Cordoba Art Galleries

(Cordoba, Andalucia, Spain)

If you are a lover of fine arts and are spending some time in Cordoba, then several galleries will certainly present themselves to you and offer an alternative to more mainstream tourist attractions.

Known locally to the Spaniards as the Museo del Bellas Artes, the historic Diocesan Museum of Fine Arts is a good place to start, with its classical paintings and sculptures created between the 14th century and the 20th century, often by relatively local artists originating from the famous Baroque period. Photography is permitted here, although without the use of a camera flash. It is easily possible to while away two or three hours at this art gallery, admiring the masterpieces on display, such as the bust of the Great Captain (El Gran Capitan), perhaps better known to historians as Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba.

Featuring walls filled with paintings created by acclaimed local Cordoban artist Julio Romero de Torres (1874 to 1930), as well as numerous artifacts relating to his life, the Museum Julio Romero de Torres also deserves a mention when it comes to the city's art galleries. Torres is remembered as one of the leading modern impressionist Spanish painters of his time and was guided by his father, who actually founded the adjacent Museo del Bellas Artes. A number of the paintings use bold colours and depict lively scenes, such as flamenco dancing, while others are more subtle and of a symbolic or religious nature, often concentrating on the human form.

Museum of Fine Arts (Museo del Bellas Artes)

Address: Plaza del Potro 1, Cordoba
One of the oldest galleries in the city, the Museo del Bellas Artes is housed within a former 15th-century church. Exhibits include paintings from the Andalucian Baroque period and the work of many famous artists, including Goya and Valdés.
Open: November to April, Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 20:30, Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00; May to October, daily - 10:00 - 14:00 and 18:00 to 20:00
Admission: charge

Julio Romero de Torres Museum (Museo Julio Romero de Torres)

Address: Plaza del Potro 1, Cordoba
This attraction is dedicated to all things related to the local artist, Romero de Torres. Born in 1885, he is today widely regarded as one of the leading artists in Spain. As well as the artist's paintings, the museum displays many of his belongings, from his guitar to the paintbrushes he used to create his masterpieces. The resident collection also includes works by artists from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, as well as those of contemporary painters.
Open: November to April, Tuesday to Saturday - 08:30 to 20:45, Sunday - 08:30 to 14:30; May to October, daily - 10:30 to 12:00 and 17:30 to 19:00
Admission: charge