The complex actually known as the "Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos" has been there for centuries. When the moors occupied Cordoba, it was part of the Caliph's palace, despite its defensive characteristics. Or maybe, exactly because of them. Later on, with the Christian conquest of Cordoba, it was converted into a royal residence. In 1327, King Alfonso XI extensively renovated the "Alcázar", introducing much of its actual characteristics - a royal palace (with gothic details) that looks like a fortress. The Catholic Kings, Isabel of Castille and Ferdinand of Aragon, used it as their royal residence while in Cordoba. Christopher Columbus was a frequent guest and some of the meetings prior to his legendary voyage towards the Americas took place here. After the fall of the Kingdom of Granada and the unification of Spain, the Catholic Kings transferred the palace to the "Holy Inquisition", which added prison cells and dungeons. Then, in 1812, with the extinction of the "Holy Inquisition" in Spain, the "Alcázar" was used as a prison and for military purposes. Now it belongs the city of Cordoba and is a Spain's National Mounument (since 1931) and a Unesco's appointed "World Heritage Site" (since 1994, together with other monuments in Cordoba). While in Cordoba, spare some time to visit the "Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos", with its baroque chapel, four towers and lovely manicured gardens, with ponds, fountains, statues and blossoming flowers. Night visits are also available, with a sound and light show - which has been considered boring by some fellow travelers. Tickets should be bought in advance, specially for the evening show, with limited capacity. Enjoy!

This is worth a visit, if nothing else, for its gardens. Alcazar is also interesting and I would also recommend buying a "video guide", a booklet from the vending machine inside the Alcazar for 3 euros, as it will give you a bit more explanation about the building, its history and the mosaics. Definitely value for money.

Firstly, due to the Covid-19 crisis, in order to limit numbers you are supposed to buy your ticket online prior to visiting. However on the eve of the day I visited the site was malfunctioning and it was not possible to buy tickets. The next morning, I went anyway and explained this to the staff and was able to pay at the entrance. Other people visiting at the same time had the same problem, but the staff were very understanding. The interior of the Alcazar itself were a bit disappointing and there is not a lot to see. However, the gardens are beautiful and made the visit worthwhile.