Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos

This medieval fortress was the usual residence of the Christian Monarchs when they stayed in Cordoba

It was constructed in 1328 at the command of King Alfonso XI the Just

Roman mosaic with the Medusa head

Interior details

Torre de los Leones

Torre del Homenaje of Gothic design

The gardens of the Alcazar are some of the most beautiful gardens in Spain with several pools

and fountains

Hiding behind soft green

In early medieval times the site was occupied by a Visigoth fortress

The fountain

Watermills on the nearby Guadalquivir powered water lifting to irrigate the extensive gardens

A magnificent tranquility of red roses

A cross in the sky

"torre del Homenaje" and  "torre de los Leones" viewed from the gardens

The Paseo de los Reyes is a walkway in the garden that has statues of the kings who lived in the Alcazar. The end of the walkway has the statues of the Catholic Kings and Columbus, because it was here that Columbus talked with Queen Isabela several times

illusion of an armed warrior

don't you turn your back on me!

The gardens boast one of the largest variety of plants in Spain. Palm trees are prominent along with the statuesque cypresses. In the oldest section of the gardens orange and lemon trees are plentiful

Christopher Columbus conversing with King Ferdinand of Aragon and Queen Isabella of Castile about his project to find a direct trade route to India by sailing west

A pleasure for the eye

Coat of arms on the castle wall

encircled by massive walls