Cordoba: the biggest attractions (map, sightseeing plan, attractions, accommodation, curiosities)

331 meters of history

When I got out of my car in the car park in Cordoba, quite close to the Torre de Calahorra defense tower, I had no idea that I was about to lose control completely.
A few routine activities – which I had already done almost mechanically before each visit (checking the battery level on my phone, checking the amount of food and drink in my backpack, putting on a baseball cap to protect myself from the harsh Andalusian sun) – went smoothly, so I was able to quickly move forward.
It was enough to take a few steps and I found myself at the gates of Torre de Calahorra, and at the end Roman Bridge leading to the city. From the main gate to the city, only the length of the bridge separated me: 331 meters. Then it started…

I walked across the bridge (allegedly) at a steady pace, but I don’t remember anything. Suddenly, my thoughts traveled back about 2000 years, to the time when the builders were just planning the bridge. Yes, yes! The Roman bridge leading to the city on the Guadalquivir River is about 2000 years old, and for 1900 years it was the only crossing over the river.
So my thoughts landed somewhere around the year of Christ's birth, that is, just before the first year of our era, and I recalled the figure of a man born in Cordoba Seneca the Younger. At that time, he was only 4 years old. At that time, no one knew that it was in Cordoba that one of the most important philosophers in the history of mankind was born – the personification and symbol of stoicism. Although he inherited intellectual potential from his father (Seneca the Elder), there was no guarantee that an apple that fell close to the tree would roll in the right direction. In the case of Seneca the Younger, it rolled perfectly. He went down in world history as one of the greatest thinkers and philosophers, although during his lifetime, the fact of being enlightened caused him a lot of trouble. This was mainly due to the fears that Seneca aroused in the rulers of his time. Due to his brilliance and rhetorical skills, they often perceived him as a threat to their political position. On the one hand, Seneca was a desirable advisor, and on the other, an inconvenient threat.
Fear of him was particularly strong in the mind of the third wife of Emperor Claudius (Messalina), who, in order to get rid of him from the court, plotted and carried out an intrigue. The intrigue ended in success and, accused of an affair with Julia Livilla, the emperor's niece, Seneca was exiled by Claudius to Corsica.

Curiosity:
I wouldn't be myself if I didn't add a spicy tidbit about the author of the intrigue. Messalina. The third wife of Emperor Claudius was known for her beauty, attractiveness and... countless erotic excesses. She was a nymphomaniac and, as historians estimate, she had over 150 (!!!) lovers during her reign alone. As empress and wife of Claudius, in 48 AD she entered into a secret formal marriage with Roman senator Gaius Silius. Claudius' well-informed trusted men reported this to him and the empress and the senator were quickly executed.
To conclude the Massalina thread, I will add that in the meantime her activities led to the death of many other famous people, including:
– Julia Livilla (Caligula's younger sister)
– Marcus Winicius (husband of Julia Livilla)
– Julia Helena (granddaughter of Tiberius)
– Gaius Apius Junius Silanus (Messalina's stepfather)
– Poppaea Sabina (mother of Nero's future wife)

After eight years in exile in Corsica, Seneca returned to Rome. This time, through the intercession of Agrippina (the next, or fourth, wife of Emperor Claudius), who wanted to make him a teacher for her son, who would later become emperor: Nero. And so it happened. Seneca became Nero's tutor when he was 12 years old.
Probably if Seneca had known earlier what the consequences of this cooperation would be, he would never have decided to do it. However, fate writes its own scenarios and things moved forward at a rapid pace. After five years, Agrippina decided that her son was ready to become a ruler and... she murdered her husband, Emperor Claudius. Nero became emperor at the age of 17. However, when it turned out that removing the mother from power was not proceeding as quickly as he would have liked, based on family behavior patterns, in the fifth year of his rule he decided on the final solution and ordered the murder of his mother. For Seneca, cooperation with Nero became increasingly difficult, and the differences in perception of the world became increasingly clear. Finally, six years after the murder of his mother, Nero, who was tracking conspiracies everywhere, came to the conclusion that Seneca was no longer trustworthy and was undoubtedly involved in some conspiracy. Seneca was quickly sentenced to death. However, he was not killed. He was given the right to commit suicide and he used it.

