Sightseeing route around Cordoba. What is worth seeing in Cordoba? Guide to Cordoba
How to get to Cordoba
Cordoba, or as it is also called, Cordoba, is an ancient city; the first settlement was founded here during the times of Ancient Rome. Since then, many ancient Roman monuments have remained in Cordoba. architectural structures, but most of all, Cordoba is famous for its attractions built during the Cordoba Caliphate. Alcazar, Mezquita, Calahorra Tower and much more - that's why tourists go to Cordoba.
To get to Cordoba, you first need to fly to one of major cities nearby. It could be Madrid or Malaga. The fact is that there is no airport in Cordoba itself, so you can only get here by land transport. Cordoba is located in the heart southern province Andalusia, on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, in one of the hottest areas of Spain.
How to get to Cordoba from Madrid
Between Madrid and Cordoba there are 400 km of travel. You can overcome them by train. Madrid and Cordoba are also connected by highway No. A-4.
By train
Direct high-speed AVE trains run between Madrid and Cordoba, so you can cover the 400 km distance in just 2 hours. Trains begin running on the route from 6 am at intervals of once every half hour. Trains depart from railway station Madrid Puerta de Atocha. The last train leaves at 21.25 pm. You can check the schedule at the railway service . You can buy a train ticket either at the Madrid railway station or in advance on the website.
By rented car
If you have an international driving license, you can rent a car inexpensively to travel around Spain. If you are planning several trips at once, then will quickly pay for itself compared to public transport, prices for which are not always humane. There are two ways to get from Madrid to Cordoba by car. The first is to immediately go onto highway No. A4, it is somewhat shorter and faster. The second option is to take highway No. A42 through Toledo, and then exit onto the same highway No. A4. The second method is a little longer, but you will have the opportunity to see ancient capital Spain - the city of Toledo.
Simone/Cordoba
How to get to Cordoba from Malaga
Getting to Malaga from Russia has recently become quite convenient after the launch . Malaga has its own international Airport and is convenient transport hub for traveling around Andalusia. You can get from Malaga to Cordoba by trains and buses. The distance between the cities is 160 km.
By train or bus
There are direct high-speed AVE trains from Malaga, the journey time is only 1 hour. Trains start running at 6 am, once an hour. The last train leaves at 8 pm. You can check the schedule at the railway service . You can buy a train ticket either at Malaga railway station or in advance on the website.
Buses from Malaga to Cordoba run 5 times a day, with the first departure at 9 am. Travel time is 3.5 – 4 hours depending on traffic congestion. Transportation is provided by the national bus carrier Alsa. On the site Alsa can be clarified current schedule, and also purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are also sold at the Malaga bus station ticket office.
By rented car
If you have an international driver's license and driving experience, then such an option as , can be very useful, since you can get from Malaga to Cordoba by private car in just 1 hour 45 minutes along highway No. A-45 through the beautiful town of Antequera, which is also of tourist interest. You can find rental offices in Malaga in the city itself and at the arrival airport.
How to get to Cordoba from Seville
Often tourist routes to Seville and Cordoba intersect, because... Both cities are in relatively close proximity, and Seville can easily be visited on 1 day from Cordoba, as well as Cordoba from Seville. The distance between the cities is about 140 km. You can overcome them by all means of public transport.
By train or bus
The railway connection between Seville and Cordoba is very well developed. High speed trains AVE type depart from Seville Santa Justa Station three times an hour, starting at 6 am. The last train leaves at 21.35 pm. Travel time is about 40-45 minutes. You can check the schedule at the railway service . You can buy a train ticket either at Seville railway station or in advance online.
Buses from Seville to Cordoba leave 7 times a day. The first flight departs at 8.30 am. Travel time is 2 hours. Transportation is provided by the national bus carrier Alsa. On the siteAlsa You can check the current schedule and purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are also sold at the Seville bus station ticket office.
Sharon Mollerus/Cordoba Cordoba Hotels
There are many hotel offers in Cordoba, from the most luxurious ones with views of the old city to modest but cozy apartment hotels. For a stay of 1-2 nights, 2-3 star hotels are also quite suitable, however price policy For hoteliers in Cordoba, it is quite possible to stay in the “four”.
Hotel Cordoba Center, 4 stars
This Cordoba hotel is one of the most popular in the city due to its convenient location in the center of the city's main attractions. There are numerous restaurants and cafes nearby, and the main tourist places are within walking distance. The hotel offers open pool with views of the city. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Paid private parking is available next to the hotel (reservation is not required).
The hotel offers its guests different categories of accommodation from standard rooms to superior and junior suites. Inside you can find air conditioning, safe, hairdryer, minibar, telephone, TV, radio. Depending on the room type, the price may include breakfast, half board or full board(specify when booking). The hotel received the best ratings for the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms, as well as for the presence of a panoramic swimming pool.
The reception is open 24 hours a day. Check-in is from 15.00, check-out is until 12.00. You can find out more about availability and hotel costs for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com.
Eurostars Conquistador, 4 stars
This Cordoba hotel is located in historical district city, within walking distance of the Mezquita, one of the city's main attractions. The hotel features a traditional patio. Wi-Fi is available throughout the entire territory free of charge. The hotel has its own restaurant serving meals local cuisine. Paid private parking is available nearby.
The hotel has one and double rooms, as well as junior suites. Some rooms have views of the Mezquita. In the rooms you can find a TV, telephone, air conditioning, hairdryer, minibar, safe. Breakfast, depending on the room type, can be included in the price or paid separately. Half board option is also available. Best reviews The hotel was awarded for its location and cleanliness of the rooms.
