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Like its predecessors, the Catholic Kings usually resided in the Alcazar and they lived more than eight years in here. In the Alcazar were studied the strategies to conquer Granada, that was occupied in 1492.
This building witnessed the birth of the Infanta Doña Juana, which became Queen of Portugal and mother of Queen Elizabeth I of Castile, who was first wife of Emperor Charles I of Spain and V of Germany, and mother of Monarch Philip II. That is, we are at a crucial period in the history of our country, and the Alcazar is a place where many events of vital importance. Here Christopher Columbus had his first audience, in 1486, with Monarchs Elizabeth and Ferdinand, and then he turned into the Discoverer of America.
It is known that in the first part of her life, Queen Elizabeth ordered to stop the Mill of the Albolafia, because she did not like its noise. For this reason the garden became fading, because all the water came from the Albolafia.
Boabdil (Abu 'abd-Allah Muhammad XII), nicknamed "The Young", who was the last Sultan of Granada, was made prisoner in the bowels of the Alcazar after losing a Battle in Lucena (province of Córdoba) in 1485.
During these years Gonzalo Fernández of Córdoba lived there, he was the "Gran Capitán" (The Great Captain). One of the most famous and prestigious military during the reign of the Catholic Kings. He won in Granada wars; he won the battles of Illara and Tajara. The kings ordered him, thanks to his good relations with Boabdil, negotiations for peace in Granada in 1492. Commanded by the Spanish Army in Naples, fought against the french invaders near two years. Then, he won against the French Army and he was nicknamed "El Gran Capitan".
And finally, by way of anecdote, the first bullfight which celebrated in Córdoba was celebrated in the Gardens of Alcazar in honour of prince John who died very young. He was the only boy son of the Catholic Kings.
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