The fortress of Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos (The Castle of the Christian Kings) and its gardens in Cordoba were used as a royal palace from 1328 for over 150 years. 

It was to the Alcazar that Columbus came to explain his plans to the King and where many were tortured under the auspices of the Inquisition.

Gardens History:

The gardens were originally created in 10th century when the Arabic prince Abd-ar-Raham 3rd built an aqueduct to provide water from the nearby Guadalquivir River to the location - primarily to grow fruit on over 55,00 square metres of land.  

The gardens flourished  for two more centuries when the Alcazar fell into the hands of Christian Royalty in the mid 14th century under Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon who built the castle structures that remain today.

But it was influence of the Mudejar, a group of Muslims who remained in Iberia, that shaped the gardens and gave it the extraordinary qualities we enjoy today (the same themes that also shaped the Alhambra 150kms away at Granada).

Modern Day Gardens:

Today the gardens are mainly the result of the mid 20th century transformation of the old orchards which were reduced in size to be more manageable.  

The gardens contain wonderful examples of Moorish garden design with beautiful fountains, water features and well-cut hedges along with a wide array of mature trees and shrubs including palm, cypress, orange and lemon trees.

Gardens on Three Levels:

There are three levels - the upper, middle and lower gardens that all make inspiring and restful promenades on a warm day.  It is the artful combination of graphic lines, clean cut topiary hedges, refreshing water features and aromatic foliage plants that work so well in Moorish garden design - with this perhaps being one of the world's best examples.

The Lower Garden is the largest and most well known featuring three long pools lined with flowers, trees and manicured lawns.  Not to be missed is the Paseo de los Reyes or the Promenade of Kings which is lined by topiarised cypresses and divided into two paths by long, narrow water courses.

Summary:

The Moors and their ancestors, the Mudejar, have left their mark with such extraordinary beauty in Andalucia (Al-Andalus).  Their gardens are as much architectural as they are horticultural and that influence lives today in many more contemporary gardens around Europe.

But it is these two gardens, Cordoba and Granada, that demand a visit in person.  It will inspire you and generate a unique sense of peace and serenity rarely found anywhere else on this planet.

N.B. the following video is included for its visuals - with the narration in Spanish.  I am sorry, we could not find a good video clip with an English soundtrack.