17 Aug A remarkable day trip to Córdoba: Travel guide
Córdoba is not as popular as other cities in Spain like Seville, Malaga and Granada, but it is a city rich in history, architecture and Spanish charm and is worth a visit, even if it is just for a day. You will be able to explore the city’s famous patios, visit the mosque, the cathedral, and stroll along the Alcázar.
How to get to Córdoba
Córdoba is easily accessible both by public transport and by car.
By train- you can take the AVE high-speed trains from, the surrounding cities, and you can check timetables and book your tickets at the Renfe website.
By car– If you are doing a road trip through Andalucia, you can reach Cordoba easily as many major highways pass through the city. That being said, keep in mind that is difficult to navigate in the city with the car. For instance, the historic center is a pedestrian zone only. Click here to rent a car.
By bus – you can take a bus from all other destinations in Spain, the prices are lower, but the journey takes much longer. Check the AlSA website for prices and timetables.
History of Córdoba
At one time, Córdoba was the world’s largest city and it in fact was the largest city in western Europe in the 10th century. While the city is no longer one of the largest in the world, it is still one of the most culturally diverse cities in Europe.
The city center has been recognised for its historical significance and for its integration of different religions – Islam, Judaism and Christianity in which all coexisted peacefully together.
Cordoba is the world’s first city owns four UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Sites. The city has more UNESCO sites than Rome!
Here are the top things to see on a day trip to Córdoba
1. Mosque / Cathedral
2. Alcázar
3. Madinat al-Zahra
4. Calle de las Flores
5. Judería
6. Roman Bridge (puente romana)
7. Palacio de Viana
8. City Walls
9. Tower of la Calahorra
Things to do in Córdoba
1. Mosque / Cathedral of Córdoba
Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba is one of the most important historical sites and most popular tourist attractions in the city. The Great Mosque of Córdoba is the largest mosque in Europe the second largest mosque in the world, after the Great Mosque of Mecca (Haram Mosque).
The mosque was built between the 8th-10th century and is one of the earliest examples of Moorish architecture. The mosque was built on the site of a Roman temple dedicated to the Roman God Janus and converted into a Visigoth church. The cathedral was used for worship by 2 religions- Islam and Christianity.
If you want to visit the Great Mosque-Cathedral, you can purchase a ticket on the day of your visit or book a tour in advance. I suggest you either book the ticket in advance or get there early as it gets busy.
2. Puente Romano
Built by the Romans in the 1st century BC, and described by the Arab geographer, Al-drisi ‘surpasses all other bridges in beauty and solidity’. The bridge has 16 arches and is 247 metres long. This is a beautiful bridge to walk across and take pictures of the old town and the river. This bridge was also featured in season 5 of Game of Thrones
3. Torre De La Calahorra
The Cala horra Tower boasts exquisite architecture and it’s the oldest defence building in Córdoba. The tower has a museum with many artefacts and documents which shows how life in Cordoba used to be in the 10th century when all the religions coexisted together.
The top of the tower offers stunning views and is the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
4. La Judería- Córdoba's jewish Quarter
Judería is a beautiful neighbourhood surrounded by a maze of cobbled narrow streets and squares where you will find local terraces under orange tree is a great place to walk around and learn about the Jewish community and take photos.
Another spot worth checking out whilst in La Judería is the synagogue- a 14th-century building that is the only remaining Jewish synagogue in Andalusia.
In Córdoba in particular, in la Juderia most houses have beautiful patios. You might want to check la Calleja de las Flores, where you will see many buildings adorned with pots of flowers
5. Patios De San Basilio
The San Basilio Patios are a must-visit! A ticket for €5 provides access to 5 patios which are all privately owned by locals. The patios- courtyards are places for people to gather, play, and chat together in free time.
6. Alcázar de los Reyes Christianos
The Alcázar is a medieval citadel located in the historic center of Córdoba, on the river and very close to the Mezquita. The citadel served as one of the primary residences of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon. It was built by Afonso XI in 1328, the Alcázar has Mudejar style and impressive gardens.
The main attractions include the Moorish gardens, Hall of Mosaics, and Royal baths.
7. Palacio de Viana
Palacio de Viana is also known as the Museum of the cordovan patios, it contains 12 different patios. Inside there are rich pottery collections, paintings, firearms, mosaics, old furniture, sculptures, and ornamental tiles. There is also a library and a carriage museum.
8. Madinat al-Zahra
The city palace which was built for Abd-al Rahman III in 936 located at the foot of the Sierra Morena mountains five miles from the city of Córdoba. Its name means City of the Light.
9. Others places
Other places worth checking, if you spend more time in the city, are:
- San Lorenzo Church
- Patio de los Naranjos
- Templo Romano
- Palacio de la Merced
- Iglesia de San Francisco
- Plaza de la Corredera
- Casa Ramón García
THANKS FOR READING!
You might also want to check my guides of other cities in Andalucia, just click here.
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