Tower of the Lions
The interior of the Tower of the Lions is not large. Each of its corners features a small column on a base, aligned along the wall and dividing it into thirds, with two clusters of three columns arranged in a triangle, the central one being twice the diameter of the others. This elegant arrangement supports a ribbed vault, whose transverse arches outline its octagonal base, while the remaining corners are covered by three-ribbed vaults.
Architectural Influences
The forms used in the Tower of the Lions seem to be indebted to the Plantagenet Gothic style, originating from Western France, visible for example in the choir of Saint Serge de Angers or in the sacristy of Sainte Radegonde de Poitiers. This style arrived in the Iberian Peninsula with variations, as can be seen in the choir chapels of the Monastery of Las Huelgas in Burgos or in the annexes of the Old Cathedral of Salamanca.
Columns, Capitals, and Decoration
A particularly remarkable aspect of the Tower of the Lions is the elegance contributed by the small capitals that support the transverse arches, as well as the slender columns that receive them, accentuating the verticality of the structure. Despite the erosion caused by the passage of time, the central keystone retains its initial beauty thanks to its lush foliage, as do the smaller keys of the triangular vaults.
Lighting of the Tower
Lighting in this room is provided by several points of light, such as the arrow slits located between the columns. A second type of window appears in the vault, one on each face, without moldings or decoration.
The Upper Floor
Access to the top floor of the Tower of the Lions is via a small spiral staircase located in an attached tower. From the top, the view is magnificent: nearly the entire modern city can be seen.
Visit the Tower of the Lions
If you’re wondering what to visit in Córdoba, an excellent option is to explore the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs and its Tower of the Lions, by choosing one of our guided tours. Choosing high-quality tourism means choosing ArtenCórdoba.
Text: J.A.S.C.
Image Gallery
The interior of the Lion's Tower is compact, but it features an elegant structure with corner columns, ribbed vaults, and an octagonal base defined by transverse arches.
The Lion's Tower shows influences from the Plantagenet Gothic of Western France, evident in elements similar to the choir of Saint Serge of Angers or the sacristy of Sainte Radegonde of Poitiers.
The tower is notable for its small capitals and slender columns that reinforce the verticality of the space, in addition to the delicate foliage sculpted in the central keystone and the keys of the vaults.
The lighting is achieved through arrow slits located between the columns and simple windows in the vault, one on each side, without moldings or decoration.
From the upper floor, accessed by a spiral staircase in an adjoining tower, one gets an impressive panoramic view of almost the entire city of Córdoba.
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