History continued. First the Roman Empire fell (476), then the Visigoths took over Cordoba (572). The city slowly lost its importance…

The change that no one expected and no one was waiting for came with Abd ar-Rahman I. A surviving member of the family Umayyads ruling a powerful Islamic empire. The capital of the empire was then Damascus, and its area stretched from Spain to India! The Abbasid family, wanting to take over the empire, made a successful attempt at an armed coup and after winning the key battle on the Great Zab (750), a bloody takeover of power began. The entire Umayyad family was systematically eliminated – rulers, princes, officials, and even their children. The aim was not only to take over power, but also to prevent (due to the lack of living descendants) any claims to the throne in the future.
One of the darkest and most symbolic scenes took place during a feast to which the Abbasids invited the surviving Umayyad princes. When all the guests arrived and sat down at the tables, instead of a feast, a regular massacre began. Everyone was murdered. Only a handful survived, including the one I mentioned Abd ar-Rahman IHe was then about 20 years old.
The escape route was long and before Abd ar-Rahman I reached Cordoba he hid for several years from pursuing Abbasid agents. In Andalusia the old Umayyad influence was still strong. With their support Abd ar-Rahman I forcibly removed the local emir from power and in 756 declared himself emir of Cordoba – establishing an independent Umayyad emirate in Spain. The history of the Umayyad family began again thanks to one survivor, and with it the period of Cordoba's greatest prosperity.
Thirty years later, construction began Mezquitas (currently on the UNESCO list), i.e. The Great Mosque, which for the next 1400 years, until today, outshines other buildings and continues to delight the whole world.
As the headquarters of an independent and wealthy emirate, Cordoba developed rapidly and in less than 250 years it became… the largest city in Europe!
Historians estimate that around the year 1000 it had over 300 inhabitants, paved and lighted streets, over 000 libraries and hospitals. A new palace city was built right next to Cordoba Medina Azahara (currently on the UNESCO list) – dripping with gold, lined with marble and decorated with fountains new headquarters powerful, able to compete with Baghdad and Constantinople Caliphate of Cordoba.
To better illustrate the power of Córdoba at that time, I will add that at the same time Paris had about 25 inhabitants (it was over 000 times smaller) and London had 10 inhabitants (15 times smaller).

Fall always comes unexpectedly. In Cordoba, it began during the city's greatest prosperity. How is that possible? The genesis is usually the same. There are always more people willing to gain wealth and rule the empire than there are places. The phenomenon of the struggle for power "at any cost" gained momentum after the death of the son of Caliph Abd ar-Rahman III. The Caliphate could not be held in one hand. Successive Caliphs were overthrown and killed almost every few years. Power changed hands - sometimes legally, sometimes through assassination, intrigue and betrayal. Berber troops, who had previously supported the Caliphs, turned against them and destroyed Medina Azahara. The Caliphate gradually lost control of the provinces, chaos increased and civil war broke out.
In 1031, the Caliphate, beset on all sides, finally fell. Muslim Spain fell into dozens of independent principalities called taifsEach fought for power, wealth, and prestige – often forming alliances with the Christian kingdoms to the north and thus opening the door wide for a Christian reconquest.
Cordoba was conquered in 1236 by the army Ferdinand III (King of Castile and León) and as you might guess, it was a symbolic milestone in the process of the Reconquista, i.e. the approximately 500-year-long fight between Christians and Arabs, aimed at driving the Arabs out of the Iberian Peninsula.
Known for his lenient treatment of conquered territories, Ferdinand III did not intend to destroy the city, but decided to quickly and decisively change its religious character. The Mezquita was consecrated and began to function as a Christian church. However, it has not yet been rebuilt in any way.
The decision to rebuild the Mezquita – that is, to add a Christian cathedral nave in the Gothic-Renaissance style – was made by the Bishop of Cordoba, Alonso Manrique de Lara, with the consent of Emperor Charles V (almost 300 years after the conquest of Cordoba). However, when the Emperor visited Cordoba after the reconstruction to see the effect of the work with his own eyes, he summed it up in one blunt sentence:

“You destroyed something that was unique in the world to build something that can be seen everywhere.”

The further history of Cordoba turned out in such a way that over time the city slowly lost its importance and never even came close to its former power. It is worth noting, however, that even in the 15th century it remained a very important point and it was here that the meeting Christopher Columbus z The Catholic Kings – Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon – initiating the process of preparations for later voyages and discoveries of the New World.