There is a 24-hour front desk. Check-in is from 14.00, check-out is until 12.00. You can find out more about availability and hotel costs for specific dates on the booking website Booking.com.
Hesperia Cordoba, 4 stars
Hotel Hesperia Córdoba is located on the Guadalquivir River, opposite the Alcazar Fortress. The hotel offers its guests an outdoor rooftop swimming pool, a restaurant-bar and free Wi-Fi throughout. Private paid parking is available nearby. Luggage storage is available.
The hotel offers standard rooms, superior rooms and junior suites. Some rooms have a view historical Center cities. The rooms have air conditioning, hairdryer, minibar, safe, telephone, cable and satellite TV. Breakfast, depending on the type of room, can be included in the price or paid additionally. The hotel received the best reviews for its location and cleanliness of the rooms.
Booking.com.
La Boutique Puerta Osario, 3 stars
This boutique hotel is located near the historic center of the city, within walking distance of the Mezquita. There are also cafes, restaurants, shops nearby, the railway station is located 1 km from the hotel. The hotel has its own bar. Wi-Fi is provided free of charge. Paid private parking is available on site (reservation required).
The hotel has 27 standard category rooms, inside of which you can find a refrigerator, telephone, minibar, radio, air conditioning, TV, hairdryer. Breakfast, depending on the type of room, can be included in the price or paid additionally. The hotel received the best ratings from guests for the cleanliness of the rooms and the work of the staff.
The reception is open 24 hours a day. Check-in is from 14.00, check-out is until 12.00. You can find out more about availability and hotel costs for specific dates on the booking websiteBooking.com.
Jocelyn Erskine-Kellie/Cordoba Sights of Cordoba
Cordoba (Cordova), along with Seville and Granada are the largest tourist center Andalusia. There are many sites here that are associated with the city's Moorish heritage, as the Caliphate of Cordoba was located here during the early Middle Ages. But what is most surprising is that earlier historical sights have also been preserved in Cordoba - the first Cordoba settlement was formed here during the heyday of the Roman Empire.
The Golden Triangle of Cordoba attractions is considered to be the Alcazar, the Mezquita and the Roman Bridge, but this interesting places cities are not exhausted. You should definitely visit the old part of the city, the so-called Jewish Quarter, climb the Calahorru Tower to see the city from above, and admire the splendor of the Merced Palace.
Alcazar Palace
The Alcazar, or fortress of the Christian kings, is palace complex, which became the home of Spanish royalty for many centuries, and before that was the residence of the Cordoban caliphs. In its scope, the Cordoba Alcazar is in no way inferior to the Seville one and consists of the castle itself, as well as a park, which in itself is a miracle of landscape design.
The interior of the Alcazar has been perfectly preserved; here you can see the Mudejar style typical of the local area in the decoration of the premises, mosaic paintings, and Gothic galleries with sculptures and bas-reliefs. The Alcazar gardens stretch over several hectares, here you can find cascading fountains, flowering alleys, sculptures and much more, worthy of attention tourist The doors of the fortress are open to visitors every day except Mondays.
gonzalo castan/Alcazar Mezquita
The Mezquita is also called the Cordoba Cathedral Mosque. And although today it is a Roman Catholic cathedral, before the Reconquista it was really a mosque, which was later rebuilt by order of the Spanish kings. As a result of historical vicissitudes, the mesquita can safely be called a shrine of different cultures.
The Mezquita is famous for its architecture, this is a place that is definitely worth entering, because all the most interesting things are located inside. In Mesquite you will see great amount white and red vaults supported by numerous pillars. It is now hardly possible to attribute the Mezquita to any one architectural style, since due to constant reconstructions, traditional oriental motifs, Romanesque style, Byzantine elements, and Gothic examples are mixed here, which is why the building is considered one of a kind and, of course, , outstanding historical building. In the Mezquita you can literally study the complex history of southern Spain. The Mezquita is open to visitors daily from 10am.
gotardo gonzalez/Mezquita Roman Bridge
The Roman Bridge appeared in Cordoba during the Roman Empire, which explains its name. Located on the Guadalquivir River, the city simply needed a reliable crossing, and it was then that the 16-arch bridge spans were conceived. The length of the bridge is neither more nor less than 250 m. The Roman Bridge is considered an iconic landmark of Cordoba, along with the Mezquita and the Alcazar, and today it is completely pedestrian. On one side the bridge leads to the Mezquita, on the other to the Calahorra Tower. In the evening, the spans of the bridge are illuminated and create a single composition with the illuminated Mezquita illumination. Sunset and night views of this place are considered postcard-worthy and are depicted in many guidebooks to Spanish Cordoba.
harvey barriso/Roman Bridge Jewish Quarter
If you want to find the remains of the old city in Cordoba, then go to the Juderia district, or, as it is also called, the Jewish quarter. Here, in the narrow streets of the area, you can see the preserved medieval features. Also attracting attention are numerous arches and patios (Andalusian courtyards), and in the center of Juderia there is a synagogue building, the oldest in Spain. The streets of the area, winding here and there, will ultimately lead you straight to the Alcazar. And in May, many patios in Cordoba host the so-called flower festival, when cozy white courtyards are decorated with floral arrangements and put on public display (to the delight of tourists). Thus, the courtyards compete with each other in the most elegant decoration.
nicolas vollmer/Huderia Calahorra Tower
The tower is an example of a Middle Ages building and was originally erected as a defensive structure. The tower, despite the fact that it dates back to the 12th century, has survived to this day in excellent condition, and today there is a museum of three cultures and an excellent Observation deck, offering views of the Guadalquivir River, the Roman Bridge and the Mezquita.
