What to see and do in Cordoba
Cordoba is located in southern Spain on the banks of the Guadalquivir river. The city has a rich cultural and architectural heritage.
The origins of this beautiful city in Andalusia are lost in history. Since the River Guadalquivir was navigable as far as Cordoba, after the arrival of the Greeks, the Romans and the Phoenicians in Andalusia and other parts of Spain, the city became known as one of the most important commercial and cultural centers in Spain.
However, it was not until the 8th century, when southern Spain was conquered by the Arab troops of Tariq, that the city was named the administrative center of the region Al-Andalus. They constructed the Great Mosque or Mezquita in the historic old town of Cordoba
It is the symbol of the city and without a doubt one of the most impressive works of Muslim art and architecture which still survives to this day. The Orange Tree Courtyard (Patio de los Naranjos), a peaceful garden with fountains and orange trees, can be found just outside the Great Mosque.
The Mezquita is just one of the many cultural, artistic and architectural treasures of the city. The historical center of Cordoba offers many typical courtyards (patios), narrow winding streets, medieval city walls and a lot of beautiful monuments like the Alcazar, a castle from the era of the Christian kings with an Arab bathhouse and beautiful gardens of typical moorish design with fountains, ponds and aromatic plants.
The Judería, the old Jewish quarter of Cordoba, is a network of small narrow streets not far from the Mezquita.
The Synagogue, one of only three original buildings which still remain in Spain, can be found in Calle de los Judios in the center of the Juderia. La Puerta de Almodavar (Almodavar Gate) forms the western boundary of the old Jewish quarter together with the Calle Averroes and Calle La Muralla.
The Roman Bridge which crosses the Guadalquivir river on the south side of the city offers some of the most spectacular views of the city. Although you can drive over the bridge it is a good idea to park the car and cross the bridge on foot to visit the Mosque or the old town of Cordoba.
Apart from the city itself tourists can visit a very interesting archaeological site at Medina-Azahara just five kilometers to the west of Cordoba.
Cordoba is not only a perfect destination for lovers of culture and history. It lies close to some of the most beautiful protected natural areas in Andalusia, a perfect day out for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The natural assets of the province of Cordoba are an ideal setting for active tourism, outdoor activities and adventure sports in southern Spain. Natural Parks like the Sierra Subbetica, Sierra Moreno or Cardena-Montoro offer everything sports lovers may desire.
The Sierra Subbetica, and the Sierra Morena which borders the province to the north and which includes the Parque Natural de Cardeña-Montoro and the Parque Natural de la Sierra de Hornachuelos are a perfect destination to practice hiking, biking, caving, horse riding and other outdoor activities.
In our Cordoba travel guide you can find a lot of information about the most interesting places to visit in the city and the province. You can also find a selection of rural cottages and other types of holiday accommodation in Cordoba owned by some of our clients.
