Cordoba Travel Guide - Spain

General

Cordoba is one of the largest and most impressive cities in southern Spain in the region of Andalusia. It was the capital of Andalusia (Al-Andalus) during the period of Muslim rule (766-1031) and was considered the largest and most important city in Western Europe with 500,000 residents at that time. It was a city of peace and brotherhood between three religions: Muslims, Christians, and Jews who lived in harmony during Spain's "Golden Age". It was the home of the greatest poets, philosophers, and scholars of that era and was considered the cultural, spiritual, governmental, and economic center of Islam. Its historic quarter, Casco Viejo, is considered today the largest old town in all of Spain. It includes within it the Jewish Quarter, "La Judería", which is considered today one of the city's central attractions.

 

Plaza de las Tendillas

 

Today, 320,000 residents live in Cordoba, making it the tenth largest city in Spain and the third largest in the region of Andalusia. It is renowned for its leather goods industry and silversmithing.

Cordoba has many nicknames and titles, among them: "The Pearl of Moorish Spain" and "The Constantinople of the West". The city sits in the heart of Andalusia, far from the coastline, on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, and is known for its shaded, well-tended inner courtyards called "Patios", decorated with flowers and potted plants. Don't miss visiting these charming courtyards!!!

 

 

 

 

♦ Recommended Hotels in Cordoba

In the Old Town:

Hospes Palacio del Bailio
A five-star hotel situated in a 16th-century palace in the heart of the Old Town. The hotel features a swimming pool, beautiful gardens, and a spa.

NH Collection Amistad Córdoba
A 4-star hotel situated in an 18th-century mansion next to the Old Town walls. On the hotel rooftop is a swimming pool overlooking views of the Mezquita.

Hospederia De El Churrasco
A 9-room guesthouse rated 3 stars adjacent to the Jewish Quarter, with balconies overlooking the Mezquita and an excellent restaurant. 

Recommended hotel outside the Old Town:

Ayre Hotel Córdoba
A 4-star rated hotel located a 10-minute drive from the city center. Surrounded by gardens and lawns, with a swimming pool, tennis courts, and two restaurants. Attractive rate.

 

Attractions and Tours in Cordoba

Booking recommended tours in Cordoba from Viator website:

 

 La Mezquita

The number 1 tourist site in the city is the "Mezquita" (La Mezquita) of Cordoba, an enormous mosque considered the largest in Europe, built in the 8th century by Emir Abd al-Rahman I and regarded at that time by Muslims as an important pilgrimage site. Like many ancient buildings in Spain, the mosque was converted into a cathedral in the 15th century following the victory of the Catholic Monarchs, and the defeat and expulsion of the Muslims. The Christians did not destroy the mosque, but instead built a cathedral in its center, and turned the minaret into a bell tower. The Mezquita is surrounded by an ornamented wall and is impressive not only for its colossal size, but also for its richness and splendor. Inside the mosque/cathedral there are 856 columns, each topped with a rounded arch in red and white colors.

 

The "Mezquita" La Mezquita

 

In the inner courtyard of the mosque is an orange tree grove with numerous irrigation channels. It is recommended to climb the minaret for an impressive panoramic view over the city.

 

 

Recommended tours and shows in Cordoba:

 

The "Roman Bridge" Puente romano de Córdoba

Another recommended viewpoint over the city is from the "Roman Bridge" Puente romano de Córdoba, which crosses the Guadalquivir River, whose foundations date back to Roman times.

 

 

The Fortress of the Monarchs - Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos

Another key tourist attraction in the city is the Fortress of the Monarchs (Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos) – a fortress approximately 700 years old that served, among other purposes, as the seat of the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II and Isabella. From here they conducted their wars against the Muslims until the reconquest in 1492. Here Columbus received Queen Isabella's blessing before embarking on his journey to discover America. The fortress also served for 300 years as the headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition.
The fortress is primarily famous for its lovely gardens, abundant with fountains and sculptures. In the evening, an impressive audiovisual show takes place at the site about the prominent figures in the city in the 12th century from all religions. It is also worthwhile to climb up the fortress towers for a view of the city from another angle. The fortress is located near the entrance to the Old Town.

The Ancient Jewish Quarter, the "Judería"

Do not miss a walking tour through the alleys of the ancient Jewish Quarter, the "Judería", which extends west of the walls of the Mezquita. It is delightful to get lost in the cobblestone alleys with white houses decorated with flowerpots. In the center of each house is a pleasant patio with a fountain. The alleys are filled with cafes, restaurants, shops, and even hotels. The prettiest alley of them all is the "Alley of the Flowers" (Calleja de las Flores).

 

 

In the quarter is the Great Synagogue (Sinagoga de Córdoba), which was once the center of Jewish spiritual life and currently serves as a museum of the Jewish history of the region. It is no longer active as a synagogue. This synagogue is one of only three that survived in Spain from the era preceding the Christian Reconquista, and it was declared a national monument back in the 19th century. Adjacent to the synagogue is "Tiberias Square" (Plaza Tiberíades), in the center of which stands a statue of Maimonides, Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon.

 

Statue of Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon - Maimonides in Cordoba

 

Museums

Cordoba also features a great Archaeological Museum, considered one of the most important in Spain, housed in a 16th-century palace. The museum displays findings from the Roman and Moorish periods, including mosaics, pottery, and statues.
Another great museum is the Palacio Museo de Viana, housed in a 15th-century palace featuring an antique carriage collection, leather craftwork, and an art collection, but the highlight of the visit are its charming interior courtyards, its "patios". 

City Location and Getting There

Cordoba is located about 400 km south of Madrid (about a 4-hour drive by private car) and about 160 km from Malaga and the Andalusian coast (less than a 2-hour drive). It can also be reached by AVE high-speed trains from Madrid, Seville, and Malaga.
For those arriving by car, it is recommended to park in one of the large parking lots adjacent to the train station or shopping centers near the Old Town. Entering the Old Town by car is forbidden (except for taxis and local residents), and if you enter by mistake, you will find yourself driving through streets barely as wide as a compact car and through winding alleys teeming with pedestrians.

 

 

Best Time to Visit

In the summer, the temperature in the city can climb above 40 degrees Celsius, so it is preferable to visit during the more pleasant spring and autumn months.
It is especially wonderful to visit during May, which is the month with the most celebrations and festivals. At the beginning of the month, the "May Crosses" competition (Cruces de Mayo) is held in the city, which originated from a religious background but turned into a popular social event where giant red crosses made of flowers are set up throughout the city, competing for the title of the most beautiful cross.

 

 

On competition day, entertainment stages and beer stalls are scattered across the city, and women wear beautiful traditional attire. A procession of giant floats decorated with flowers passes along the main street, throwing flowers to the crowds.

 

 

 

In May, the "Courtyards Festival" (Fiesta De Los Patios De CÓRDOBA) is also held, where the most beautiful patio of all is selected. A true treat for design, flower, and photography enthusiasts. At the end of May, the most important event in the city takes place: the Feria de Córdoba, featuring dance and singing performances, music, street performers, and food stalls.

 

Guided Segway Tour

A great way to begin your visit to the city is with a Segway tour:  

During the guided tour, you will pass by the main tourist sites of the Old Town and city center.

 

 

Plaza de la Corredera:

 

After the tour, it is wonderful to dine nearby at an indoor international food market named Los Patios de la Marquesa, where international food stalls surround a well-kept, shaded inner courtyard.

 

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