Cordoba, Spain
Exciting history, sights and festivals
Situated in the region of Andalusia in the south of Spain, Cordoba was founded during the Roman Empire and has a rich history.
By the beginning of the 11th century, the city was already listed among the most flourishing cities in Europe.
It had a university and library and was one of the most important centres of Spanish education.
Cordoba is well known for its festivals.
Its historical heritage is also widely acknowledged: the Old Town of Cordoba is even listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN CORDOBA
La Mezquita
We recommend you start with Cordoba’s biggest and most famous attraction – La Mezquita.
Formerly a mosque turned into a cathedral, and this grandeur building is widely known for its numerous columns, topped with Islamic-style arches, striped in red and white.
Of course, the place has many other architectural highlights that remind us of the city’s glory and importance during Medieval times.
The building is surprisingly well-preserved and full of stories – it will take you a couple of hours to explore.
If you go through one of the doors of La Mezquita, you’ll enter the Patio de Los Naranjos (The Court of Orange Trees).
The speciality of this garden is that orange trees are planted in symmetrical rows, duplicating the columns within La Mezquita.
A large fountain is flowing its waters peacefully in the centre of the court.
And the view of a bell tower, framed by orange trees, is great for photos.
Guided Tours
The Old Town
Cordoba Old Town has claimed the UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason.
There are plenty of magnificent historical sites, and you can stroll within its narrow streets for hours, feeling a quiet breath of history in your ears.
The Roman Bridge used to be the main crossing point over the Guadalquivir River, proving Cordoba’s importance for the region.
Today, it’s a beautiful historical monument, marked by a triumphal arch at one side and an old fortified gate at the other.
Take a walk through the majestic narrow Calle de las Flores (Flower Street), with the fascinating cosy square at the end of it and a beautiful view of La Mezquita’s Tower.
Capilla de San Bartolome is a 15th-century chapel maintained by the University of Cordoba, where you will see some beautiful tiles and vaulting.
Albolafia Water Mill is a reconstructed Moorish water wheel, the only one remaining in Spain.
Just 5 minutes from the main square of Cordoba, there are ruins of the ancient Roman temple Templo Romano, which date back to the 1st century A.D.
The place did not survive well over time, but it looks great at night with all its lights and decorations.
To learn more about the Roman period of the city, head to the Archeological Museum of Cordoba, situated over the ruins of the old Roman Amphitheater.
It allows visitors to walk directly through the ruins and see some unique artefacts from the city’s history.
Have you ever walked through a street only 72 cm wide?
Go to Calleja del Panuelo (Handkerchief Alley) near the Mosque-Cathedral.
It is just 72 cm wide at its narrowest point and leads to the smallest square in the world.
Outside the Old Town
There are also a few places outside the Old Town, which you shouldn’t miss.
One of them is Plaza de Capuchinos (or Plaza del Cristo de los Faroles).
The best time to come here is at sunset or night when the Christ in the Cross statue is adorned with many lanterns, candles, and flowers.
It creates quite an atmosphere. And the place is situated not far from the Old Town.
Palacio de Viana, the former palace of the Marquise of Viana, is also an impressive and exciting museum.
Its collection contains furniture, porcelain, tapestries, tiles, paintings, muskets, leatherwork and a vast library (over 7000 books).
It also has a fabulous garden with over 14 patios.
FESTIVALS IN CORDOBA
Patio Festival
Feria de Cordoba (Cordoba Fair)
Las Cruces de Mayo (The May Crosses Festival)
Cata del Vino Montilla-Moriles (Wine-tasting fair)
Festival Internacional de la Guitarra (International Guitar Festival)
The Córdoba Carnival
Semana Santa (Easter Holy Week)
La Batalla de las Flores (The Battle of Flowers)
El Dia de San Rafael (The Day of Saint Rafael)
How to get to Cordoba
Cordoba is very well located geographically.
RENFE, a Spanish high-speed rail network, operates comfortable and regular train rides to Cordoba from Madrid and other cities in Spain:
Barcelona, Malaga, Seville, Valencia, Granada, and Alicante.
The city’s central railway station is only 15 minutes away by foot from the Old Town.
The bus station is also located nearby and operates bus routes to and from almost every town in the region, as well as Madrid.
The nearest airports are Madrid, Malaga, and Seville. From there, you can take a bus or a train to Cordoba.
Tips on good Hotels in Cordoba
You can find many good hotels to choose from in Cordoba.
Here are a couple of the best with good reviews from their visitors
Two famous four stars hotels in the Old Town are Eurostars Azahar and Soho Boutique Capuchinos & Spa.
Eurostars Azahar is situated only 1 kilometre from La Mezquita and 200 meters from the Roman Temple.
This 4-star hotel boasts some of the best reviews and a 9.4 rating on Booking.com.
Featuring a bar, a sauna, a gym, a car rental service, and an excellent room service, wheelchair accessible.
Eurostars Azahar will be a great choice if you prefer to stay in the very heart of Cordoba.
Free WiFi is available throughout the property, and a buffet breakfast is served every morning.
All rooms feature air conditioning, which is essential for Spanish summer days.
You can get help with ticket reservations, airport transfers, or any other services you might need during your stay.
As the Old Town is very cosy, we prefer to stay there, and you are also close to everything else.
But look around among all hotels this beautiful town offers and find one that suits you best.
Guided tours and more things to do in Cordoba
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