba
The Patios of Cordobes are a group of beautiful private patios open to the public. In May there is a festival with many patios open and competing to be the most beautiful.
Patios of Cordoba guide
Cordoba
Cordoba is home to the Mezquita, the most beautiful of all the Mosques constructed by the Moors in Spain
Cordoba guide
Almodovar del Rio
Almodovar del Rio is most visited for its castle, the Castillo de Almodovar which featured in the 7th Game of Thrones series.
Almodovar del Rio guide
Zuheros
Zuheros is one of the pretty 'white villages' of Andalucia. The ruins of the Castle of Zuheros are in the village.
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