Córdoba

The Great Mosque-Cathedral

The most important Islamic building in Europe and one of the most impressive in the world. It has 800 marble, jasper and granite columns and 400 red and white pointed arches that will leave you breathless. This monument was built in the 8th century and can be visited day or night.

Medina Azahara

Once a luxurious city that Abd-al-Rahman III had built in the foothills of the Sierra Morena in the 10th century. Today it is an archaeological site just eight kilometres from the city of Cordoba, and since 2018, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

La Torre de Calahorra

This tower, located south of the Roman Bridge, was built in the 13th century. It now houses the Museo Vivo de al-Andalus, which studies the coexistence of Jewish, Christian and Muslim cultures.

Hammam Al Andalus Arab Baths

Built in the tradition of the Arab baths of the Caliphate period, in the 3rd century, they are located a few metres from the Mosque.

Molino de la Albolafia

This mill was ordered to be built by Abd al-Rahman II to raise the water from the river to the palace. It has a restored waterwheel and you can see it between the Roman Bridge and the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos.

Chapel of San Bartolomé

Located in the Faculty of Philosophy and Humanities, in the former hospital of Cardenal Salazar, it is a fine example of Mudejar architecture and the former parish church of Sant Bartolomé.

Noches de Ramadan

A month-long festival of films, workshops, concerts and exhibitions. The exact dates vary from year to year. In addition, during Ramadan, the courtyards of Córdoba are decorated with pots of flowering plants.

Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs

Fortress and palace that was a favourite place of the city's rulers. It is part of the old Palace of the Caliph and a stroll through its gardens, full of flowers, canals and ponds, is a real experience.

Synagogue

It is a Jewish temple that amazes visitors. Its arches, typical of Islamic architecture, blend with Jewish decorative elements to create a fascinating effect.

Puente Romano

Located over the Guadalquivir River, this bridge joins the Campo de la Verdad neighbourhood with the Cathedral neighbourhood.

Patios

Córdoba's set of courtyards is considered a World Heritage Site. One of the most picturesque quarters to see them is the Alcázar Viejo. Some of them can be visited all year round, but the most special time to see them is during the Festival de los Patios, which normally takes place in the first two weeks of May.

Equestrian shows

The Royal Stables of Córdoba put on a magical show featuring thoroughbred Spanish horses, combining dressage, music and flamenco dancing.

Feria de Córdoba

This is held at the end of May and is a very festive occasion with traditional stalls, Sevillana dancing and riders in traditional costume.

Flamenco in Córdoba

June is the time to enjoy flamenco in the streets and squares of the city, with performances and shows organised during the Noche Blanca del Flamenco (White Night of Flamenco). July also marks the start of the Córdoba Guitar Festival.

Remember to try the salmorejo, honeyed lamb, ajoblanco and fried aubergines, so you can become one of the locals. You can book a table in advance at the Noor restaurant, which has three Michelin stars and serves Arabic cuisine. To find out about other fine dining establishments, visit the Andalusia Tourism website.

Córdoba is an Area of Artisan Interest, making it the ideal place to buy souvenirs, whether leather goods, goldsmiths, jewellery or ceramics. You can ask for the addresses of the Platería Califal (silver) and Cerámica Califal (pottery). If you want to visit shops selling international brands, you can find them between the historic centre and the Victoria Gardens.

Nowadays it is very easy to get to the city on the high-speed train (AVE) which runs from Madrid to Malaga and stops in Córdoba. The journey takes approximately one hour and 40 minutes. You can also get there by car or plane, as Córdoba has an airport about 15 kilometres outside the city.