Cordoba City Guide
The Spanish city of Cordoba, former jewel of the Arab world, is a fascinating city to explore. Walk under the red and white arches of the phenomenal Mosque-Cathedral, visit the tranquil courtyards of the Alcazar de los Reyos Cristianos and enjoy the views over the River Guadalquivir from the Roman Bridge.
What to do and see in and around Cordoba
Mosque-Cathedral
Amongst Cordoba’s many highlights the Mosque-Cathedral is the most impressive. Originally built as a mosque in 785 by Abderraman I, it was extended a further three times from the 9th – 10th century and is the third largest in the world. With a change in religion and population from Islamic to Christian came a change in architectural styles. In the 16th century the mosque or Mesquita became a religious hybrid when a Cathedral was built in its centre. Highlights include the colourful red and white arches made by alternating brick and stone, the Gothic vaulting, Renaissance cupola and the marble and mahogany 18th century pulpits.
Synagogue
Cordoba’s 14th century Synagogue marks the centre of the city’s Jewish Quarter. Admire the Mudejar-style plant motifs of the main hall and the decorative plasterwork on the supporting wall of the women’s area. After Cordoba’s Jewish population were expelled from the country in 1492 the Synagogue was used at various times as a hospital, Hermitage and an infants’ school.
Banos Califales
First discovered in 1903, the Arabic baths or Banos Califales were not properly excavated until the early 1960s. These hammam baths, dating back to the 10th century, played an important role in the populations daily rituals. The stone walls and marble pillars of the baths are still remarkably well preserved and a visit to the baths gives a fascinating insight into the religious and social rituals of Cordoba’s Islamic population.
Roman Bridge
Making for a picturesque photo Cordoba’s Roman Bridge, with its 16 arches, dates back to the 1st century AD but has been reconstructed many times over the years. The bridge is permanently occupied by the 16th century sculpture of San Rafael by the Spanish sculptor Bernabé Gómez del Río.
Alcazar de los Reyos Cristianos
Originally built in the 13th century the Alcazar de los Reyos Cristianos, or Castle of the Christian Monarchs, was home to Cordoba’s Islamic rulers until the Christians took over the city in 1236. Almost completely rectangular in shape the Alcazar is made of solid stone blocks and four corner towers. The interior of the Alcazar is broken up by elegant courtyards containing exotic flowers, marble floors and running water.
Madinat al-Zahara
Madinat al-Zahara is what remains of the magnificent city palace built against the backdrop of the Sierra Morena mountains. Built in 929 AD on three terraces this extravagant complex (decorated with marble and precious stones) was supposedly intended by the ruler of the time, Abd-al Rahman III, as a vehicle through which to declare his power within Europe. Unfortunately for Abd-al Rahman III his masterpiece only stood for seventy years as it was destroyed during the Civil Wars of the 11th century.
Water mills
Even Cordoba’s river tells a tale of its past. The various inhabitants of Cordoba made good use of the River Guadalquivir as is shown by the three water mills dotted along the river banks. Such as the Albolafia Water Mill ordered by Abd al-Rahman II to carry water to the Emir’s palace and the Martos Water Mill built in the 12th century to grind cereals to feed the populace.
Triumphal Statues
Cordoba’s many Triumphal Statues stand as testimony to the city’s religious devotion over the centuries. In times of trouble the people of Cordoba turned to these Guardian Angels in worship. If you would like to pay them a visit the most elaborate statues can be found at the gateway to the bridge.
Fernandine Churches
Another legacy of Cordoba’s tempestuous religious history, the Fernandine Churches, where built on the orders of King Fernando III after the Christians took back Cordoba in 1236. As a sign of power the King ordered that many of the churches be built on top of former mosques.
The Almodovar Gate
This 14th century gate is the only remaining gateway into Cordoba of the nice orginal city gates. The gate is marked by a statue of one of Cordoba’s famous inhabitants, the Roman philosopher and playwright Seneca.
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