Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Palace · Córdoba, Andaluzia
Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
Fortress ordered built by Alfonso XI in 1328, where the Catholic Monarchs stayed during the war of Granada and received Christopher Columbus, with gardens on three levels.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
The current Alcázar was built beginning in 1328 by order of Alfonso XI of Castile, on part of the old palace of the caliphs. It is a fortress with thick walls and towers, an example of Christian military architecture after the conquest of Córdoba in 1236.
The Catholic Monarchs, Isabella and Ferdinand, used the Alcázar as a residence and headquarters in the campaign against the kingdom of Granada, concluded in 1492. It was there that Christopher Columbus had his first audience with the monarchs, in 1486 or 1487, to ask for support for the westward voyage.
After 1492, the building housed the Inquisition tribunal until 1812, when it became a prison. Inside, the Salón de los Mosaicos preserves Roman mosaics from the 2nd and 3rd centuries, found in the Plaza de la Corredera at the end of the 1950s, with scenes such as Polyphemus and Galatea.
The gardens cover about 55,000 square meters across three levels, with reflecting pools, orange trees and cypresses. On the Paseo de los Reyes there are sculptures of monarchs connected to the Alcázar. Next to it are the Caballerizas Reales, stables built in 1570 by order of Philip II for breeding the Spanish purebred horse, the origin of the Andalusian horse. Today they host equestrian shows.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1h30 to 2 hours; roughly half of that in the gardens.
Best time
At opening, in the morning, when the gardens are still in the shade. From mid-June to mid-September the Alcázar usually opens only in the morning; check before you go.
How to get there
It is about 300 metres from the Mezquita-Catedral, down towards the river, next to the Plaza Campo Santo de los Mártires.
Tip
It is usually closed on Mondays. In high season, buy tickets in advance through the town hall's official system. The Baños del Alcázar Califal are on the other side of the square and make a good add-on on the same morning.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
What is the Alcázar's connection to Christopher Columbus?
The Catholic Monarchs stayed at the Alcázar during the war against Granada, and there they received Columbus for the first time, in 1486 or 1487, when he was seeking support for the voyage west.
Are the gardens included in the same admission?
Yes. the Alcázar admission includes the building and the gardens, which cover about 55,000 square meters across three levels.
What are the Caballerizas Reales?
They are the royal stables built in 1570 by order of Philip II, next to the Alcázar, for breeding the Spanish horse. Today they host equestrian shows with separate admission; check the days before you go.
Is the Alcázar open every day?
It is closed on Mondays. On other days the hours vary by season, and in summer it usually opens only in the morning: check before you go.