The Museum of Three Cultures tells about the life and work of famous residents of Andalusia during different periods of the region’s existence. The museum is open daily from 10 am. You can climb to the very top of the tower, although you will have to walk neither more nor less, 78 steps, but the views from the tower are worth it.
harvey barrison/Calahorra Merced Palace
Located in Cordoba, Spain, the Merced Palace will surprise you with its splendor and festive decoration, but this is not surprising, because the building is made in the Baroque style. Over the past centuries, the building has undergone changes more than once, incl. and as a result of fire. What we see today is the result of restoration in the 18th century. The facades of the building were completely restored, while the restoration of the interior continues to this day. Despite this, inside the palace you can see collections of paintings by prominent artists of the Middle Ages, engravings, sculptural works, as well as images of views of Cordoba. You should definitely take a stroll through the courtyards of the palace, where you can find many interesting things, for example, unusual sundials or carved fountains.
turol jones/Merced Palace Excursions in Cordoba
You can explore the main attractions of Cordoba and learn something new about its history and features during an organized individual excursion, because Cordoba is, neither more nor less, a city of three cultures. During , which lasts 3 hours, you can stroll through old Cordoba, walk along the Roman Bridge, see the Royal Palace and the Mezquita with its orange orchards. At the end of the excursion you will be able to taste wine at one of the best wineries in the city. The excursion is individual, designed for 1-5 people, conducted in Russian, lasts 3 hours. Learn about others interesting walks in the cities of Andalusia you can visit the excursion booking website .
After having a quick breakfast and immediately packing our things to leave the next morning, we left our apartment at approximately 7:50. By the way, the prices for accommodation here are not low. A standard room for two at the hotel cost us $55.
I want to say right away that local transport cannot convey all the beauty of the city, since it does not reach almost 40% of the beautiful places. It’s easier to rent a car, even if it is more expensive - on average, $30 per day plus fuel costs, but it is more comfortable, and there is no constraint in the desire to visit this or that place.
The beginning of our trip was also overshadowed by the fact of additional expenses for washing our car, since it had been raining since the very morning. In general, the climate situation here is quite original. It’s not like at home - it waits in the evening, and in the morning the sun is already shining. Here, if it rains, it rains constantly and for several days. Fortunately, we were on the last day of this whole flood and by lunchtime everything cleared up.
As ironic as it may sound, the GPS in the city was incredibly slow, so with the help of a guidebook and following the bus route, we began our journey. Having reached Plaza de Colon, we went on foot to probably the most interesting place in the city - Palace Viana. A visually inspiring place with a stunning garden - 6.5 square kilometers of varied greenery. The only problem was the excursion, which started in an hour, and was also conducted in Spanish. After taking a few photos outside, we moved on.
After about a kilometer we came across the remains of Roman temples. I don’t argue that a lot of things here have been reconstructed and recreated quite recently, but you can also look for ancient untouched columns. Quite impressive.
Our next stop was Plaza Corredera. It is worth noting that due to the potential danger of rain and rather slushy weather, the area was packed with people. Well, in general it is logical, since this place is the main square of Cordoba.
Surprisingly, the square itself is closed - four walls and two arched entrances. According to the stories of the locals, what was not done in this square: bullfights were held, carnivals and fairs were held, there was even a prison here. Now they sell hats on its territory. Quite funny, and, as I understand it, products of our own production. My companion generally loves markets, and if we weren’t in a hurry, we would have obviously been delayed for several hours.
Further along our route was the city river and the Roman bridge built across it. True, we did not dare to cross the bridge. It was already quite cool a hundred meters from the river, so we did not risk our health. It is a bridge and a bridge in Argentina.
Finally we reached the next stop along the route, in fact, it was the main reason for visiting Cordoba- city cathedral. I don't know who designed it, but the builders were definitely happy when they installed about 1,000 pillars inside the building. Of course, these are all jokes, since the place is really amazing.
And the uniqueness lies in the fact that there is not a single repeating pillar here. They are all different in color, texture and inscriptions. You can safely spend ten minutes near each one, understanding its purpose.
They also say that these pillars were brought from different places, and each of them is part of a separate diaspora. In addition to the pillars, your attention may also be attracted by the chapel; by the way, there are several of them here, and they are also completely different.
As for the cathedral itself, according to its history, the building was originally considered a mosque, and was built in the fifteenth century. However, after the reconquest of this territory by Christians, the mosque was reclassified as a cathedral.
During the two hours of being on the territory of the cathedral, I never once thought that it was boring here, that there was more work waiting for us. There really is something to see and listen to here. Fortunately, there are excursions at English language. In my opinion, this is the largest religious building in the world.
We walked quite a bit, and it was decided to have a snack. It took us to the Jewish quarter. An original place - what can I say. An Italian-Jew sounds ridiculous, and looks even funnier, although, in fact, people are sympathetic, and, by the way, they cook quite tasty.
However, before we had a bite to eat, we also visited the local synagogue. After the cathedral it seemed so tiny, even though it is what it is. In general, after 10 minutes we finally got to the restaurant.
As for the local cuisine, I liked everything except the signature Cordoba soup. Well, really, if it's actually chicken broth, why does it look like rainwater? By the way, it tastes the same. You know, I always collect recipes from all the places I visit and often recommend them to family and friends. So I will only recommend this recipe to my boss. In addition to the broth, the “soup” also includes dry tiny croutons, boiled eggs and ham.
And now for the better. I tried a delicious stuffed eggplant drizzled with honey. Original, I tell you. Then I tried the pork loin, and my wife decided to experiment and ordered oxtail for herself. Both dishes were delicious and came with extra fries and some sauces.
After a hearty lunch, we went to the fortress of the Christian kings. It seems to me that it would not seem so cool if it were not for the majestic gardens located around it.
