Alcázar of the Catholic Monarchs

The Alcázar of the Catholic Monarchs, in Cordoba

The Alcázar of the Catholic Monarchs is a fortress-palace of Cordoba, famous for its towers and its magnificent gardens. The Cordoba audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this history-laden monument, by the Guadalquivir.

A fortress-palace by the river

The Alcázar of the Catholic Monarchs, at once fortress and palace, was a residence of the monarchs of Castile by the Guadalquivir. Equipped with towers, halls with Roman mosaics and baths, it was the scene of major events: it is here, according to tradition, that the Catholic Monarchs received Christopher Columbus before his voyage. Its terraced gardens, with their pools, fountains and flowered beds, are among the finest of Andalusia.

What to see

Here you discover the towers, the halls with Roman mosaics, the baths and above all the magnificent terraced gardens, with their pools and fountains, by the Guadalquivir. The Alcázar of the Catholic Monarchs is linked to Christopher Columbus and the history of Spain. It is a major stop for lovers of history and gardens.

Practical information

The Alcázar of the Catholic Monarchs lies in the heart of the historic centre of Cordoba, by the Guadalquivir, reachable on foot. The visit has a fee and follows its own hours, which vary with the season. It is best to check the arrangements before coming; the gardens are particularly beautiful at flowering time.

Why is the Alcázar of the Catholic Monarchs famous?

For its magnificent terraced gardens and because, according to tradition, the Catholic Monarchs received Christopher Columbus there before his voyage, in Cordoba.

Where is the Alcázar of the Catholic Monarchs?

In the heart of the historic centre of Cordoba, by the Guadalquivir.