A short guided tour of the beautiful Spanish city for the main sights in Cordoba.
Cordoba is one of the three most visited cities in Andalusia, along with Seville and Granada. If you visit Cordoba for 1 or 2 days, you will discover one of the most beautiful ancient cities in Andalusia, as well as prestigious monuments such as the Mosque of Cordoba or the Alcázar. Córdoba is also the perfect destination for a day trip from Seville (it is only 40 minutes away by train).
The most beautiful sights in Cordoba
The Mosque of Córdoba
The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba (sometimes called the Mezquita) is the city's landmark and certainly one of the most impressive A short guided tour of the beautiful Spanish city for the main sights in Cordoba.
Built in 785 by a Muslim emir on the ruins of a church, it was expanded and embellished over several centuries. Today it is considered one of the finest examples of Islamic art in Spain.
Jewish quarter of Córdoba (La Judería), the heart of the city
To enter the historic centre of Cordoba, walk past the Almodovar Gate, surrounded by high walls and battlements. It marks the entrance to La Judería, the old Jewish quarter of Cordoba.
Stroll through the typical Andalusian streets with whitewashed facades and balconies decorated with flowers. One of these streets is the Calleja de las Flores, Cordoba's most famous little alley, which leads to a beautiful view of the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba.
Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
This is the other monument you must see when visiting Córdoba: the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos ("Alcázar of the Christian Kings"). It served as a residence for Catholic kings, but was also the seat of the Holy Office during the Inquisition. At that time it was converted into a prison.
You can climb one of the 4 towers of the Alcázar. From the city walls you get a unique panorama of the city.
Cordoba Synagogue
Located in the Jewish quarter, it is the only existing synagogue in Andalusia and the third best preserved in Spain. Although small, it is worth a visit especially for the beautiful stucco decorations of the main hall.
Until the expulsion of the Jews, the Cordoba Synagogue served as a temple. Later it was used as a hospital and school before being recognised as a national monument in the 19th century and is now one of the most visited sights in Cordoba.
The bridge gate
The Bridge Gate, as its name suggests, is located directly opposite the Roman Bridge of Cordoba. It was built in the 16th century on the site of ancient Roman and Moorish gates.
The Royal Stables of Cordoba
On a piece of land belonging to the Alcázar are the Royal Stables of Córdoba (in Spanish las caballerizas reales), founded in 1570 by King Felipe II, a horse lover. The famous breed of Andalusian horses was created here.
The Roman Bridge
Let's now go to the Roman Bridge, another of the best sights in Cordoba, great for beautiful shots of the old town, especially at sunset. The complex consisting of the bridge over the Guadalquivir River and the view of the Mosque-Cathedral is one of the most beautiful views of the city.
Built in the 1st century BC, it was the city's only bridge and the main access to Córdoba for almost 20 centuries.
Viana Palace
As the palace is about a ten-minute walk from the Plaza de la Corredera, you should not miss the Viana Palace ("Palacio de Viana") during your visit to Córdoba. The highlights of the visit are the 12 magnificent courtyards and gardens. Art lovers will also be delighted by the impressive collection of paintings, antique crockery and tapestries found in the palace's many outbuildings.
Plaza de la Corredera
This is Cordoba's most famous square: the Plaza de la Corredera (Corrodera Square). Its rectangular shape and arcades are reminiscent of the classic "Plaza Mayor" of Castile, but it is actually the only square with such features in Andalusia. For centuries, this has been a meeting place for parties, markets, bullfights and even ... executions!
Plaza de las Tendillas
Plaza de las Tendillas is a very pleasant square, ideal for a break when visiting the best sights in Cordoba. Its water jets and fountains make it even more pleasant in hot Andalusian weather. Enjoy a moment of relaxation in one of the many bars and restaurant terraces in the area. Don't miss the magnificent building facades in the square.