At the beginning of the 1504th century (exactly in XNUMX) it left its dark mark on Cordoba Inquisition leading to one of the largest executions in history. 107 people accused of heresy were burned at the stake.
Another important trace was left in the city Napoleon, or rather his army. During the Spanish War of Independence, Napoleon's armies plundered Cordoba (1808), destroying many priceless monuments and archives. Fortunately, some of the monuments have survived to this day and, despite the destruction, the old center of Cordoba remains one of the largest architectural complexes on the UNESCO World Heritage List. UNESCO.

… I woke up right at the other end of the bridge. In front of me stood the impressive gate to the city bridge gate, and I left behind my back 331 meters of bridge and over 2000 thousand years of history. The gigantic city gate seemed to invite and say: Come in! Experience it all again. This time, standing face to face with the real witnesses of these stories!

I smiled happily to myself. I tightly gripped the modest guidebook I had created, where a few red, carefully numbered points were visible on a sheet of paper on a map. I guess I no longer needed it. I knew everything by heart, but I kept it and am publishing it below. I hope it will be useful to you and will allow you to experience a wonderful adventure in Cordoba. I invite you!

Cordoba sightseeing plan

This time, exceptionally and differently than usual, I allowed myself to start the guide with a longer historical introduction. I believe that learning a few facts from such an interesting and surprising history Cordoba It is a great introduction to sightseeing and allows you to feel the city in a completely different way. Without knowing these facts, sightseeing is dominated by visiting the Mezquita. The broader historical background makes the cathedral a wonderful complement and decoration of the whole story, and walking the streets ceases to be a simple sightseeing from monument to monument. This context allows you to understand the real significance and influence of Cordoba and the people of Cordoba on the history of Europe and the neighboring parts of the world. This is not just one of many very old cities. This is a city that once dominated Europe and was one of the largest cities in the world!
Of course, I realize that many people will skip the introduction and move on to the next sections containing specific information. However, I encourage you to spend a few minutes reading. The pleasure of sightseeing will be incomparably greater.

In practice, Cordoba is explored entirely on foot. There are convenient parking lots near the city gates where you can leave your car. One day is more than enough to get to know the city thoroughly and see all the attractions it has to offer.

Entrance tickets to attractions

There is only one place in Cordoba where you may experience temporary problems with access to entrance tickets. This is of course the mandatory part of the program, which is mosque. Tickets to the cathedral are sold for a specific entry time, so if you want the entry time to fit in well with your sightseeing plan, it is best buy a ticket online in advance. In case of problems with availability you can also search for tickets na Tiquets – [click] and GetYourGuide - [click]

Cordoba - map of tourist attractions

Below you will find a map of Cordoba with the location of attractions marked, and further on more detailed descriptions of each attraction. All attractions have numbers assigned by me, which I use consistently throughout the entry, in the table of contents and on the map. This allows you to jump to the fragment of text that interests you at any time. This is especially useful during sightseeing and for walking between monuments using GPS navigation.
The attraction markers are connected by small red dots. This is an approximate course of the tour route I propose. You don't have to stick to it. You can of course walk your own path. However, marking the path on the map allows you to visualize much better how to connect the proposed attractions into one logical sequence, avoiding unnecessary walking.

Visits to attractions with numbers from (1) to (8) I consider a must. They are all located very close to each other, so getting anywhere won't be a big effort. Attractions with numbers (9) i10) are a bit more distant and if you feel tired earlier, remember that there is no obligation to go everywhere and you can skip something.

Full version of the route from the parking lot P1 by point (1) to point (10) and return to the parking lot P1 has about 6,5 km long and is practically flat. It can be covered on foot in two hours. Of course, this is only the time to walk from point to point without stopping. It does not include the time that should be spent additionally visiting attractions along the way.

The route in short form from the parking lot P1 by point (1) to point (8) and then to the parking lot P1 has about 3,5 km and the sapper himself will take about an hour. The rest of the time can be safely devoted to visiting attractions or other pleasures.

