Alcázar+de+los+Reyes+Cristianos

=**Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos**=

Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (Castle of Christian Monarchs) is an important place in Cordoba’s history. This building is a palace/fortress built in 1328 by Alfonso XI. Originally it was built by the Mezquita but is now on the site of the Bishop’s Palace. It was the last Moorish area in Spain and was governed by King Ferdinand & Queen Isabella, as well as serving as one of their primary residences. Supposedly, this is where Christopher Columbus gave his final speech before leaving for the Americas which was heard by Queen Isabella.

One reason why this place is important was because it plays an important role in Cordovan history. The site was a Visogoth, a Moorish palace, and finally the home to the Christian monarchs. The Spanish Inquisition held their headquarters there for nearly 300 years and once imprisoned Boabdil. It also contains artifacts that date back to the 2nd and 3rd century. Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos is one place in Cordoba that contains its own life story.

But not only does Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos (Castle of Christian Monarchs) only have a very unique and interesting past, it also has astonishing features. The castle is surrounded by magnificent gardens called Paseo de los Reyes, where cypress, palm, orange, and lemon trees dominate the area. Included into the already breathtaking garden are three ponds, perfectly positioned giving the garden a settle look. And, there are even statues of kings that are linked to the castle inside of the garden itself!