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The Alcazar of Cordoba was a pleasant surprise. Truth be told, l didn’t even know they had one. I thought the one in Seville was it in the Andalusia region, excluding the Alhambra in Granada of course.
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I found the Seville Alcazar so impressive, l didn’t think this one would measure up. Duh! I had forgotten what an important Roman city Cordoba had been. Rude awakening for me as we wandered the historic fortress that was the royal residence of past monarchs.
Alcazar Cordoba (Alcazar de los Reyes de Cristianos)
Alcazar of Cordoba is officially known as the Alcazar de los Reyes de Cristianos (Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs). This was one of the official residences of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand.
I think l walked about 3 miles just inside the rooms that we were allowed in. It wasn’t because the place was huge, but because l was hoping that at least once, Isabella or Ferdinand might have stood in the very same space that l walked on! As far back as the 1400’s! Mind blowing isn’t it? 😉 .
In a previous post on the Mezquita of Cordoba, l had told you how the exiled Abd ar-Rahman had fled to Cordoba. He used the Alcazar as his palace. Once the Christians conquered Cordoba, they took over the fortress and turned it into the structure that it is today.
I had jokingly mentioned how, in my mind, the seats in the cathedral reminded me of the interrogations, it was jarring to discover that the Alcazar of Cordoba, practically next door to La Mezquita, was actually the site of the Spanish Inquisition. It was also where they planned the invasion of Granada 😉 .
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Inquisition Tower at the Cordoba Alcazar:
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The headquarters of the Inquisition was the Alcazar, and it was from here that Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand plotted the downfall of their enemies. A lot of the grounds were turned into torture chambers and prison cells.
Upon entry to the fortress, you go left to visit the rooms with discovered relics. There is the Hall of Mosaics with amazingly well-preserved mosaics that l would still love to put in my home today. There is also a 3rd century Roman Sarcophagus in great shape.
Looking out from the balconies of this Cordoba castle, you see ruins of parts of the castle. Later on, l read that they used to be part of the Arabic Baths, but they were later demolished and turned into more torture chambers during the Inquisition. What a waste! We did miss seeing the salvaged part of the baths below, thinking they were no longer in existence.
Related Reading: Seville Alcazar
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We climbed up to the tower. I only went halfway as the stairs were kind of steep and it was a tight space. I was enjoying the view, and Federico went up to the top. A few minutes later, he is yelling down to me and motioning for me to come up. I refused at first, but he wouldn’t give up, so l reluctantly climbed up.
I didn’t like the climb at all, the stairs were steeper, it was even narrower, there was no railing to hang on to, and lots of pigeon poop, but l maneuvered it sideways and boy..was it worth it. The view is stupendous from the top. If you make visit, and are able to climb up, do it. You won’t be sorry.
The most beautiful part of the fortress has to be the gardens. Immense space, with lots of fruit trees. Huge expansive ponds with loads of fish. Benches to seat and take in the scenery. It was my favorite part by far.
Looking back from the gardens towards the tower we went up, it is quite easy to forget how much horror went on up above. How many people slaughtered and tortured while having to watch the beauty below?.
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Afterwards, reading up on the history of the Alcazar of Cordoba, it hits me that the very same open space we were looking down from, was where they used to hang the people, yeah..and those scratches and writings on the walls we were wondering about? The prisoners. Insane!
The whole point of the Inquisition to me, was to take the riches of the non-catholic people in Spain (Jewish, Protestants, Muslim) and kill them, or at the very least force them to leave. No hard evidence was really needed.
Spain was a pariah to the rest of Europe because of the cruelty they inflicted on people during the 300 years that the Inquisition went on. Of course, confession via torture counted as of free will.
The most famous form of the 3 torture methods used was called the Toca. The other two you can find on the podcast. They would stuff cloth into the mouth of the accused, and force water down their throats invoking the sensation of drowning. Sound familiar? 😉 .
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Cordoba Alcazar: Facts
The Alcazar of Cordoba is definitely worthy of a visit. It is full of ancient history, like the rest of the city.
- It was from here that Isabella and Ferdinand gave the okay to Christopher Columbus to set sail across the Ocean with the three ships, Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria (Federico with his tidbits of history 🙂 ). They hosted a reception for him before he took off.
- Napoleon and his troops were stationed here in 1810! That little shorty was everywhere 🙂
- The Alcazar of Cordoba, under Roman rule was used as the Customs House and assigned a quaestor (someone to perform financial duties). His name? Julius Caesar.