Parking P1, GPS coordinates:
37°52’27.9″N 4°46’34.3″W
37.874429, -4.776200 - click and route

Parking P2, GPS coordinates:
37°52’38.8″N 4°46’29.9″W
37.877444, -4.774982 - click and route

Use GPS coordinates

For each attraction, later in the text, I provide precise GPS coordinates. At first glance, this may not seem particularly useful, but in practice, it is quite the opposite. Thanks to these coordinates, you do not have to stick to a specific sightseeing path. You can explore the city in any way you like.
How to use GPS coordinates in practice? Just click on the link next to them. Then the navigation will open on your phone and automatically calculate the path to your destination, but… you don't have to follow this path! Walk as you like, wherever you want and treat the indication on the phone only as an indication of whether you are approaching your destination or whether you have already taken the wrong direction. Visiting the city is not about walking the shortest route, but enjoying its atmosphere. Thanks to GPS coordinates, you don't have to worry about getting lost, and at the same time you have unlimited freedom of sightseeing.
In short: click the link at the coordinates, walk around and check from time to time if you are going in the right direction. No nerves, no stress, with pleasure. Simple and beautiful!

Detailed descriptions of attractions in Cordoba

1. Calahorra Tower

Calahorr's Tower, built in the 14th century, is one of the best-preserved defensive structures in Cordoba. Situated on the banks of the Guadalquivir River at the southern end of the Roman bridge, it was a key point of defense against attack.
Initially it was used for guarding and defence, but its role has evolved over time. Today it houses a museum that offers a fascinating insight into the history of Cordoba, showing the different cultures that have coexisted in the city – Muslim, Jewish and Christian. The museum features interactive exhibitions that explore the daily lives of the people of medieval Cordoba and the city’s importance as an intellectual and cultural centre.

Calahorra Tower, GPS coordinates:
37°52’32.4″N 4°46’36.0″W
37.875677, -4.776676 - click and route

2. Roman Bridge (Puente Romano)

The Roman Bridge, built in the 16st century BC, is one of the oldest bridges in Spain, which still serves as a transport bridge. Built of stone, it has 331 arches and is XNUMX meters long, connecting the two banks of the Guadalquivir River. The bridge has been reconstructed several times after being destroyed by wars and natural disasters, but it still retains its original character. The bridge offers a beautiful view of Cordoba and the river, especially at sunset. Today, the bridge is a popular place for walks.

Curiosity: The Roman bridge has inspired many artists and writers. It is a location where famous films have been shot, including "Game of Thrones" (The Long Bridge in Volantis).

Roman Bridge, GPS coordinates:
37°52’36.2″N 4°46’40.8″W
37.876720, -4.778010 - click and route

3. Mosque

The Mezquita in Cordoba is undoubtedly one of the most important works of Islamic architecture in the world. Built on the site of an earlier Roman temple (construction began in 785) by Caliph Abd al-Rahman I, it was once the largest mosque in Europe. It is characterized by extraordinary harmony and spaciousness, and the interior delights with hundreds of columns made of marble and granite. After the Reconquista, when in the XNUMXth century Cordoba came under Christian rule.
At that time, part of the original buildings in the centre of the mosque were demolished and a cathedral was built inside, creating one of the most unique combinations of Islamic and Christian architecture.

Curiosity: There are over 850 columns inside the Mezquita. Many of them were made using stones from earlier buildings (such as the Roman temple that was on the site). These columns give the mosque its unique, austere appearance.

Mosque, GPS coordinates:
37°52’45.6″N 4°46’46.9″W
37.879341, -4.779704 - click and route

4. Old Town

The old town of Cordoba is a place full of narrow, winding streets, leading among white houses often abundantly decorated with flowers. Listed on the UNESCO list, it is one of the best preserved historic city centers in Spain. It is here that you can find the most important monuments (Mezquita, Synagogue and Viana Palace), as well as numerous monuments and remains from the Roman and Muslim periods. Walking through the old town, you can feel the spirit of Andalusia - a place that has witnessed the influence of Roman, Moorish, Jewish and Christian cultures over the centuries.

Curiosity: The old town of Córdoba was one of the greatest centres of learning and culture in Europe in the Middle Ages, full of schools, libraries and art workshops.

The approximate location of one of the alleys of the old town, GPS coordinates:
37°52’48.8″N 4°46’50.6″W
37.880217, -4.780730 - click and route

5. Calle de las Flores

Calleja de las Flores, or the Street of Flowers, is a narrow, charming street that delights tourists with its white houses decorated with colorful flowers. It is one of the most photogenic places in Cordoba and has naturally become a real showcase of the city. Every corner of the street is decorated by residents, which makes it look like a work of art in the open air.
Almost everyone wants to have a photo here.

