Cordoba is the pearl of Andalusia, an ancient city where three cultures have coexisted harmoniously for centuries: Christian, Jewish and Muslim. Founded before the arrival of the ancient Romans, Cordoba flourished in the early Middle Ages under the rule of powerful Moorish rulers. Conquered from the Arabs by Christians, it gradually turned from the brilliant capital of the Caliphate into a provincial, but not devoid of charm, city.
Today Cordoba is a picturesque city, literally drowning in the scent of spring flowers. Every year there is a competition for the most beautiful patio. Among the narrow streets of the Jewish quarter, there are tablao taverns, where dancers perform a fiery flamenco dance in the evenings and treat guests to hearty Andalusian dishes.
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What to see and where to go in Cordoba?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Mesquite
Mesquita is one of the iconic landmarks of Andalusia, the former main mosque of the great Caliphate of Cordoba, which since the 13th century has turned into a Catholic cathedral. The grandiose structure in the style of traditional Moorish architecture was built in the 8th century under Emir Abdar-Rahman I. The best masters of the Islamic world were invited to work, who eventually created a masterpiece that survived centuries.
Alcazar of Christian kings
Medieval fortress located in the historic center of Cordoba. During the Reconquista, it served as the main residence of the Catholic kings - Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile. The alcazar was erected on the site of an ancient Visigothic fortification destroyed by the Moors during the conquest of Spain. Subsequently, the rulers of the Cordoba Caliphate rebuilt the fortress and began to use it as a royal palace.
Jewish quarter
The Jewish Quarter in Cordoba was built during the Arab rule. Until the end of the 15th century, Jews lived on its territory, until Isabella of Castile ordered to expel them from the city. The narrow streets of "Huderia" (this is the name of the quarter in the Spanish manner) still retain the spirit of medieval Moorish Cordoba. The appearance of the area has not changed for many centuries.
Synagogue
The Jewish temple was built at the beginning of the 14th century, when favorable times came for the Jews in Cordoba. The synagogue was built in the Mudejar style, harmoniously combining elements of the Moorish and Gothic style. After the expulsion of the Jews, a hospital was housed in the building, then a chapel and a school. Since the beginning of the 19th century, the temple has been recognized as a valuable architectural monument. Today, a museum is located on its territory.
Roman bridge
A stone arched bridge over the Guadalquivir River, 250 meters long, consisting of 16 arches. It was built in the 1st century BC and was part of the August Road. In the 10th century, the Arabs restored the bridge. The structure was maintained in working order throughout the Middle Ages and modern times. Moreover, until the middle of the 20th century, this bridge was the only crossing of the river. Only since 2004 has it become a pedestrian.
Calahorra Tower
A defensive structure of the XII century, erected under the Almohads on the banks of the Guadalquivir. The architecture of the building is an example of the late Islamic style. During the liberation of Cordoba from the Moors, the tower was damaged, but in the XIV century it was restored. Since the 1930s, it has been included in the list of protected cultural objects. Today, the Museum of Three Cultures is located on its territory.
Puerta del Puente
The gate is located in front of the entrance to the Roman Bridge. In the Middle Ages, they were part of the fortress wall and performed a defensive function. On the other hand, the construction of Puerta del Puente was supposed to expand the entrance to the city and increase the flow of merchants, which had a beneficial effect on the city's economy. The gate was built in the Renaissance style according to the project of F. de Montalbanu.
Roman temple
The remains of an ancient Roman sanctuary sit right in the middle of a busy city block at the intersection of streets. They were discovered in the 1950s during construction work. Obviously, in the ancient period of the history of Cordoba, the temple was the main city sanctuary. The building was built in the 1st century. It is believed to have been used to worship the Roman emperors.
Madina az-zahra
Moorish city, built in the 10th century under Caliph Abd ar-Rahman III, about 8 km from Cordoba. Translated from Arabic, the name means "shining city". The ruler built Madina az-zahra in order to demonstrate his own power and superiority over other caliphs, as demanded by the etiquette of that time. Only ruins have survived to our time, but even they give an idea of how beautiful the city was.
