Cordova (or Córdoba) was the capital of the Muslim Empire in Spain and, although many centuries have passed, the city still preserves the enchanting charm of Andalusia's most Arabic city.
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There are so many things to see and, from our point of view, one day is not enough to really appreciate them. Córdoba is the city with the most UNESCO heritage monuments in the world, so our suggestion is to dedicate a few days to this place and not just one, as we did.
What to see and do
- The Medina Azahara - Madinat al-Zahra Archaeological Site
- The Great Mosque Cathedral
- The Roman Bridge
- The Albolafia Mill
- The Historical Centre
- The Plaza de las Tendillas
- The Union and the Phoenix Building
- The Roman Temple
- The Patios de Córdoba
- Where to spend the night
- Tips
The Medina Azahara - Madinat al-Zahra Archaeological Site
Any visit to Cordoba can only start at the Medina Azahara, one of the largest archaeological sites in Spain. This city of caliphs, philosophers and princes was sacked and remained buried for centuries. In the 19th century it was discovered and since then this UNESCO wonder has been considered a must-see.
The ruins of the city called Medina Azahara, or in Arabic Madīnat al-Zahrā, cover an area of 112 hectares, and the size and opulence that made it one of the most beautiful and richest cities in the Mediterranean.
Zahara, one of his concubines, after whom it was named. Zahara was Syrian and to keep her from missing snow, the Caliph had the city surrounded by almond trees so that the tree's white blossoms would cover the city streets in spring.
In the Caliph's mind, the construction of such a large and sumptuous city was meant to represent importance and power in the eyes of other Islamic communities, especially with the Imam-Caliphs of Cairo and Baghdad.
The Great Mosque Cathedral
The great Cathedral Mosque of Córdoba is located in the historical city centre and it is one of the most beautiful examples of Muslim art in Spain.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, the great Cathedral Mosque of Córdoba is the most visited monument in the city, which is why you must book your entrance ticket in advance. It often happens that tickets are sold out, making a visit impossible.
The Mosque of Cordova began to be built in 786 on the remains of the ancient Visigothic basilica, at the behest of the first Emir Abd al-Rahman I. As the city grew during the Emirate and Caliphate, several extensions were needed, making this Mosque the largest in the world for years. The Mosque became a Christian Cathedral in 1236, after the reconquest by Ferdinand III, The Saint. Muslims were expelled from Córdoba and chapels, altars and other Christian elements were built in the mosque. In the 16th century, Charles V authorised the construction of the current Christian Cathedral between the naves of the Mosque.
The Mosque-Cathedral impresses from the moment one passes through one of its five main gates. Its dimensions leave everyone speechless: it is 23,400 m2 in area, 1,300 columns from various eras and 365 horseshoe arches. In addition, it is the only Mosque in the world to have a Cathedral inside..
The Roman Bridge
The Roman bridge over the Guadalquivir River is definitely one of the must-see attractions. The structure measures 331 metres in length and is supported on 16 arches. This public work was built by the Roman Emperor Augustus in the 1st century BC and is a symbol of the city.
At either end stands the Puerta del Puente, with its imposing triumphal arch, and on the other side the Calahorra Tower, which is thought to have been a small fort used for the protection of the city and now hosts the Museo de Las Tres Culturas.
If you want to take the perfect shot, this is the place: the illuminated Roman Bridge over the Guadalquivir River. The only sad note: the many people who, just like you and us, stroll around to admire the thousands of shades of lights reflected on the river that envelop the Bridge in a magical atmosphere.
If you want to take the perfect shot, this is the place: the illuminated Roman Bridge over the Guadalquivir River. The only sad note: the many people who, just like you and us, stroll by to admire the thousands of shades of lights reflected on the river that envelop the Bridge in a magical atmosphere.
The Albolafia Mill
In the landscape surrounding the Ponte Vecchio, mills from the medieval period stand out, such as the San Antonio Mill or the Mulino de la Albolafia, which appears in the city's shield.
The Albolafia Mill is located on the right bank of the Guadalquivir. Its construction was ordered by Abd al-Rahman II to bring water from the river to the emirs' palace by means of an ingenious aqueduct.
