Home To The Mesmerizing Mezquita, A Masterpiece of Islamic Architecture
Table of Contents
A. About Cordoba
Nickname: Constantinople of the WestIn the 10th century, Cordoba was the capital of Islamic Spain and the largest, most cultured city in Western Europe. During the apogee of the caliphate in 1000 AD, Cordoba had a population of about 500,000 inhabitants — almost 200,000 more than today.
The symbol of this lost splendor is the mesmerizing Mezquita, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.
The most remarkable feature of the Mezquita is the 856 columns, with its soaring terracotta-and-white striped arches. After the Reconquista in the 16th century, a cathedral was plonked right in the middle of the mosque by the Christians.
Everything in Cordoba is close and the beautiful UNESCO-enlisted historic center can be easily explored on foot.
➕ The Good
Scoring quite high in most categories and boasting a very appealing climate most of the year (not during July/August) leads to a well-deserved top rank on our list.
➖ Negative Aspects
Cordoba has no real flaw, but it's not a great shopping destination.
B. Best Things to Do in Cordoba in 2024 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)
In total, we count more than forty sights in Cordoba. The following sights contribute to a score of 7.10/10 in this most important category:
# MEZQUITA 9
This masterpiece of Islamic architecture is most notable for its arcaded hypostyle hall, with 856 columns of jasper, onyx, marble, and granite.
The Mezquita has served as a cathedral since 1236, but its origins as a mosque remain very distinctive.
Cathedral and Mosque 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1984
# HISTORIC CENTER OF CORDOBA 7
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, the exceptionally beautiful large historic center of Cordoba is predominantly a pedestrian zone.
Walk the cobblestoned narrow streets from the famous and unique Mezquita to discover magnificent flower-filled patios, fabulous gardens, fortresses, bridges, and monuments.
Historic Area 🌍 World Heritage Site since 1984
by Salvatorecoco / CC BY-SA 3.0
# ALCÁZAR OF THE CHRISTIAN MONARCHS 7
Set among magnificent spacious gardens the royal residence of the Christian monarchs served both as a fortress and a palace.
Don't miss the opportunity to come back to the gardens in the evening to see the illuminated fountains included in the ticket.
Fortified Palace and Park 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1984
# ROMAN BRIDGE (Puente Romano) 6
Originally built in the early first century BC by the Romans this 247 m-long atmospheric pedestrian bridge over the Río Guadalquivir provides excellent viewing points of the bridge itself and the nearby Mezquita.
The bridge has been restored and renovated several times, in particular under Arab rule. Today only the 14th and 15th arches (counting from the Puerta del Puente) are still original.
Bridge 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1994
# Jewish Quarter (Juderia) 5
Córdoba's scenic old Jewish quarter with its whitewashed lanes and flower-decorated patios, small museums, restaurants, bars, and artisan shops is a lovely area to just wander around.
# Archaeological Ensemble of Medina Azahara (Madinat Al-Zahra) 5
What you'll see today — only around 10% of Medina Azahara (literally meaning "the shining city") has been excavated and restored — is a pale version of the former glory of this majestic site, located 8 km west of Córdoba.
Medina Azahara (constructed in 936-940, sacked in a civil war in 1010) housed around 12,000 people and included ceremonial reception halls, mosques, administrative and government offices, wide-ranging gardens, residences, and luxurious baths. The site and the interesting modern museum nearby can be reached by regularly operating buses.
Ruins of a Moorish Palace-City
#1 by Roberto Chamoso G / CC BY-SA 3.0
#2 by Sombradeparra / Public domain
# TORRE FORTALEZA (Calahorra Tower with Museo Vivo de al-Andalus) 4
Situated at the far side of the Roman Bridge, this striking climbable tower houses the small Museo Vivo de Al-Andalus which traces the history of Cordoba.
Historic Tower | Viewpoint | Museum 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1994
# Palacio de Viana 4
Constructed in the 15th century this remarkable palace museum is packed with art and antiques (paintings, tableware, mosaics, tapestries, tiles) and features an excellent 18th-century garden.
by David Baron / CC BY-SA 2.0
# Synagogue 4
This unique Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter was built in 1314 in the Mudejar style.
by José Luiz Bernardes Ribeiro / CC BY-SA 3.0
D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Cordoba
🌍 SEVILLE (city, 140 km from Cordoba, 42 min by train) 7
E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Cordoba (including close-by excursions)
To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Cordoba for at least three entire days: