Top Things to do in Cordoba
10 Historic Sites in Cordoba That You Shouldn't Miss
Córdoba was once the premier city of the Western World, the greatest metropolis west of Constantinople, and the seat of Europe’s first university. Today, there’s a modern commercial center, but most travelers love strolling the town’s ancient cobblestone streets, peeking through gates for glimpses of lush flowers and beautiful tiled fountains.
Restaurants in Cordoba
1. Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28,159 reviews
Roman Catholic church that was once a mosque. Blending many architectural styles, the structure evolved over the centuries.
Reviewed By FESTEE
I suspect I’m in a curmudgeonly minority for whom the many fellow tourists apparently more concerned to photograph their visit (and of course themselves) than to feel anything while they’re there detract from the experience, so I’ll move on to the Mezquita Cathedral of Córdoba itself: it is genuinely awe-inspiring. The atmosphere and beauty of the place, the record-in-stone of historical events, artisanal craft, religious devotion, riches and power are worthy of buying a postcard or book to record the place, leaving you free to be, well, moved (or even, if you like, well-moved;).
2. Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,947 reviews
The palace-fortress of the Christian Kings has tranquil gardens and fountains.
Reviewed By DSBOBECZKO - University Heights, United States
Trying to avoid the blaring heat of June in Cordoba, we opted for a nighttime tour and light show in the gardens. This was an excellent way to experience the fountains through technological music and lights! The guides take participants through various parts of the garden to fountains that erupt in geysers and steaming ribbons of water set to classical and Spanish pieces of music accompanied by a light show and even a projected movie on a spray of water over the ponds. A truly enjoyable way to experience the gardens and fountains in a way that is impossible during the day! Schedule this experience if you have time!
3. Palacio de la Merced
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By scotishtravelbug - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Well worth a visit while strolling through Cordoba. Great picture opportunity to see this building with a difference.
4. Casa Andalusi
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 470 reviews
Reviewed By lorenzo_mtc
I knew nothing about this charming house museum until I passed it on the street, and, intrigued, went inside -- and I'm glad I did. Having read a good deal about that period, I was pleased to have all but wandered into it! The gentle kanun music being piped in (I don't know if that's always on their playlist), as well as a faint but pleasant scent which I couldn't quite identify, may have been a tad romantic, but they set the proper mood for enjoying this beautiful house-museum, and in fact both reminded me of my recent trips to Turkey (though the house itself recalls the Moorish-Arab culture of medieval Spain). And as the media continue to fill with stories of the harsher fringe elements of Islam, this house is a timely, and accurate, reminder of the artistry and civilization that exemplified Islamic culture at its height. But while the overall beauty of the house is what impresses you most strongly, just as interesting are the every-day household items on display -- a paper-making machine, scales, a coal bucket, books, scrolls, a tiny but intricately inscribed Koran, and more. All in all, this Andalucian House is a commendable project. Note, too, that the explanatory notes are in English and French, as well as Spanish. Also, if you like the music of Islamic Andalucia, or would like to check it out, you'll find several CDs for sale here.
5. Plaza del Potro
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 237 reviews
Reviewed By bstan - Cordoba, Spain
If you are in the Juderia and seeing the Mezquita, you should take an extra hour and wander down to the Plaze del Potro as well as the original bull fighting ring (actually rectangular) to get a bit out of the crowds and also to see some other interesting parts of Cordoba. Yes, there will still be plenty of people but nothing like the crowds arounf the Mexquita area. This plaza is mentioned/visited by Cervantes; needless to say it has been there a very long time.
6. Sinagoga
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 1,209 reviews
Reviewed By Mairwen1
Exploring the narrow, winding white-washed streets of the historic Jewish Quarter was one of the main highlights of our time in Cordoba. The ancient synagogue (built 1315) is in the heart of this area, along Calle Judios. It is incredible that the synagogue has survived at all. It’s even more incredible when you learn that only 3 synagogues still exist throughout Spain. Only 3! Long periods of persecution targeting Jewish communities, meant that so much must have been destroyed, confiscated and lost forever. The thing that saved this building was its usefulness. It was converted to a hospital for people with rabies, then the shoemakers’ guild took it over. Nowadays it's listed as a National Monument and is safely protected. As you enter there is a small courtyard and then an entrance hall with excellent information panels. Traditionally, there would have been a cleansing pool here for ritual washing or ablutions. From here, you step straight into the prayer room. It’s very, very small which makes historians think that it was probably a private synagogue for a wealthy family. The walls are disproportionately tall – 11 metres high. They are covered with intricate calligraphy, Hebrew inscriptions and rich white Mudéjar patterning. It’s quite beautiful. All of the walls have inscriptions but the southern and northern walls are the most important two. They have fragments of the Book of Proverbs, a verse from the Song of Songs and and Psalm 122 is above the doors. The other two walls have niches. The large arched space is where the Torah was kept (a menorah has been placed here to mark the space). Behind you, is a niche with a single, pointed arch where the altarpiece of St Quiteria was located when it was a hospital. You can still see a faint Christian cross on the wall. When you look up, you see the wooden, coffered roof. The 3 large interlaced arches, decorated with elaborate geometric patterns and calligraphy is the women’s section. NOTES: Closed on Mondays. Entry is free for EU citizens and just €0.30 for everyone else.
7. Torre de la Malmuerta
8. Molino de la Albolafia
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By urbanrev - Boca Raton, United States
The cats are quite amusing. And, looking at them, you can look down, and see just how silted up this river really is - far past its heyday when this was a major port town. It is really quite a large water wheel surprising intact, given the passage of time. I give it 5 stars just for kitty joy, and the serendipity of finding it when you're looking for something else. That's worth something.
9. Roman Mausoleum
10. Parroquia Ntra Sra Del Carmen
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2 reviews