The mill has a restored water wheel, which was originally dismantled by Queen Isabel the Catholic because of the noise it produced in the vicinity of the Alcázar, the royal residence. This mill has been part of the city's coat of arms since the 14th century.
The Historical Centre
Cordova has one of the most evocative historical centres in all of Andalusia.
Between Arabs, Romans, Christians and Jews, it can be said that this city has lived through many stories.The Moorish conquest and Christian domination have made it famous for its historical buildings and monuments that can be admired both during the day and during the nightlife that this city offers, along with good food, events and happenings.
The Plaza de las Tendillas
Definitely the most popular square in Córdoba, marking the demarcation between the historical core of Córdoba and its more commercial area. It is a large space surrounded by historical buildings, cafés and shops whose symbol par excellence is the equestrian statue of Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba. The sculpture of this nobleman and knight known as 'El Gran Capitán' is made of bronze, except for the head, which is made of marble.
The Plaza de las Tendillas takes its name from the small craft workshops it once housed. Today, another of its most characteristic symbols is the clock in one of its buildings that, instead of chiming, strikes the hours and quarters to the sound of the fandango.
The Plaza de las Tendillas marks the beginning of the most commercial area of Cordova. This is where many of Cordova's commercial streets and avenues end. In addition, on some occasions, the square itself hosts craft or Christmas markets. Plaza de las Tendillas is also a place to eat in Cordova.
The Union and the Phoenix Building
If we were to buy a historical postcard of the city, we would certainly find this building with its upper dome surmounted by a statue of a naked young man on a phoenix.
The curiosity about this particular depiction is that it is not exclusive to Córdoba: it can also be found in Barcelona, Madrid, Bilbao, Valencia, Seville, Zaragoza, Alicante, Huelva, La Coruña, Murcia, Salamanca, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Vigo, Cadiz, Albacete, Valladolid...
These buildings were the headquarters of one of the most important insurance companies: La Unión y el Fénix Español, a company founded in Madrid in 1879. Since its creation, the insurance company invested its assets in the acquisition of real estate (in 1964 it owned 68 buildings: 46 in Spain, 16 in France and the remaining 6 in Europe and Africa) promoting its image through the company emblem placed at the top of the building.
This is why we find these buildings topped with such a distinctive sculpture in many Spanish cities.
The Roman Temple
The ruins of the Roman Temple of Cordoba were discovered during the extension works of the Municipality of Cordoba completed in 1950.
It is an enormous building consisting of six main columns and two side columns. The temple stood on a podium and the altar was located in front of the columns.
The impressive Roman-era columns, capitals, shafts and other original elements of the temple, mainly made of marble, help us to imagine the grandeur and splendour that the temple must have had in its time of glory.
Renovations were completed in 2019 and a walkway was created to allow visitors to access the temple and an interpretation centre.
The Patios de Córdoba
Cordova's patios are at their most splendid during the first fortnight of May each year with the Festival de los Patios Cordobeses (World Heritage). During these two weeks, all those who own a patio participate in the competition by opening their doors to the public, who can visit these interior gardens free of charge.
What many people do not know is that it is possible to visit the courtyards of Cordova all year round, as they are always open and admission is always free. There are also guided tours that help you get to know and experience the culture of the courtyards so that you can better understand and appreciate it.
Where to spend the night
We slept at the municipal campsite El Brillante, which is located in the city centre of Cordoba. Here we were greeted by a beautiful swimming pool, which we very much enjoyed as the 40 degrees accompanied us all day long!
Sito web https://www.campingelbrillante.com/
In questo campeggio ci siamo trovati benissimo. Pulizia e servizi ottimi. Lo consigliamo :)
Tips
Cordoba welcomed us with 40 degrees and we immediately realised the immense value of the fans that Spanish women always carry in their handbags! August is definitely not the best month to visit Córdoba, but if you have no alternative then equip yourself with a nice fan, you won't regret it!
Anche voi siete Spain-addicted come noi? Se sì, non perdetevi le altre magnifiche città di questo incantevole Paese :) Visit-Spain
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