One of the most beautiful cities in Andalusia, Cordoba is famous for La Mezquita, the impressive Mosque-Cathedral. Located in Southern Spain, Cordoba was founded by the Romans. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination with many fascinating historical attractions. Here are the best things to do in Cordoba, from medieval landmarks to contemporary artworks.
What Is Cordoba Famous For?
The city of Cordoba has around 784,000 residents at the last census in 2019. It’s the largest city in the province of Cordoba.
Cordoba is a famous city in Spain steeped in history and brimming with cultural riches. The Great Mosque of Cordoba remains one of its most iconic landmarks, with its towering minaret and intricate designs attracting visitors from all over the world.
Cordoba is also home to picturesque courtyards that showcase the city’s timeless beauty. And let’s not forget about one of its most delightful treats: Cordoba cake (Pastel Cordobés), a delectable puff pastry adorned with almonds.
While exploring the city, be sure to also keep an eye out for its famous leather work, which is highly sought-after for its fine craftsmanship. With so much to see and taste, Cordoba is a destination that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning travelers.
Brief History of Cordoba
Córdoba was originally a Carthaginian settlement before becoming a Roman city in 206 BC. From 929 to 1031, it was the capital of the Caliphate of Córdoba and one of the most advanced cities in the world, known for its cultural, educational, and architectural achievements. The city’s most iconic monument, the Mezquita-Catedral, was originally a mosque built during this period.
After the Reconquista, Córdoba came under Christian rule, and the mosque was converted into a cathedral. Today, Córdoba is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its well-preserved historic center, blending Islamic, Christian, and Jewish influences, and continues to attract visitors from around the world.
Things to Do in Cordoba Spain
Whether you have time to spend a day in Cordoba or a week, you won’t be bored.
Cordoba boasts 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the highest amount for a city in Europe. These are: the Mosque-Cathedral, the historical quarter of Cordoba, the Festival of the Patios and Medina Azahara. Thanks to its location at the highest section of the Guadalquivir River, Cordoba has thrived since Roman times.
Wine and olive oil was shipped from Cordoba to ancient Rome. In 711, Cordoba was captured by Muslim invaders. The mix of different cultures in Cordoba can be seen in the city’s architectural styles, blending Moorish influences with Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance elements.
During the 10th century, Cordoba was an important financial and political hub. The Great Mosque of Cordoba was built within this period.
1. Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
Known in English as the Alcazar of Cordoba or Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs, this medieval fortress was the main residence of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon. The monarchs welcomed Christopher Columbus here before he embarked on his first expedition to the Americas.
King Alfonso XI of Castile commissioned the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos in 1328, in the Mudejar architectural style. It is known for its courtyards and gardens, spread over 55,000 m².
On a hot day, take refuge amongst the garden’s 3 levels, and admire the King’s walk, El paseo de los reyes. Inside the Alcazar, the Hall of Mosaics displays a well preserved series of Roman motifs.
2. Cordoba Old Town
Wander along the cobbled pedestrianized streets of Cordoba old town, one of the largest in Europe. The historic center of Cordoba includes the San Basilio district, the Roman Bridge, Caliphal Baths, Episcopal Palace and the Alcazar.
Check out the neighbourhood of Santa Marin, to the northeast, with its 13th century Gothic-Mudejar church. In the southwestern section of historic Cordoba, San Basilio is a picturesque area with many patio courtyards.
Plaza de la Corredera is a 17th century town square with four-storied Castilian style buildings. Spread over 67,000 square feet, the pedestrianized zone has many cafes and restaurants.
The vibrant area of San Andrés-San Pablo is popular for its tapas bars. Palacio de Viana is a 15th century palace with 12 courtyards.
3. Cordoba Patios
Cordoba is famous for its courtyard gardens or patios. These white walled spaces are adorned with a myriad of flowers in brightly colored planters.
The best time to see the patios of Cordoba is during the first week of May. This is when the Fiesta de los Patios de Córdoba takes place.
A week long festival of the patios, this popular celebration has been held in Cordoba since 1918. Locals open up their courtyards to visitors so that they can admire their elaborate decoration.
If you can’t visit at this time, head to Palacio de Viana or the Jewish Quarter, two of the best places to see examples all year round.
The Calleja de las Flores is a short street situated at the intersection with Velázquez Bosco street. Translating as the Street of Flowers, it has white walled buildings adorned with blue flowerpots.
4. Cordoba Roman Temple
These Roman ruins on Calle Capitulares bear witness to the importance of the Roman empire in Cordoba. The Templo Romano was discovered in the 1950s, when City Hall was being expanded.
Work on the temple began during the reign of Emperor Claudius, in the first century AD. Monumental columns in the Corinthian style stand proud on the site. You can see other remnants of the temple at the Archaeological and Ethnological Museum of Córdoba.
5. Jewish Quarter
Known in Spanish as Juderia, the Jewish Quarter in Cordoba is home to one of only three synagogues in Spain. The Synagogue of Cordoba in Calle de los Judios dates from 1315.
La Puerta de Almodavar is a 14th century entrance gate featuring a statue of the philosopher Seneca, who was born in Cordoba.
The statue of Maimonides can be found close to the synagogue, on Plaza de Tiberiades. Maimonides was an astronomer and philosopher in the 12th century. The statue’s feet are shiny, as it’s considered good luck to rub them.
6. 6. Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba
Also known as La Mezquita, Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral is a prime example of Moorish architecture. Located on Calle Cardenal Herrero, this famous Spanish landmark is visited by more than 1.5 million people each year.
