Our excursion today took us back near the Mezquita, and yes, I am finally getting to know the way by myself if Mick gets himself lost. We visited the Alcázar of Córdoba or the Castle of the Christian Monarchs.

We climbed quite a few stairs to get this view of part of its gardens and the adjoining Royal Stables. I climbed a few more steps to get this better view, while Mick patiently waited for me. Can you spot him in the corner in the shade?

The tourist brochures state that these gardens are among the most beautiful in Andalucia, but Mick and I are now almost experts on this subject and we would rate them as the third best ones we’ve seen in Andalucia after Granada’s Alhambra and Seville’s Alcázar.

They are located in the middle of the city of Córdoba and unfortunately had to be reduced in size to cater for a new road for the city.

There were not too many people there this morning as the temperature was already 38°C at 11.00am, and we’re expecting 44°C this afternoon. We did spot this beautiful Muslim woman who was wandering through the gardens on her own and taking photo after photo of herself. She smiled at us each time we caught her. She looked fabulous.

I should have offered to take some for her.

We were not given any maps or brochures for the tour which cost us €4.50 each and there were no signs in English inside, however we had read about it and knew some of its history. Since 1490, much of what was an original fortress and palace complete with royal (Arab) baths had been converted into torture and interrogation chambers. This lasted for more than three hundred years of the Spanish Inquisition.

In 1492, Ferdinand and Isabella met with Christopher Columbus here prior to Columbus’ voyage to the Americas. You may be able to pick out their statues in the back of this photo of us.

As we left the Alcázar we noticed this very handsome horse and rider, promoting of all things a flamenco horse show that would take place this evening.

We wandered down and looked at the stables and a museum of horse drawn vehicles. Quite impressive but we have decided we want come back for the show. I love this shot of the rider who looks so traditional sitting astride his horse while texting on his iPhone!

Off to Madrid in the morning – hope it’s a bit cooler.