Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos

The Alcázar de Los Reyes Cristianos (English: Castle of the Christian Monarchs) is a castle and palace complex located in Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain. It was built in 14th century and served as the residence of the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, who financed the voyages of Christopher Columbus to the New World. The castle is considered one of the best examples of Mudéjar architecture in Spain and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Things to do at Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos:

• Take a guided tour of the castle:

The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos is an example of Mudéjar architecture, which is a style that combines elements of Muslim and Christian architecture. It was built in the 14th century as a fort and later served as a royal palace. The castle has a square shape, with four towers at the corners and a central courtyard. The main entrance is located on the south side, and there are several other entrances on the other sides of the castle. The exterior of the castle is decorated with glazed tiles, which were a common feature of Mudéjar architecture. The interior of the castle is divided into several rooms and halls, including a throne room, a chapel, and a library. The castle has undergone a number of renovations and renovations over the years, but it has managed to retain its original Mudéjar style.

• Explore the gardens:

The gardens of the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos in Cordoba, Spain, are a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. The gardens were originally planted in the 14th century, when the castle was built, and have been carefully maintained over the years. They are divided into several areas, each with its own distinct character.

One of the most notable features of the gardens is the Patio de la Alberca, which is a large courtyard with a rectangular pool. The pool is surrounded by a colonnade and is a popular spot to relax and take in the surroundings.

Another area of the gardens is the Jardín del Poeta, which is a formal garden with a variety of plants and flowers. The garden is named after the poet Garcilaso de la Vega, who was a frequent visitor to the castle.

There is also a herb garden and a kitchen garden, which were used to grow herbs and vegetables for the castle residents. The gardens also have a number of paths and walkways, which are a nice place to take a leisurely stroll.

• Visit the museum:

The museum at the Alcázar houses a collection of artefacts and artworks related to the history of Cordoba and the castle.

• Take a break in one of the outdoor cafes: 

The castle has several outdoor cafes where you can sit and enjoy a drink or a snack while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

• Take a walk along the walls of the castle:

The castle's walls offer great views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

• Go shopping at the gift shop: 

The castle has a gift shop where you can find souvenirs and gifts to take home.

• Attend a cultural event:

The castle often hosts cultural events such as concerts, exhibitions, and workshops.

• Participate in a workshop or class:

The castle offers a variety of workshops and classes on topics such as art, history, and literature.