Palace Merced
Magnificent Spanish Baroque building adorning the Plaza de Colon. The building acquired its present appearance in the 18th century as a result of reconstruction. Earlier on the site of the palace there was an early Christian basilica of St. Eulalia and a monastery. Today, the palace is the seat of the city and provincial governing bodies.
Royal stables
In the 16th century, the stables were built to breed a special horse breed - the Andalusian. The result of careful crossing is one of the most beautiful horses in the world. Today, the historic building houses an equestrian association, which includes a school, a small carriage museum and a theater for tourists, where you can see interesting shows and performances with the participation of horses.
Viana Palace Museum
The museum was erected on the ruins of a Roman villa in the XIV century. The main façade was built later, in the 16th century (architect J. de Ochoa worked on the project). Until the middle of the 20th century, a private palace was located here, which passed from owner to owner over the centuries. Bank Cajasur became the last owner of the building. By decision of his administration, a museum was founded in the palace, where art collections were placed.
Julio Romero de Torres Museum
Julio Romero de Torres is a 19th-20th century Cordoba artist who worked in the style of realism. The museum named after him is located in a former hospital building, which stands out from the general city landscape with fancifully painted walls. The Museum of Fine (Fine) Arts is also located here. The exposition consists of works by the artist, as well as canvases by masters of bourgeois realism of the early 20th century.
Bullfighting Museum in Cordoba
Andalusia is considered the birthplace of bullfighting. It is here, according to many Spaniards, that the last bullfight will take place, when animal protection organizations will finally send this beautiful, but rather cruel tradition to the past. In the Cordoba Museum, you can learn about the history of the competition, its rules, as well as the famous matadors. The ceremonial clothes and weapons of bullfighters are also available for inspection.
Archaeological Museum of Cordoba
The museum exposition is located on the territory of the palace, which once belonged to one of the noble families of the city. The building was built in the 16th century according to the project of E. Ruiz. The collection is based on ancient artifacts confiscated from monasteries in the middle of the 19th century. Here you can admire exhibits from the Roman, Visigothic and Iberian eras. The museum has a library where literature on archeology is kept.
Plaza del Potro
The name of the square comes from a small fountain crowned with the figure of a foal (“potro” means “foal” in Spanish). Here is the hotel of the same name, mentioned in the immortal work of Miguel Cervantes.Plaza del Potro is a classic Andalusian square: small, cozy and quiet, surrounded by the facades of old houses. Here you can relax, think about the beautiful, or just enjoy the atmosphere of Cordoba.
Tendillas Square
One of the central squares of Cordoba, located at the intersection of the city's two main shopping streets. In the middle there is a monument to Gonzalo Fernandez de Cordova - the famous commander who made a significant contribution to the treasury of Spain's military victories in the 15th-16th centuries. New Years and other public holidays are celebrated in Tendillas Square, as well as regional fairs.
Correder Square
The architectural appearance of the Corredera square is quite atypical for Cordoba and Andalusia in general. The place resembles the famous Plaza Mayor in Madrid, as it was built in the "royal" Castilian style. Like the main square of the Spanish capital, Corredera has the shape of a rectangle, along the edges of which there are perfectly flat facades of the houses. Its appearance has remained unchanged since the 17th century.
El Cristo de los Faroles
A small area formerly located on the territory of the Capuchin monastery. The path from one residential area to another passed through it. At the end of the 18th century, a monument in the form of a crucifix by the sculptor J. Navarro-Leon was erected here. The figure of Christ is surrounded by lanterns, so the statue was named El Cristo de los Faroles (“farol” in Spanish means “lantern / lighthouse”).
Flower street
One of the most beautiful streets in the city and a symbol of Cordoba. White house facades, balconies, patios and windows are decorated with pots of colorful flowers. The street looks especially picturesque in spring, when the plants begin to bloom and the walls are covered with a bright carpet of roses, hydrangeas and geraniums. At this time, a competition is organized for the most beautiful courtyard. Residents open their patios to the public so tourists can appreciate the beauty of the decoration.
