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La Alcázar de los Reyes Christianos
La Alcázar de los Reyes Christianos
La Alcázar de los Reyes Christianos, a Gothic fortress and royal residence, was begun under Alfonso XI in 1327 atop a Muslim castle. Later the Catholic monarchs Ferdinand and Isabel took up residence here during the Reconquest and allegedly saw Columbus off on his trip to the New World, though Sevilla makes a similar, and more substantiated claim. From its battlements there are views of the Guadalquivir and the Puente Romano (Roman Bridge) built by Emperor Augustus.
At the end of the bridge on the near side of the river is the Puerta del Puente (bridge gate), constructed in the 16th century under Felipe II and rebuilt after demolitions in the 20th century; along with the Puerta Almodóvar, it is the only remaining gate of Córdoba’s original city walls. Opposite it is the Torre de La Calahorra, the city’s oldest surviving Moorish defensive tower. In 1369 the tower was restored and reinforced by Henry II of Trastámara to guard against attacks by his brother, Pedro I (the Cruel). It has served as a jail, a women’s school and today houses El Museo Vivo de al-Andalus with exhibitions on the past and present culture of southern Spain.
The battlement walls of the Alcázar are bound by three Gothic towers, Del Homenaje (the Homage), Del Léon (the Lion) and De la Inquisición (the Inquisition). On display inside are third-century Roman sarcophagi and a strong collection of mosaics dating to the second century. The latter were discovered in Corredera Plaza when remodeling works were going on in 1959.
The well-manicured outer gardens are the pride of the Alcázar, a long series of rectangular pools, hedges and flower gardens shaded by citrus, cypresses and palm trees that were designed by the Christians in the Arabic style.
Córdoba’s Synagogue
Córdoba’s Synagogue is the last of its kind to have survived in southern Spain, a Mudéjar work dating to 1315. The interior walls are finished in plaster with floral motifs and epigraphs referencing the Song of Songs and psalms. Originally, the synagogue was entered through a small courtyard, through which an entryway led to the prayer room. Steps flanking the vestibule were used by the women during prayer services.
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