Keep the Honor Tower
From the Tower of the Lions we head towards the Homage Tower, connected by the only walkable wall-walk currently accessible: the one along the North wall. This wall-walk must have been of great importance within the Alcázar complex, although it is difficult to determine precisely, as the North wall was completely rebuilt.
Architecture of the Homage Tower
The structure of the Homage Tower is taller than it is wide—a dominant tower and the most imposing of the entire complex, with a polygonal floor plan. The use of Gothic architecture was not particularly refined: both the antechamber and the hall show a rougher execution than that of the Tower of the Lions, which was the work of French master builders. In this case, it is believed that less skilled Spanish disciples built the tower.
They erected a vault with four ribs, hexagonal and irregular, where two of the ribs extend through apparent pendentives. The capitals on which the ribs rest were carved in situ; some remained unfinished.
The main hall
The main room is an octagonal hall with short, not very slender columns, and a high vault whose ribs rest on capitals decorated with raised vegetal motifs. Tradition holds that this room was the site of the first reception of the Catholic Monarchs with Christopher Columbus.
Access to the upper terrace
Access to the upper terrace is via a straight staircase lit by two rose windows. The steps are supported on corbels decorated with fine moldings.
Path to the Hall of Mosaics
From the Homage Tower we head to the Hall of Mosaics. To do so, one must retrace the wall-walk, descend the staircase, and cross the entrance gallery: a rectangular gallery divided by four segmental arches, where brick and lime contrast harmoniously.
Visit to the Homage Tower
If you wish to discover the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs and its Homage Tower, do not hesitate to book one of our guided tours. We are experts in the interpretation of Córdoba’s historical heritage. If you’ve chosen to enjoy tourism in Córdoba, opt for quality: choose ArtenCórdoba.
Text: J.A.S.C.
Image gallery
Both towers are connected by the only currently accessible walkway in the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs: the one on the North wall, although this was completely reconstructed.
The Tribute Tower has a polygonal plan and stands out for its dominant height. Its Gothic style features a rougher execution than that of the Lion Tower, probably because it was built by less experienced Spanish disciples.
The main room is octagonal, with low columns and a high vault whose ribs rest on capitals decorated with vegetal reliefs. According to tradition, the first reception of the Christian Monarchs to Christopher Columbus took place here.
The upper terrace is reached by a straight staircase illuminated by two rose windows, whose steps rest on shelves decorated with fine moldings.
To reach the Mosaic Hall from the Tribute Tower, you go back along the walkway, descend a staircase, and cross a rectangular gallery with four arched openings, where brick and lime create a harmonious contrast.
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