The residence of Ferdinand and Isabella

The Catholic Monarchs reigned from this palace-fortress for eight years, and the Infantes María and Don Juan were also born here.

The Alcázar was originally built as the residence of the caliphs of Cordoba, and subsequently became the palace of the Christian monarchs. It was later used as the Inquisition headquarters, then became a civil prison, and finally a military prison. It is set among magnificent gardens, including the garden known as the Avenue of the Monarchs, which features statues of all the monarchs who had connections with the palace-fortress. It was declared a Historical Monument in 1931. The building is also part of the area declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1994. Since 1986, its gardens have been protected by town planning laws.