This was the first time we saw an Islamic influence on a tour. I was blown away by the detail in all the work of the buildings. The faces carved into the walls have such a lovely story behind them; I love the legend that they were placed there to entertain the royal children. A medieval “Where’s Waldo” as our tour guide put it. It’s incredible that this complex has housed royalty of so many different dynasties and religions. King Ferdinand, who seems to crop up everywhere, had the upper floors of the main building renovated during his reign so that they could become royal apartments. Those upper floors are still used by the reigning monarchs today. I thought it curious that the Jewish quarter was so close to the Alcazar, it turns out that is hardly by accident. For centuries Jewish people were highly sought-after scholars and doctors and were often the Royal advisors and physicians. However, it was not always acceptable to receive advice or care from a Jew, so there is a series of small alleys that connect to a back gate of the Alcazar.
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