Cordoba Landmarks and Monuments

(Cordoba, Andalucia, Spain)



Cordoba's long and rich history as a Roman, Muslim and Christian urban centre have left tourists with plenty to see and do in the way of ancient sites and old landmarks.

Most remnants of Roman civilization in the city are found in its museums. However, there are a few surviving remnants of monuments in situ that have their origins in this early period of history, including both the Roman Bridge and the Roman Temple. Surviving Muslim monuments include the Almodovar Gate.

There are also plenty of examples of Cordoban architecture that date from the 15th century onwards, such as the Triumph of Saint Raphael and the more recent Monument to Manolete.


Roman Bridge (Puente Romano)

Address: Cordoba, Spain
Known in Spanish as the Puente Romano, this bridge is a striking landmark on the Guadalquivir River. It was built in the early part of the 1st century BC and today, is open to both pedestrians and cars. In fact, it is worth taking a stroll over the bridge to get a view of the river from the south bank. Little remains of the bridge's original structure, because of frequent reconstruction over the centuries. What is on view today is thought to mostly date back to medieval times, although the cobbled paving is 19th century in origin.
Open: daily
Admission: free

Almodovar Gate (Puerta de Almodóvar)

Address: Calle Cairuan / Calle Fernandez Ruano, Cordoba, Spain
The Puerta de Almodóvar stands at the entrance to the Judéria district of Cordoba. It was built in the Moorish style of architecture during the 14th century. Originally known as the Bad al-Yawz, it is the only gate to survive from the reign of Abd al-Rahman I. Despite the passing of so many centuries, the gate remains remarkably well preserved. This may well be down to the fact that restoration work began as early as the early 19th century.
Open: daily
Admission: free

Triumph of Saint Raphael (Trinfo de San Rafael)

Address: Plaza del Triunfo, Cordoba, Spain
Situated to the south of the Bishop's Palace, the Triunfo or Triumph is a distinctive column that dominates the cityscape. It was built in the 18th century when the people of Cordoba were particularly devoted to Saint Raphael. The monument features a statue of the Archangel Raphael, as well as sculptures of Saint Victory and Saint Barbara.
Open: daily
Admission: free

Roman Temple

Address: Calle Capitulares, Cordoba, Spain
Situated next to the City Hall or Ayuntamiento building is Cordoba's only surviving Roman temple. Its Corinthian columns are all that remain of this 1st century AD structure. Nonetheless, the temple is an impressive monument to Roman civilization in the area. Mainly constructed from marble, the temple was once elaborately decorated. The architect Felix Hernandez carried out reconstruction work on the temple. Some of the original stonework can be seen in Cordoba's Archaeological Museum.
Open: daily
Admission:

Alcazar of Cordoba

Address: Campo Santo de Los Mártires, Cordoba, Spain
Also known as the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, this fortress used to be the residence of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. It was also notoriously the home of the Spanish Inquisition, although little evidence remains of this darker period of the castle's history. As a tourist attraction, the castle is often eclipsed by the nearby Mezquita and by other Andalucian castles. That said, it is certainly worth a visit, particularly for its beautiful gardens. There are also two towers that can be climbed, offering good views over the whole castle site.

The castle's foundations were laid out as far back as Roman times. However, it was the Moors who developed the castle into the landmark that we can see today. Expansion work began in the 12th century, when Caliph baths were added, along with many new rooms.
Open: November to April, Monday - 08:30 to 21:00, Tuesday to Friday - 08:30 to 20:45, Saturday - 08:30 to 16:30, Sunday - 08:30 to 14:30; May to October, daily - 09:30 to 13:30 and 17:00 to 20:00
Admission: charge (except for morning services)

Monument to Manolete

Address: Plaza Conde de Priego 1, Cordoba, Spain
Manolete was a legendary bullfighter - indeed, he is still regarded as Spain's finest. He grew up in the district of Santa Marina, although sadly his life came to an untimely end in 1947, when he was killed by a bull, aged just 30 years old. As well as this statue, which stands in the Plaza Conde de Priego, there is also a bust which immortalizes this legendary bullfighter, in the Plaza de la Lagunilla.
Open: daily
Admission: free