By the way, there is a small tower there, which offers breathtaking views of the city. At the same time, the charging is not bad. It’s a pity we didn’t see the gardens blooming, we were only two months late, but given their beauty now, it’s hard to imagine how we could have been surprised.
At 5 p.m., purely by chance, we ended up on a tour of the patio. Seven houses with open courtyards, where unusual plants and flowers grow, hung in a certain style. The women housewives talked a lot about flowers and caring for them, but oh, this Spanish. All I understood from the excursion was that I Cordoba. Well, okay, there’s no need to listen, but to watch. By the way, the excursion costs 5 euros.
We finished our trip walking along the huge shopping streets of the city. What’s most interesting is that the prices for local goods are sky-high, so we didn’t stay there for very long and decided to have dinner at the restaurant. You know, it feels like prices here depend on the time of day.
Not only did prices at the market become noticeably more expensive by the evening, but in restaurants they were asking almost twice as much for the same “soup.” So we decided to abandon this idea and went to the hotel, where we had dinner in the dining room. As I wrote earlier, the price per room was $55. But I forgot to mention one thing that I already learned in the evening. In addition to breakfast, the price also included lunch and dinner. And all this in the form of a buffet.
At almost ten o'clock in the evening we returned home. And you know, even before midnight we were thinking, shouldn’t we stay here a little longer? But, having agreed that we still had to travel around a good part of Argentina and see many more beautiful places, the next morning we set off. By the way, we were once again touched by the delights of Cordoba when we tried to leave the city, which took us about two hours. Thanks GPS! But the city itself remains the best in Argentina for me.
Cordoba is a city that has preserved several cultures at once and enchants with its architecture
Cordoba or Cordoba is an Andalusian city and ancient Moorish capital where attractions compete for dominance in scale and sophistication. The local museums are located right in the palaces, and the mighty bridge was built under Caesar. The effect is enhanced by bars where you can hear flamenco and the click of heels, Andalusian patios and delicious cuisine, fortress walls and gates.
Visiting Cordoba is like visiting three countries at once, as three monotheistic cultures have left a deep imprint here: Muslim, Christian and Jewish. The Cordoba Mosque (Mezquita) is the most beautiful mosque in Spain and the third largest in the world, which more than 1.5 million tourists come to see every year. Christian monarchs, in response to the Moors, built their own Alcazar, considered second after the one in Seville. The colorful Jewish Quarter and the ancient Synagogue have been preserved here.
You can see Cordoba by watching this video:
No less unique heritage ancient Rome– bridge, ruins of a temple and amphitheater, a stunning marble sarcophagus in the Cordoba Alcazar. Cordoba's festivals are vibrant manifestations of flamenco, flowers, guitars and festivities. Many tourists plan their trips to attend one of these fiestas.
How to get to Cordoba
Photo: Tourist card Cordoba Train
Cordoba has high-speed rail connections to the main cities (carrier AVE). From Madrid the train (AVE) takes 1 hour 45 minutes, ticket prices range from 30-70 €. From Seville the train (AVE) takes 42 minutes, ticket price is 25-35 €. From Malaga (convenient to holiday season) train (RENFE) takes about 1 hour, ticket price is 18-28 €.
Atobus
Bus from Madrid (carrier Socibus) – 5 hours, round trip ticket costs about 30 €. Bus from Seville (ALSA carrier) – 2 hours, tickets cost 15-22 €. Bus from Malaga (carrier ALSA) - 4 hours 15 minutes, ticket prices 16 € - 25 €.
When to go
The climate of Cordoba allows you to come here almost all year round; in July and August it will be too hot (up to +40˚С). However, if you come here for a couple of days from the coast, shady courtyards and cozy cafes will save you from the heat during siesta.
Spring in Cordoba is velvety - from +18 to +27˚С, gardens are blooming, a gentle wind is blowing, May fiestas and festivals are colorful.
Autumn is extraordinary - in September the average is +32˚С ( high season And high prices), in October it is delightful +26˚С, and in November +18˚С (at night +10˚С). Winter is moderate from +5 to +15˚С, oranges bloom and ripen at the same time. There are few tourists, but there is a special atmosphere.
Story
The first information about the city dates back to 230 AD. in connection with the Roman village of Carduba. At the beginning of the 8th century, Cordoba became one of the largest and most influential cities in Europe after Constantinople. At this time, it was the capital of the Cordoba Caliphate or Al-Andalus, where about 500 thousand people lived. (now about 320 thousand)
In the 9th-10th centuries Cordoba was a center of scientific and cultural life with the most best university, where about 10 thousand people from Europe and the East studied. Most of the townspeople were literate, and Cordoba's library was the largest in the Islamic world (more than 400 thousand volumes).
In 1236, Cordoba was captured by the Castilian troops of King Ferdinand III, but the imprint of Muslim culture remained the strongest.
Sights of Cordoba
Photo: Alcazar of Christian Kings Old city Cordoba is included in the UNESCO list; to see all its attractions, you need 2-3 days. To fit it into 1 day, you can choose the most interesting places - the Mezquita, the Cordoba Alcazar, the Roman Bridge, the Jewish Quarter, Constitution Square and one of the museums.
The Roman Bridge is the oldest object in Cordoba, 250 m long, built in the time of Caesar. 16 arch bridge across the Guadalquivir River is flanked by the beautiful Arab battlemented tower-fort of Torre de la Calahorra on one side (now a museum), and an ancient gate on the other.