Alcazar Cordoba Spain is simply gorgeous and a must visit:
How much time to plan on for Alcazar visit:
We were there for three hours and we still didn’t see everything. We missed the remains of the Arabic Baths downstairs as well as the Royal Stables, a UNESCO site. This calls for a return visit of course 🙂 . We want to see them. I think we missed them because we arrived as the place opened. There was one man ahead of us, and the guy at the window was obviously not ready for us, so he just said.. gratis for you!
Handed us three the free ticket stubs and sent us on our way. There wasn’t any pamphlets laid out yet so we just wandered on our own. Be sure to pick one up so you don’t miss anything.
A visit to the Alcazar Cordoba makes for a great day trip from Seville by train if you don’t have time for an overnight visit. I think you should count on at least four hours or more to see everything in the interior as well as the stables, other buildings and gardens.
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Cordoba Alcazar Hours:
They have both summer and winter hours, so it is best to check the website. We got there at 9AM and they were just opening 🙂
Winter: 8.30AM – 8:45PM
Summer: 8.30AM – 3PM
Sundays: 8.30AM – 2.30PM
Closed on Mondays.
Alcazar of Cordoba Admission is €4.50 for adults, under 14 is free.
How much time to spend in Cordoba?
Most people visit Cordoba on a day trip from Seville just to see the highlights, but not really visit the UNESCO sites such as the Mezquita. This is fine if you are short on time, but to really enjoy all of Cordoba.
I think three to four days would be a perfect amount of time in Cordoba. I would add another day if you happen to visit during the “Fiesta de los patios” which occurs in May yearly.
The festival is an annual happening in which the gorgeous courtyards with blooming flowers are open to the public so you can see how the locals live and the pride they take in their homes. Some of the patios are open year round as well so it’s good to check before your trip. You can check here for open patios.
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Have you overdosed on history, or do you find this as fascinating as we do? Alcazar de Cordoba was aces in our book. Living history, then fantastic tapas afterwards!. Winning!!! 😉 Have you been to Spain?
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I love old ruins and statues….amazing!
You would definitely love it here then for sure 🙂
We’re going to Cordoba at the beginning of April so this was very timely, thanks so much for sharing!
Oh, I am positive you are going to love it. Such a charming place, we can’t wait to revisit. Have fun on your trip 🙂 and thanks for the comment.
I love history so this article was heaven for me. The pictures are simply stunning. I’m jealous and want to go right now! lol
I didn’t much like history in school, but l have to admit that l like the visual of the history now, being in the very same places that these actual people were. A real kick, and now l love living history. You should go. Now..hahah 🙂
The pictures are absolutely beautiful. The design style was really something else, I could really see myself here for a visit.
Yep! They really knew how to build things then didn’t they? Imagine, thousands of years later, we are still oohing about them. I can’t see future generations admiring the stuff we have built now. I think you would enjoy your visit 🙂 .
Wow, these artifacts are so beautiful to look at. I love learning about other cultures.
Me too. I really do like learning about different cultures, and you’re right..the artifacts are gorgeous. I’d take any of them, and display it proudly.. thousands of years later!
How beautiful! You must be enjoying being able to to travel like you have.
You’re right Stacie! I have to admit l am loving the travel that we have been able to do. It’s so different from when l was still in pharmacy looking forward to a week there, a week here..as opposed to now..just being able to say..”let’s do it”. It took 30 years..but here we are 🙂 .
Wonderful pictures and my,what history! I would love to visit. Inquisitions being held in that stunning mosaic hall seem so cruel, going through a terrifying experience while surrounded by such beauty.
It’s funny how statues of kings always show strong muscular legs right? Hmmm some artistic license going on.
Oh my goodness, l said the same thing. How horrible to hold such terror in such a lovely place. Also looking from the top of the tower, where the hanging actually took place, it sucks to see such beautiful grounds below you as your life is being snuffed. Wicked! 🙁 . We totally think alike. I mentioned the same thing to Federico, but l did say that if the sculptor did a true to life statue, he would be beheaded or something because l am sure the royals never pictured themselves as fat 🙂 ….haha..and who’s going to contradict them. 😉
Your photos are so beautiful! I’ve been to Spain, but only Barcelona. I definitely would like to visit Cordoba after reading this.
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
Thanks Allison. Barcelona is pretty awesome isn’t it? The south tends to get forgotten in the mix, but it is definitely worthy of a visit. Glad l have inspired you 🙂 .
