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Top 10 Things to do in Cordoba, Spain

Córdoba is a city in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia. It is also the capital city of Cordoba province. This city once served as an important Roman city and an Islamic centre during the middle ages.

It was once the biggest city in the world with a population of 300,000 people, this was 10 centuries ago.

Cordoba is known for La Mezquita which is a mosque that was built in 784 A.D. It has a columned prayer hall and older Byzantine mosaics.

The same building also served as a Catholic church in 1236 featuring a Renaissance-style neve that was added in the 17^th century. It has remained to be a popular tourist destination in the country because of its rich history and culture.

For your next trip to Cordoba, here are the top 10 things to do.

1. Take a tour of the Mosque/Cathedral of Córdoba

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This is undoubtedly one of Spain’s cultural wonders from the first century. The building which served as a church and a mosque is one of the remaining landmarks from the renaissance period.

Back then, Cordoba was the world’s centre for science and culture under the reign of Emir Abd-ar-Rahman. The building is a true representation of the golden age.

Starting as a shared place of worship for both the Christians and Muslims. It then became entirely a mosque under Emir Abd al-Rahman. In 1236, it was reclaimed by Christians.

You cannot help but admire the massive columns and horseshoe arches at the entry of the building. The bricks used are of different tones and they used a captivating pattern in laying down the stones.

The effect of sunlight falling on the columns creates a fascinating illusion that deserves to be captured. There is a total of 850 columns with intricate calligraphy.

2. Explore Medina Azahara

Medina Azahara is located some 5 miles out of the city and dates back to the 10^th century. This is an intriguing place to tour as it was once referred to as the shining city.

It served as the administrative capital of Al-Andalus and its construction commenced in 936 under the orders of Abd-ar-Rahman. It has been expanded and renovated for centuries while maintaining its charm.

While it remained deserted for centuries after Azahara was looted, not all of the city was destroyed. It was discovered at the beginning of the 20^th century and a portion of the old city could be accounted for.

You will find the remains of the Caliph’s palace which overlook a garden and open field. There is also a modern museum on-site that you can check out.

3. Check out the Roman Bridge

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The Roman Bridge also known as Puente Romano is a famous landmark in Cordoba. It was constructed in the first century and later renovated in the 10^th century by the Moorish.

It stands not too high above the river with 17 stone arches. There is a statue of Saint Raphael at the centre of the bridge. Standing next to the statue, enjoy the magnificent views of the green countryside.

Views from this bridge are social-media worthy, the south end of the bridge is Calahorra Tower with 16 arches. You will also get to spot the Great Mosque in the background.

An interesting fact about this bridge is that it was featured in the epic show Game of Thrones season 5.

4. Explore the Jewish Quarter

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Located on the north and west of the Grand Mosque is the city’s Jewish quarter. It is a beautiful place to visit and walk through its narrow streets. It has retained its ancient street-plan which is worth a picture.

Background to this place is that the Jews occupied this space in the 12^th century but were expelled towards the end of the 15^th century.

It is quite posh and has little streets of flowers which are quite fragrant. There is a synagogue here too, one of three left in the country.

5.  Go to the Roman Temple

The Roman Temple was built during the reign of Emperor Claudius mid-1^st century. It is defined by its tall and massive columns, 10 of which remain standing amidst modern buildings.

It is believed that the columns were renovated in the second century AD. The Temple was discovered in the 20th century during the expansion of Cordoba’s town hall.

Archaeologists believe that the marble used in the construction of the temple is of top quality making it the most beautiful structure.

You can get a great view of the temple from the streets; it is quite a spectacle and is home to stray cats. The Temple faces the Roman Circus.

6. Stop by Palacio de Viana

This building has been used for centuries as a residence by the Spanish Royalty. To access this place together with its gardens, there is an admission fee that one has to pay.

The building is beautifully designed and the gardens have colourful plants, flowers and shady trees. It is one of the most scenic public spaces in the city.

Take your time to wander in the garden, stop and smell the aromatic flowers. Check out the palace and admire its large old windows.

This palace was built in the 14^th century and features a renaissance façade that was added in the 15^th century. The last occupants of the palace donated the building to the bank Cajasur.

It first opened its doors to the public in the 80s, inside you will see beautiful art pieces and a collection of furniture used by the royalty.

7. Plaza de la Corredera

This is a classic Castilian plaza built in the late-1600s by Antonio Ramós Valdés an architect from Salamanca.

Just like all the other Spanish central squares, it serves as one of the centres of the daily life of Cordobans. The plaza is surrounded by an arcade-perfect for resting and people watching.

The plaza was once an arena for bullfighting, a popular sport in Spain. It later was used by farmers to sell their fresh produce to city dwellers.

It is now an open space that hosts annual summer concerts and is surrounded by apartment buildings, cafés, and restaurants.

Visiting the plaza in the morning, you will catch vendors selling all kinds of fresh produce at the food market.

8. Go to Patios de Córdoba for that incredible photo

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If you are looking for a location to take that bomb photo during your vacation, then go to patios de Cordoba. In May, this place turns into a beautiful courtyard full of colourful flowers.

Orange blossoms and jasmine fill the air with their sweet smells as city residents also plant more flowers on their courtyards.

There are over 50 courtyards to checkout. The residents take this season seriously and even compete to have the most beautiful courtyard.

You will see a beautifully arranged flower and mosaics in the streets and also in churches. The prettiest patios win a prize from Cordoba’s town hall.

9. Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos

This Cathedral has often been overlooked in favour of the more famous Mosque-Cathedral. While it may not have the same backstory as the mosque-church, it is a spectacular building.

It served as a royal palace for the Christian kings which was constructed under the order of King Alfonso XI of Castile in 1328. It once stood among the ruins of the Moorish fort and is the only remaining building.

One hall in the building has a beautiful display of Roman mosaics that were dug up from Plaza de la Corredera. There are fish ponds, fountains, orange trees and flower gardens at this palace.

10 Calahorra Tower

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Lastly is the Calahorra Tower. It is a Moorish rampart dating back to times of the Almohad Caliphate in the early 13th century. The tower is on the southern entrance of the Roman Bridge.

The reinforcement around the tower was built in the 14^th century under King Henry II of Castile. It was used as a prison, a girl’s school and now a museum.

The museum displays information about the life of Al-Andalus in 3D. It also tells of how both Christians and Muslims lived together in the city.