Photo: Roman Bridge in Cordoba Alcazar of the Christian Kings (from Arabic alcazar - “palace”) of the 14th century is the second most important royal residence after the Seville, combining the features luxurious palace with fabulously beautiful gardens and a mighty fortress. In this palace-fortress of 55 thousand square meters. m, the most important issues of Columbus's expeditions were resolved, as evidenced by the sculpture where Columbus stands in front of the royal couple. Of particular value is the ancient Roman sarcophagus stored here, made from a single piece of marble from the 3rd century AD. with skillful carvings.
Mezquita (translated from Spanish mezquita - “mosque”) is a Moorish miracle in the heart of Cordoba. The mosque was built in 786 on the site of a destroyed Visigothic basilica and was the main shrine of the Cordoba Caliphate. The stunning beauty of the mosque captivated the Spaniards and they did not destroy it, but instead built the Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Mary between its columns (13th century).
Photo: Mezquita Mosque A picturesque orange garden with cypress and olive trees, an arcaded chapel, amazing vaults, altars, and sophisticated decorations make the Mezquita one of the most visited attractions in Europe. A narrow street leads to Foal Square and the Museum Fine Arts.
Museum of Fine Arts on the square Plaza del Potro, in a former hospital building, immediately attracts the eye with its elegant fountain with a foal. The courtyard connects it with the Julio Romero de Torres Museum. Paintings by Palomino, Pedro de Cordova, Bote, Murillo, Ribera, Alejo Fernandez and other Renaissance and Baroque artists are exhibited here. The collection of sculptures includes works by Cristobal, Juan de Messa, Julio Antonio and Mateo Innuria. The collection of graphics containing works by Goya is of high value.
Photo: Plaza del Potro While in Plaza del Potro, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Fosforito Flamenco Museum in a lovely medieval inn from the 14th century. The courtyard itself is designed in the spirit of old Andalusia, and inside there is an interactive exhibition with photos and recordings best performances, antique and modern flamenco accessories.
Plaza de la Corredera) is one of the most famous squares in Cordoba, which delights with its scope, straight lines and conciseness. Previously, public executions of inquisitors, fairs and bullfights were held here. Now there are numerous cafes and underground parking.
Photo: Constitution Square in Cordoba The archaic Roman Temple (Templo Romano) is like a portal to ancient worlds in the city center. Judging by the scale of the structure and the quality of the marble columns, this could have been the main shrine of the Romans. Interestingly, the ruins were only excavated in the 1950s during the expansion of the city hall.
The Viana Museum is another museum in the palace that opens a door into the life of the wealthy citizens of old Cordoba. The palace is impressive with the number of courtyards, each of which is decorated in its own style, and pots of flowers create coziness. The collection of the Vian Museum is represented by rare furniture, tapestries, paintings, a unique collection of books and other antiques.
Photo: Viana Museum The 13th-century Church of San Miguel, in the square of the same name, is a fine example of sustained Gothic architecture. You can also visit the Church of Saint Hippolyte and head to Tendillas Square, the Archaeological Museum and the Juderia - the Jewish Quarter.
Tendillas Square (Plaza de las Tendillas) – main square Cordoba in its historical center, where life is always bustling. It is decorated with majestic Art Nouveau buildings and a beautiful equestrian sculpture of the outstanding Spanish commander Gonzalo Fernandez de Cordoba. It is home to Christmas markets and regular street performances.
Photo: Tendillas Square The Museum of Archeology and Ethnography, housed in the magnificent 16th century Paez de Castillejo mansion, welcomes guests with a pleasant courtyard with a fountain. On the lower level, unique objects from prehistoric to Roman times are exhibited, while upstairs the visitor is presented with an outstanding collection from the Morisco era.
The Jewish Quarter (Juderia) is a colorful place where Jews lived for 5 centuries. Many interesting objects have been preserved here, including the Cordoba Synagogue, the Sephardi House, the Almodovar Gate, next to which there is a monument to Seneca.
The Synagogue of Cordoba (probably early 14th century) is the only surviving Jewish shrine in southern Spain. The synagogue amazes with the splendor of carved floral ornaments, stars of David and writings from the Torah.
If you are not too lazy, you can find the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheater in the Juan Carlos I Park to the west of the center.
Attractions in the area
Photo: Medina az Zahara Palace Medina az Zahara is a palace 8 km from Cordoba, which served as the residence of Abd ar-Rahman III, built in the 10th century and destroyed at the beginning of the 11th century by a Berber raid from Africa. One can imagine the former beauty of the palace city, because even its ruins exude luxury and grandeur.
Bujalance is a beautiful Andalusian town 45 km from Cordoba with cute houses, churches, palaces and towers. Here you can spend the day walking around the historical center and outskirts, arriving by bus from Cordoba, which leaves every hour.
Montilla is a pleasant town 55 km from Cordoba, which is worth a visit to buy the best wines and olive oil. In addition to being here magnificent palace Dukes of Medinaceli in the Renaissance style.
Best places for photos
One of the most beautiful places for a walk and photo shoot is the Street of Flowers (Calleja de las Flores). Be sure to find this incredibly narrow street with white houses that seem to compete in beauty and variety of colorful flowers in bright pots. Also beautiful is Calle Bailio, with cypress trees, whitewashed houses, waterfalls of bright colors and forgings. Here you can get the most atmospheric Andalusian photos.
The Roman Bridge is perfect place for panoramic photos from where you can see the city, Mezquita and other buildings. And, of course, the Cordoba Alcazar and the Mezquita, where every corner can become a place for a luxurious photo shoot.
Siesta
When planning a city tour, keep in mind that many establishments may be closed for siesta. For example, Mezquita, which is closed from 11:30 to 15:00. But even if you made a mistake, you can go to the Jewish Quarter or look into one of the restaurants.
