Cordoba Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Cordoba, Andalucia, Spain)

In terms of its historical buildings and fascinating architecture, Cordoba is up there with the best of them when it comes to tourist attractions - and that includes the likes of Granada and Seville. Spanish and Moorish influences abound amidst its narrow, winding streets and 'patios'.

It is also the perfect place for sightseeing without too much effort. Within a relatively compact area are some of Cordoba's most popular tourist attractions.

Situated just a short distance from the city is the 10th-century Medina Azahara. Built by the Caliph Abd ar-Rahman III, it was intended to be the capital to outshine all other capitals. At the time, it was indeed the largest city in Western Europe to have been built from nothing.

Medina Azahara

Address: Cordoba, Spain
Building of the Medina Azahara is said to have necessitated some 10,000 workers and only the most luxurious materials were used, including gold and marble. The city's golden age came to an end in the 11th century, when it was destroyed by the Berbers. Rediscovered in 1910, some of the Medina Azahara has been restored, including parts of the palace. Even today, new archaeological discoveries are being made on the site of this attraction. In 2007, a previously unknown mosque was unearthed.
Open: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 18:30, Sunday - 10:00 to 14:00
Admission: charge

Mezquita Cathedral

Address: Calle del Cardenal Herrero 1, Cordoba, Spain
The Mezquita was once the greatest centre of religious worship in Europe. Through the centuries, it became a place where the Islamic and Christian cultures met. Located at the heart of the oldest district of the city, close to the River Guadalquivir, the Mezquita is usually the first port of call for tourists. The front entrance can be reached via the Patrio de los Naranjos, a courtyard that is resplendent with orange trees and fountains. Inside, the mosque has a dazzling array of supporting columns and naves. The columns themselves are said to have come from ruined churches from all over the world. The sacred Mihrab indicates the direction of Mecca and was designed so as to amplify the words spoken by the 'imam'. Other distinctive features of the Mezquita are its brick and stone arches. At the centre of the mosque is a 16th-century 'cathedral coro', an attempt to Christianize the mosque.
Open: April to September, Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 19:30, Sunday - 14:00 to 19:30; October to March, Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 18:00, Sunday - 08:30 to 11:30 and 15:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge (free for those attending morning services)

Alcazar Califal

Address: Campo Santos Mártires, Cordoba
The Alcazar Califal is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cordoba. It comprises a castle, gardens and a Moorish bathhouse. The castle was rebuilt in the 14th century in the European Gothic style of architecture. As well as the Lion Tower, which is the oldest part of the castle walls, there is also a Tower of the Inquisition and Homage Tower. Moorish-styled baths are housed in the basement of the castle and comprise a cold room, warm room and hot room. A Mosaics Hall is home to a fine collection of Roman mosaic art, which dates back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, and which was excavated in the 1950s.
Open: Tuesday to Saturday - 08:30 to 20:45, Sunday - 08:30 to 14:30
Admission: charge (except for morning services)

Palacio de la Merced

Address: Plaza de Colón 15, Cordoba, Spain
This fine 18th-century building was once a monastery, while today, it is the home of Cordoba's Provincial Council. As a monastery, its most famous visitor was Christopher Columbus. The palace comprises a patio, staircase and church. The palace's most notable features include its altarpiece and also its main door, which dates from the mid 18th century.
Open: Monday to Friday - 07:00 to 15:00
Admission: free

Episcopal Palace

Address: Calle de Torrijos 12, Cordoba, Spain
The Obispado de Cordoba, or Episcopal Palace, was built in the 15th century on the site of the former Caliph's Palace. It was remodelled in the mid 18th century. Some of the Muslim architecture survives to this day. Of note to potential visitors, the Diocesan Museum is located on the second floor of the building.
Open: daily
Admission: charge

Chapel of San Bartolomé

Address: Plaza del Cardenal Salazar, Cordoba, Spain
Once the parish church of the Hospital del Cardenal Salazar, the Chapel of San Bartolomé now forms part of Cordoba University's Faculty of Philosophy and Arts. This imposing attraction is remarkable as a fine example of Mudejar architecture. The chapel was built at some point between the 14th and 15th centuries. It was restored in the 19th century and finally declared a national monument in the 1930s. Much restoration work has been carried out on the chapel in recent years and this was completed in 2008. The chapel isn't one of Cordoba's best-known tourist destinations, which is certainly a shame because it is really a very attractive building.
Open: daily
Admission: free