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Why Visit the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

The medieval Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos is one of the reasons to visit the sun-kissed Cordoba. Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Alcázar is located in the historic center of the city and boasts some legends to discover.

The building of the historic fortress started under the order of King Alfonso XI in 1328, less than 100 years after Christians reconquered Cordoba from the Moors.

The ensemble is decorated in Mudéjar style, influenced by Moorish tendencies of that time, therefore combining Islamic and Christian traditions.

Entering the fortress, you’ll see the Royal Baths of Doña Leonor and the Hall of Mosaics. Moreover, the Alcázar is surrounded by the beautiful, multi-leveled gardens, having picturesque fountains, ponds with fish, and colorful plants.

If you are looking for a place to enjoy the Andalusian atmosphere and the bright sunlight, the gardens will suit perfectly!

Before the fortress actually became a national monument in the 1950's, it experienced several historical epochs and saw a number of exiting events.

Having been part of a civil war in its early years, then, in the 15th century, the Alcázar became a residence of the Catholic Monarchs.

During this period, Christopher Columbus himself visited the fortress before his voyage to the New World! Later the fortress served as a garrison for Napoleon Bonaparte's troops, and as a prison.

All in all, this wonderful landmark on the banks of the Guadalquivir River definitely deserves to become a part of your Cordoba journey as it best keeps the history of the region!