Holidays
Photo: Patio Festival in Cordoba Battle of Flowers (after April Sunday) - a luxurious procession with huge flower arrangements and cheerful throwing of carnations.
The Festival of the May Crosses is an interesting event at the beginning of May, when huge 3-meter crosses decorated with flowers are carried along the street.
Cordoba Fair (end of May) is the main fiesta of the city with fun dancing, food, rivers of wine, competitions and concerts.
The soul of Cordoba is its lovely patios with flowers, in honor of which a holiday was even invented. The second and third weeks of May are the Patio Festival, when everyone can come in and appreciate the patios of participating citizens.
The Flamenco Festival is held in June, when evening Cordoba is replete with ladies in bright dresses with fans. This best time getting into the city – the flamenco concerts and the general atmosphere are simply breathtaking.
The Guitar Festival is another native Spanish event that lasts 2 weeks in July. The sound of the guitar flows from everywhere - flamenco, jazz, folk melodies, Celtic motifs. Most events are free, but for professional concerts you need to purchase tickets in advance.
Shopping
What to buy:
- Jewelry;
- Sombrero (Cordoba hat);
- Leather products;
- Batik with an Arabic or floral pattern or with a girl dancing flamenco;
- Ceramics – souvenir tiles with house numbers, magnets;
- Glass mosaic.
Where to buy
Souvenirs and leather goods are sold in numerous souvenir shops in the city. Also check out the large El Corte Ingles shopping center.
Cordoba is considered the jewelry capital of Spain thanks to shopping center PARQUE JOYERO DE CORDOBA, where the largest selection of jewelry and watches in Europe.
Pay special attention to the old Arab market with a magnificent selection of silver jewelry at very attractive prices.
Things to do in Cordoba
10 cases in Cordoba:
- Get carried away oriental fairy tale Mesquites and continue to the Moroccan Tea House;
- Feel like a monarch in the gardens of the Cordoba Alcazar;
- Spend an evening in a flamenco atmosphere at Tablao Flamenco Cardenal or the cozy Taberna La Fuenseca bar;
- Visit Hammam Al Andalus - an oriental bath;
- Buy beautiful and inexpensive silver jewelry at the Arab market;
- Try salmorejo and oxtail in a restaurant with an Andalusian patio;
- Travel to Medina to discover how luxurious ruins can be;
- Explore the Jewish Quarter, the fabulous Synagogue and Sephardic Museum;
- Hide from the heat in the Botanical Garden of Cordoba;
- Head to charming Montilla for the best olive oil.
What to try
Photo: Cordoba soup Salmorejo Cordoba cuisine is based on three pillars: meat, vegetables and olive oil. The best wines from Cordoba winemakers are Amontillado and Aloroso, which stand out with a special bouquet.
Salmorejo is a Cordoba soup similar to gazpacho, but thicker and always seasoned with boiled egg and ham (jamon). Just like gazpacho, it is served cold, which is very helpful in the heat. Try it after a walk around the Mezquita at El Caballo Rojo (open even during siesta).
Rabo de toro is a tender and lean oxtail stewed with vegetables. You can try the best tail in Cordoba at El Patio Azul, which is also near Mezquita. Charming Andalusian patio, huge portions, homemade food, reasonable prices.
Flamenquin - deep-fried pork rolls stuffed with jamon. An excellent hearty snack to go with beer. It is usually served with salad and fries, making it a complete dinner.
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Instead of hotels, you can book an apartment (on average 1.5-2 times cheaper) on AirBnB.com, a very convenient worldwide and well-known apartment rental service with a bonus of 2100 rubles upon registrationCordoba – famous city in Spain, located on the right bank of the Guadalquivir River, as well as the capital of the province of the same name. According to history, Cordoba was founded before our era, around 152. During its heyday, the city's population exceeded a million inhabitants. Today this figure does not exceed 330 thousand people.
Over the entire period of its existence, Cordoba was repeatedly conquered by various conquerors, who left the city with many architectural monuments and structures. In this review we have collected the main sights of Cordoba which every tourist must see.
1. Alcazar in Cordoba
Alcazar – fortification, also known as the fortress of Christian kings. This is one of the main attractions of Cordoba! The alcazar is located on the street of the same name, not far from the Roman Bridge. Initially, this building acted as defensive fortress, since it took me a lot advantageous position on the river bank.
Later, when the Arabs ruled Cordoba, the Alcazar was one of the many parts of the Caliph's palace, while remaining a defensive structure. As a result, the building was repeatedly destroyed during attacks and subsequently rebuilt. In the 13th century. The Alcazar was completely converted into a residence for the kings. Another century later, the fortress acquired its final form, which has been preserved to this day.
At the end of the 19th – beginning of the 20th century, the fortress served as a prison, as a result of which the interior of the premises underwent serious changes. Since June 1931, the Alcazar has been recognized historical monument, which later became cultural heritage UNESCO.
2. Torre de la Calahorra
Torre de la Calahorra is a beautiful monument in Cordoba that you can find at one end of the Roman Bridge. The tower was built as a defensive structure in the 13th century. Having survived many wars and civil strife, the building retained its pristine view to this day.
The Calahorra Tower was built during the reign of Enrique II to protect against regular attacks from his half-brother, Pedro I the Cruel. The basis for its construction was the Moorish Wall. History says that this fortress became an insurmountable barrier when Fernando III tried to take the city in 1369.
Today Torre de la Calahorra is a museum and is historical heritage Spain. Thanks to modern technologies, every tourist can go back in time and see with his own eyes how things really were.
3. Botanical Garden of Cordoba
This a nice place in Cordoba appeared in 1980, when a group of numerous professors and scientists of the university formed a park, which today contains the most rich collection plants from various parts of the world. total area The park is more than 5 hectares.
