Alcazar

We visited the Alcazar today, which is a fortress that was built in the 12th Century. It also housed visiting royalty, and was the first of a network of castle/fortresses built throughout Spain. This is where the Catholic Kings (Isabel & Fernando) signed the contract that united Spain. The main tower, called el torre de Juan II was used as a dungeon. We climbed the 152 steps to the top! Josh struggled with the low archways. The Alcazar was built on the Roman foundation of a much more modest fortress. This was a favorite spot of Enrique IV, king of Spain, 1454-1474, and half brother of Isabel la Catolica.

 In the 19th century the aqueduct suffered a fire and lost its original furniture, wooden ceilings (gold leaf and polychrome), and all the artwork except for a painting of the Magi. In the 20th century it inspired Cinderella's Castle created by Walt Disney.