Beautiful imagery!! I love looking at and researching historic places. Looks like an interesting place to visit.
Me too! I get to love it more and more each day :-). You would enjoy it!
Wow – I didn’t realize the Spanish Inquisition went on for 300 years! Crazy!! You’re right – the gardens are absolutely beautiful. I’m not sure if I would’ve made the climb to the top without railings. At least the prisoners had a beautiful final view of the world before they were hung – right?!
Yeah! It did. I was surprised to learn that too. I climbed up and down sideways and it was funny because you always saw one half of each couple go up..at first! 🙂
Beautiful Kemkem! Gee, nice to see that it is spring somewhere!! Looks very lush, something we don’t ave in Prague right now. But we’re off to Italy Friday and hoping we see a bit of sunshine and lushness.
Federico almost smiling on that one. I think he likes Cordoba 🙂
Frank (bbqboy)
Oh! I hope you have a blast in Italy, better memories than the last time if l remember correctly. Yep..he really liked Cordoba 🙂
This place is beautiful. We love visiting historical places. I’m going to add this to our bucket list.
I think you should add it to the list. It is definitely worth it. There is so much history and l was bowled over by the beauty and history.
Wow! These are some really impressive photos. I think the last photo of the gardem may be my favorite…or maybe the one with the three statues.
Thank you! 🙂 . It really is a beautiful place, and so much history..haha..glad you have a hard time deciding which one is your favorite.
What a beautiful place!!! I will have to add this on my list to video.
Thank you! I’m so glad you like it 🙂
That’s indeed a beautiful place! Very impressive! There are so many amazing things to see in this world… thanks for sharing this with us and making it possible to at least be there virtually 🙂
It’s true. There are so many, many amazing places. It is impossible to see them all, that’s why l like seeing and sharing the beauty. Virtual..yeah 🙂 . I have to say l really enjoyed myself tremendously.
I love history and I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of the chance to experience “living” the history in this part of the world! Like you, we were fascinated to learn that the Inquisition spanned three centuries and we learned while we were in Cartagena, Colombia that it reached many places in the “New World.” Your posts on Cordoba have us definitely planning another trip to Spain soon to see this amazing city and learn more about its history. Anita
I don’t think l could get tired either 🙂 . I find it too exciting. Yep! I thought it was just a few years, so to find out it was that long was surprising. I read somewhere that the Spanish government has tried to whitewash the whole thing a bit by fudging the numbers and the number of victims. It’s history..one that is destined to be repeated unfortunately as we never seem to learn 🙁 .
Gorgeous pictures!!! This looks and sounds like a place that I need to visit! I’m sure I’d spend a few hours there as well. 🙂
Thank you! Those school kids had no idea what history they were missing by just hanging around the pond on their phones..aahh..youth 🙂 . We loved it.
Ahhhhh beautiful! I recently returned from visiting Sevilla and was just blown way… Cordoba is next on my list! I love Andalucia. Thanks for sharing.
Happy travels 🙂
I am positive you will love Cordoba! Next time you’re headed this way, don’t forget to say hello 🙂 . We still gotta meet at some point! 🙂 .
Your posts always have such lovely pictures. Thanks for sharing. I also enjoy the historical context.
Thanks Antoinette. I appreciate the compliment 🙂 . Enjoying history, l think you would appreciate it very much. I wish my classes had been this visual..haha!
One of the many reasons that I love living outside the USA (in Asia or Europe) is the fact that there is such a rich and long and interesting history so within reach at any moment. I think Z, Chad and I would all have something to love about this place! So cool Kemkem! Thanks for sharing!
Yep! Loving living history. For sure, all of you would find something to love there..and the food especially, knowing you :-). The last time my MIL visited us in Houston, she kept laughing because everybody was saying the buildings were “old” .. as in like 20 years..hahah! In Rome, that is not even a newborn yet 🙂 .
I know! I remember telling someone I loved the old buildings on the East coast of America and I got the same reaction. I felt like such a noob haha.
Haha!! I can just picture it 🙂 😉 🙂
This is a Spanish destination I’d love to get to some day. It has oodles of fascinating history and looks fab.
It certainly does. I had some idea….but l really didn’t now just how much. My husband was also pleasantly surprised as he didn’t know what to expect. After all, we were supposed to be in Mallorca but missed our flight..oh..it still kind of smarts..haha! You can read the post on how we ended up there. I hope you get to visit. It is gorgeous 🙂 . Thanks for the comment.