Throughout the botanical garden there are several areas that group certain plants. For example, there is an arboretum in which a huge number of trees and shrubs grow in natural conditions. Also in the garden you can see a rose garden, where various varieties of roses from all over the world are collected.
In addition to numerous plants, botanical garden Cordoba has an ethnobotanical museum where anyone can learn a lot about various plants. The museum also provides information about evolution flora on our planet and about the relationship between man and nature.
4. Palacio de Viana
Another beautiful attraction of Cordoba is the largest complex Palacio de Viana, made in the form of a palace on the ruins of an ancient house. The complex got its name from the owner of the house, the Marquis de Viana.
It is believed that the main façade of the palace was built in the 16th century. Juan de Ochoa, who gave the entire building a Mannerist style. Throughout its existence, the Palacio de Viana has been restored several times. However, in the years 53-63 of the 20th century, the building underwent significant changes, since the owner, the Cajasur bank, wanted to found a museum in it, where a diverse collection is presented to this day.
Compared to all other buildings in Cordoba, the two-story palace stands out with its sleek white walls. In the middle, the attraction has a very complex structure, consisting of many different rooms connected by corridors in the form of galleries.
5. Roman Bridge
Roman Bridge- one of the most recognizable landmarks of Cordoba. The design is a 16-arched structure 250 meters long, which was born during the reign of the Roman Empire. Initially, the bridge was of great strategic importance, since it served as the only crossing into the city across the Guadalquivir River and was intended to facilitate trade between Rome and Cadiz.
Unfortunately, the original design of the monument has not survived to this day. The ancient bridge was completely destroyed during the reconquest of the city by Christians. Subsequently, a new one was built on the old foundation.
Initially, this was the only bridge in Cordoba, so for a long time there was a southern customs house here. Because this oldest building, then for its safety in 2004 the passage of vehicles was prohibited here.
6. Church of San Lorenzo
Cordoba has many churches, temples and mosques. However, it deserves special attention Church of San Lorenzo, which is one of the most ancient architectural sights of Cordoba. It was built in the 13th century, when the city was conquered by King Ferdinand III. Previously, there was a mosque on the site of this church. Since the landmark was born during the transition period from the Romanesque to the Gothic style, this significantly affected its appearance. Particularly striking in this church is the large rose window in the Mudejar style. To this day, Gothic paintings depicting the Passion of Christ have also been preserved in the church.
7. Corrida Museum in Cordoba
Bullfighting is one of the most popular entertainments in Spain. In this matter, Cordoba was no exception. As a sign of respect for this unusually dangerous art, the city's residents dedicated it to bullfighting. a whole museum, which is located in Maimónides Square.
The entire museum is dedicated not only to the life, but also to the history of the most famous bullfighters. Particularly appreciated is the exhibition dedicated to Manoleta, one of the greatest and most famous matadors of Cordoba. His career did not last long, but in such a short period he showed amazingly beautiful bullfights. At the age of 30, the bullfighter’s life was cut short during his next performance. Today the skin of the killer bull hangs in this museum.
Among other things, in the bullfighting museum you can see capes and clothes of matadors, their photographs, various posters and announcements about fights, as well as many paintings dedicated to bullfighting.
8. Great Mosque (Mezquita)
Mezquita- the oldest architectural landmark of Cordoba, which dates back to the 13th century. was consecrated in christian temple, known today as the Cathedral Mosque of Cordoba. It is believed that in the Middle Ages the Mezquita was the second largest in the world. It is assumed that the construction of the building began around the year 600. It was originally designed as a church. Unfortunately, the original structure has not survived to this day. It was completely destroyed in 711. More than half a century later, an Arab ruler erected a mosque in honor of his wife on this site.
For more than 2 centuries, the mosque has undergone repeated reconstructions. At the same time, each ruler brought something new. For example, Abd ar-Rahman II added a minaret, and Al-Hakam II significantly increased the area of the mosque and enriched the mihrab. Be that as it may, every tourist should definitely visit the Mezquita in Cordoba, because it is one of the main attractions of Spain.
These are the sights that await every visitor to Cordoba.
When we are warned about something, we, as a rule, do not fully believe it, but after all, we know better than anyone else. When, at the mention of Seville, I heard “a frying pan of Spain” and “terribly hot,” I, of course, believed it, but I had no intention of changing the route. Well, it’s hot, so what, we’ll be patient. I couldn’t imagine that it could be so hot at all...
After spending our summer holiday in Portugal, we planned to travel a little around Spain, namely Andalusia. Of course, I wanted to visit everywhere, but since time was limited, for a number of personal reasons, only a few cities were chosen, including Seville and Cordoba, for which one day was allotted for visiting.
Therefore, my story is dedicated to what to see in these cities if you only have one day.
Seville is one of the closest Spanish cities to Portugal; from Albufeira to Seville the road took 2 hours. If you are traveling by car, please note that in Seville you need to park your car in an underground parking lot, of which there are a great many in the city center, they can be found by signs, the cost is quite reasonable, for 3.5 hours we paid about 6 euros. The fact is that in the center of Seville, street surface parking is divided into zones and you can park a car on the street only for a very short period of time. In addition, picking up a car from a parking lot is much more pleasant than getting into a hot car.
//Sean Pavone, shutterstock.com
The history of Seville dates back several thousand years, to the second century BC. on the site of the city there was an ancient Roman colony; subsequently the city was under the rule of the Arabs and only then passed to Spain. This left a significant mark on the architecture of the city; here buildings from the times of the Arabs, medieval and modern architecture coexist with each other.
