Alcázar

Alcázar Review

Toledo's Alcázar ("fortress" in Arabic), originally a Moorish citadel occupied from the 10th century to the Reconquest, is on a hill just outside the walled city, dominating the horizon. The south facade—the building's most severe—is the work of Juan de Herrera, of El Escorial fame, while the east facade incorporates a large section of battlements. The finest facade is the northern, one of many Toledan works by Covarrubias, who did more than any other architect to introduce the Renaissance style here. The building's architectural highlight is Covarrubias's Italianate courtyard, which, like most other parts of the building, was largely rebuilt after the civil war, when the Alcázar was besieged by the Republicans. Though the Nationalists' ranks were depleted, they held on to the building. General Francisco Franco later turned the Alcázar into a monument to Nationalist bravery. Newly reopened after years of renovations, the Alcázar now houses the Museo del Ejército (Military Museum), which was formerly in Madrid.