Alley of Flowers, GPS coordinates:
37°52’49.2″N 4°46’46.7″W
37.880333, -4.779639 - click and route

6. Almodovar's Puerta

The Puerta de Almodóvar is a majestic city gate built by the Moors in the 14th century, constituting one of the best preserved entrances to Cordoba. Built of stone, it was part of the city's defensive walls, and its main purpose was to control access to Cordoba from the south. The gate is distinguished by its massive structure and towers, which provided protection against attacks.
It was through this gate that the troops of Ferdinand III entered the city, recapturing Córdoba (after almost 500 years) from the Arabs.

Almodóvar Gate, GPS coordinates:
37°52’50.4″N 4°47’02.5″W
37.880658, -4.784036 - click and route

7. Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter

The Synagogue of Cordoba, built in 1315, is one of the most valuable Jewish monuments in Spain. Built in the Mudejar style, it is a beautiful example of Sephardic architecture. Although after the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492, the synagogue was converted into a Christian chapel, it has preserved valuable architectural elements, such as Hebrew inscriptions and decorative motifs characteristic of Jewish tradition.

Curiosity: The Synagogue of Cordoba is one of the few surviving examples of this type of building in Spain. It is now considered one of the most beautiful examples of medieval synagogue architecture.

Synagogue of Cordoba, GPS coordinates:
37°52’47.0″N 4°47’00.0″W
37.879713, -4.783335 - click and route

8. Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos

The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos is a 14th-century defensive palace that was the seat of the monarchs of Cordoba during the Reconquista. The fortress was built on the site of an earlier Moorish palace and was one of the key points in the city's defense. The magnificent gardens, inspired by the Arabic style, captivate with their charm and mystery.
The Alcazar also hosted talks that ultimately led to the organization of Christopher Columbus' expedition and the discovery of the New World.

Curiosity: In the Alcázar you can admire not only the gardens, but also the rich collections of art and sculptures that have been collected over the centuries by its owners.

Alcazar of the Christian Kings, GPS coordinates:
37°52’35.3″N 4°46’51.7″W
37.876470, -4.781014 - click and route

9. Plaza de la Corredera

Plaza de la Corredera is a large square in Cordoba that served as a meeting place, fairs and public events. The square is rectangular in shape and surrounded by arcades. Its history dates back to the 17th century.
Today it is one of the main centres of social life in Cordoba. It is worth visiting this place to feel the atmosphere of a traditional Spanish village.

Curiosity: The square was not only a place for trade, but also – as was often the case with places where a large audience could gather – it was a place where public executions were organised.

Plaza de la Corredera, GPS coordinates:
37°53’00.3″N 4°46’28.6″W
37.883412, -4.774621 - click and route

10. Viana Palace

Palacio de Viana is a magnificent 16th-century palace that is a great example of Renaissance architecture. It has beautiful gardens, with eight courtyards that combine Spanish, Italian and Arabic garden styles. The palace was once the residence of aristocratic families who collected valuable works of art, furniture and sculptures here (many of which can be viewed).

Palacio de Viana, GPS coordinates:
37°53’19.0″N 4°46’26.7″W
37.888606, -4.774074 - click and route

Andalusia sightseeing plan

This entry is part of a complete one Andalusia sightseeing plan - [click]. The guide contains plans, maps and descriptions of specific sightseeing routes.
To see all currently available descriptions of attractions in Andalusia click on the link: Region: Andalusia - [click].

A guide to safely renting a car in Andalusia: Malaga - car rental without credit card, no deposit

Cordoba - hotels and accommodation

Cordoba is another Spanish city where staying overnight is a real pleasure. The city comes alive in the evenings and invites you to bars and restaurants serving great food and great drinks, including excellent wine.
Below you will find several accommodation options. Do not treat them as specific indications of the hotels that I recommend. Treat them as a good start for further searches. The links I have posted use the search engine mechanism, which, in addition to a specific hotel, always offers other, similar offers, often even more attractively priced. Additionally, the links contain filters prepared by me. They prevent the display of offers that could unnecessarily clutter the search results and appropriately narrow the search area to the area that interests us. So you do not have to do it manually every time. I recommend using these links, because they make searching easier and save time.

La Quinta Hacienda – [click]

Hotel Cordoba Center – [click]

Hotel Maestre – [click]

Hotel Marisa – [click]

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