Alfonso XI ordered the construction of a fortress in 1327 which could also serve as the royal residence.
The result is this massive palace raised on the site of a former Muslim castle.
The grounds are square in form and are protected by three gothic towers: the Lion, Homage and the Inquisition Towers, The latter was built during the reign of the Catholic Kings and was ceded to the Church until 1821.
The entranceway, with its splendid sarcophagus dating from the 3rd century, leads to the Mosaic Room. This structure, which dated from the 18th century, was formerly the chapel of the Inquisition. It now houses valuable mosaics dating back to the 2nd century which were found in Plaza de la Corredera. Below this room you can visit the former royal baths.
The magnificent exterior gardens are one of the Alcázar's main points of interest. Running in a series of steps to the base of the palace walls, they abound with vegetation of a markedly Arab nature, including palms, cypresses and orange and lemon trees. With the same ticket to the Alcázar you have the chance to visit the Caliphal Baths built by Al-Hakam II in the 10th century, located in Campo Santo de los Mártires opposite the Alcázar.

 

Cordoba
Calahorra Tower
Andalucia-info
Map of Córdoba
Fortress of the Christian Monarchs Kings
Córdoba Botanical Gardens
Medina Azahara
House of Memory of Sefarad
Viana Palace
Fine Arts Museum of Córdoba
The Synagogue of Córdoba