The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (Castle of Christian Monarchs) is a historic palace-fortress on the river in Cordoba, Spain.

History of Alcazar de Los Reyes Cristianos

The Alcázar was built by Alfonso XI in 1328. The original Moorish Alcázar stood beside the Mezquita, on the site of the present Bishop's Palace. Ferdinand and Isabella later governed Castile from the Alcázar for eight years in the 15 th century as they prepared to reconquer Granada, the last Moorish stronghold in Spain. It was here that Queen Isabella heard Christopher Columbus' pitch before his historic journey to the Americas.

Boabdil was imprisoned here in 1483, and for nearly 300 years (1492-1821) the Alcázar served as the headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition.

What to See at Alcazar de Los Reyes Cristianos

The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos is a quadrangular building notable for its powerful walls and three towers: the Tower of the Lions, the Tower of Allegiance, and the Tower of the River. The Tower of the Lions contains intricately decorated ceilings that are the most notable example of Gothic architecture in Andalusia.

Inside, the Alcázar houses Roman mosaics and sarcophagi from the 2nd and 3rd centuries, as well as Moorish baths (now used for weddings). The Alcázar is surrounded by magnificent gardens called the Paseo de los Reyes where there are statues of all the kings linked to the palace-fortress.

Quick Facts on Alcazar de Los Reyes Cristianos

Site Information
Names:	Alcazar de Los Reyes Cristianos
Categories:	castles
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:	37.876729° N, 4.781837° W
Address:	Spain
Lodging:	View hotels near Alcazar de Los Reyes Cristianos

Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

1. Personal visit (outside only; April 4, 2007) - see Cordoba blog post
2. Frommer's Seville, Granada, and the Best of Andalusia
3. Historic Centre of Cordoba – UNESCO World Heritage
4. Alcazar and Gardens – IgoUgo user review, August 2, 2003

More Information

• Photos of Alcazar de Los Reyes Cristianos - here on Sacred Destinations