They come to admire 856 columns made from marble, onyx, jasper and granite in the prayer hall. These double arches were made from pieces of the Roman temple that previously stood here, as well as other Roman buildings.
The Mezquita complex is spread over 24,000 square meters and includes The Court of Orange Trees or Patio de los naranjos, as well as a belltower with panoramic city views. One of the best things to do in Cordoba, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is not to be missed.
7. Plaza de las Tendillas
This elegant plaza is the most central part of the city, and one of the oldest squares in Cordoba. A popular meeting point for locals, Plaza de las Tendillas comes to life after 5 pm when the shops open.
The imposing equestrian statue represents Gran Capitán, general Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba. There’s also a huge clock that sounds each hour, with a flamenco guitar chime.
8. Puerta del Puente
This impressive Renaissance gate was built in the 16th century. Close to the Guadalquivir river, this triumphal arch is appropriately located on Plaza del Triunfo.
Bridge Gate was originally part of the city walls, and was redesigned by Hernan Ruiz III in a monumental style. There’s a permanent exhibition room, explaining the history of the building, and a top floor balcony with a panoramic view of Cordoba.
9. Roman Bridge of Cordoba
While the original Roman bridge in Cordoba was built in the 1st century BC, it was reconstructed by the Moors in the 8th century. San Rafael Roman Bridge is situated next to the Sotos de la Albolafia nature conservation area. Kingfishers, cormorants and grey herons can be spotted amongst the reeds.
There’s a statue of San Rafael, the patron saint of Cordoba in the middle of the bridge. This is a popular place to say a prayer. The bridge has 16 arches and features in Season 5 of Game of Thrones, as the Long Bridge of Volantis.
At the end of the bridge on Puente Romano you’ll find Calahorra Tower. This fortified gate was built by the Moors to protect the city from invaders.
10. Sculpture of the Grandfather and Grandson
Known in Spanish as the Escultura Del Abuelo & El Nino, this is a charming sculpture of a grandfather and grandson. The grandson is up a ladder and the grandfather is handing him a pot of flowers to decorate the patio garden.
Designed by Jose Manuel Belfonte, this bronze statue honors the important tradition of the Cordoba patios. You can find this tourist attraction on Plaza Manuel Garrido in the historical quarter of San Basilio.
There are a few more of his works dotted around town, including the Caregiver of Patios on Puerta del Rincón.
Shopping in Cordoba
El Zoco Artisanal Market in the Jewish Quarter is small but has a nice range of crafts on display. Head to Mercado Victoria, a covered market, for local cheese, meat, olive oil and wine.
For locally made leather goods, ceramics or jewelry, Mercadillo El Arenal is worth a browse. This Sunday market on Calle del Infierno has over 240 stalls.
El Corte Ingles is a Spanish department store on Calle Sta. MarÃa de Trassierra. It has a good range of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing as well as stylish homeware.
Where to Eat in Cordoba
Dine in a former convent at Bodegas Campos on Calle Lineros, visited by politicians and celebrities. For gazpacho, Casa Mazal – Juderia is a good choice.
A popular drink in Cordoba is the fifty-fifty, a mix of sweet sherry and white wine. Try it with some tapas from Bodegas Mezquita – there are 5 branches in the city. Garum 2.1 is known for its salmorejo, a cold tomato soup with bread.
Guided Tours of Cordoba
It’s well worth taking one or several Cordoba city tours. Here are two of our favorites:
- Guided Tour of Cordoba and Montilla-Moriles Wine – includes monument entrance fees.
- Hidden Cordoba Food Tour – a guided tour combing food and history.
Day Trip from Cordoba
There are quite a few places that you can easily visit for a day trip from Cordoba, such as:
- Medina Azahara – the largest archaeological site in Spain.
- Ronda – a historic Andalusian town, known for the Puente Nuevo bridge.
Places to Stay in Cordoba
Córdoba offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. You can choose from a range of hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals located in the historic city center or in the surrounding areas.
Some popular areas to stay in Córdoba include the JuderÃa (Jewish Quarter) for its charming narrow streets and proximity to the Mezquita-Catedral, or near the Plaza de las Tendillas for its lively atmosphere and easy access to shopping and dining. Additionally, there are options for countryside retreats and traditional cortijos (country estates) for those seeking a more rural experience.
Here are some of the best luxury hotels in Cordoba:
- Hotel Hospes Palacio del BailÃo – 5 star hotel with a spa and flower garden.
- Balcón de Córdoba – air-conditioned comfort in the old town.
- Hotel Madinat – great location in a historic manor house.
Best Time to Visit Cordoba
The best time to visit Cordoba is during the spring and autumn months, specifically from April to June and September to October. During these periods, the weather is generally pleasant, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months.
This allows for comfortable exploration of the city’s historic sites, such as the Mezquita-Catedral and the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, as well as leisurely walks through the charming streets of the old town. Additionally, visitors can also enjoy the city’s famous patios during the Cordoba Patio Festival in May, showcasing the vibrant floral displays in private courtyards.
How to Get to Cordoba
The city is easy to reach by high speed AVE train from Seville to Cordoba in 41 minutes. The closest international airports to Cordoba are Malaga and Seville.
In Conclusion: Best Things to Do in Cordoba Spain
If you want to explore a beautiful and historic Spanish city, Cordoba should be at the top of your list. With its stunning architecture, delicious food, and lively culture, there is something for everyone in Cordoba. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today and don’t forget to check out our other articles on things to do in Spain!
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