One of the main attractions of Seville is the Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María de la Sede de Sevilla), where we went first. It is the largest Cathedral in Spain and the third largest in the Christian world. Construction of the Cathedral began in 1401 on the site of an ancient mosque that had previously been located here; what remains of it is an orange courtyard and the gate of absolution, through which in the present day. the passage of tourists to the temple is organized. A visit costs about 11 euros. The interior decoration of the Cathedral amazes with its luxury and grandeur. The ticket price also includes a visit to the Giralda, the bell tower of the Cathedral. It was originally the minaret of a mosque. At the top of the Giralda there is an observation deck from which you can enjoy the view of Seville from a height of 80 m. The climb to the bell tower is quite easy, since it is not carried out along steps, but along a gentle ramp, which was built so that a rider on a horse could climb the bell tower.
Keep in mind that you will not enter the Cathedral for 10 minutes. A short walk from the Cathedral is the Alcazar. The palace was built in the 14th century on the site of an ancient Arab fortress, from which the fortress walls and a Gothic courtyard have been preserved. The upper floors of the palace are still used today as official residence royal family in Seville.
After the Cathedral and the Alcazar, we attempted to walk around the Santa Cruz area (Barrio de Santa Cruz). This is the old Jewish district and undoubtedly the most curious in the city. It is an interweaving of narrow streets, where small gardens are hidden behind wrought-iron bars. There are countless shops selling antiques and unusual jewelry, although almost all are closed during the day. The planned walk turned out to be quick and with a short stop for a snack we reached the Plaza de España, located in the Maria Luisa Park (Parque de María Luisa). Entrance to the park is free. It is noteworthy that this beautiful square was built quite recently, in 1928, to host the Ibero-American Exhibition. But if you don’t know this, it seems that ceremonial royal events must have been held in this square for many centuries. By this time the temperature had reached 45 degrees, we no longer had the strength to be outside, and we went to Cordoba.
The road from Seville to Cordoba took about 1.5 hours, and while we were easily able to enter Seville following the signs, when entering Cordoba we had to make more than one circle along crazy highway junctions and use the services of two navigators.
We planned to spend the evening and the first half of the next day in Cordoba, but the heat there was even worse than in Seville. Maybe after the cool Portugal, yes, now 33-35 degrees seemed cool, at first we could still bear the heat, maybe we were just tired, or maybe in Cordoba the heat was actually perceived more acutely, but the evening walk showed that it was impossible to spend another half a day here . Not to be unfounded, by midnight the temperature in the city dropped to about 41 degrees, and this despite the fact that there was solid stone all around. Cordoba has affected us double impression. We chose a hotel in a non-tourist area of the city, since it was close to the exit we needed on the highway, while it took no more than 15 minutes to walk to the historical center. Of course, when traveling, we don’t often have to visit the so-called residential areas; as a rule, we only see the elegant, beautiful, historical center. But this area was truly depressing, dull, uniform panel houses with tightly drawn blinds and a series of empty cafes with iron tables and chairs.
But the old city is worth all the suffering; in general, it is a city that definitely needs to be seen with your own eyes. Cordoba begins its history back in the 8th century. BC. First of all, the city is unique in the sense that for a long period of time three peoples (Christians, Muslims and Jews) lived here in peace and harmony. Naturally, this was reflected in the architecture of the city; it is called Mudejar - a combination of Spanish-Christian architecture with the traditions and forms of Moorish architecture.
We entered the old city through the Roman Bridge (Puente Romano de Córdoba), a 16-arch bridge about 250 meters long, spanning the Guadalakivir River. The bridge was originally built by the Romans for trade transportation during the time of Emperor Octavian Augustus. Of course, during the war it was destroyed and rebuilt, but until the mid-20th century it was the only bridge in the city. The old city is very rich in attractions, it’s difficult to list them all, walking around the old city, you don’t have time to look around, but you want to see everything, the Puerta del Puente gate, the Alcazar, the Caliph Baths, the Church of St. Peter, the Tower of St. Dominic of Silos, the Viano Palace, Synagogue.
My main destination was the Cordoba Mosque (La Mezquita), the largest and oldest surviving mosque in Spain. But its uniqueness lies in the fact that it represents a rare combination of Christian and Muslim cultures. In the 13th century, a Cathedral St. Mary's. There is a legend that for the construction of the cathedral, permission from the king was necessary, which was given by Charles V. In 1526, having visited Cordoba, the king admitted that he would never have allowed construction if he had previously seen what he allowed to be destroyed: “You built what that could be built anywhere, and they destroyed what was unique in the world." Alas, we were not able to visit it inside; everything was already closed in the evening.
We wandered aimlessly around the old city as much as we could in order to at least see all this beauty from the outside, but we must admit that Cordoba is absolutely not night city, closer to 11, all the restaurants began to close, and after midnight there was not even an open bar to be found.
While still in Cordoba, I made an interesting, let’s say “culinary” discovery. I am absolutely not a fan of Sangria, for me it’s a sweet compote that makes me dizzy in the heat, but theoretically I imagine that Sangria is wine with the addition of fruit and ice. The fact that in Spain and Portugal Sangria is diluted with water, Sprite and Schweppes and even made from champagne is somehow understandable, but when in Cordoba it was specifically diluted with rum, my surprise knew no bounds. By the way, it was delicious and fun...
Of course, I would like to spend more time in both Seville and Cordoba, but in July there is absolutely no season in these cities and we fled to Madrid because of the terrible heat.
PS: Unfortunately, there are practically no photos, and those that exist are too bad to post them
kseniatraveller
14/07/2016 13:00
The opinions of tourists may not coincide with the opinions of the editors.