Landmarks of Córdoba, Spain

According to PRINTERHALL, the southern city of Córdoba is located in the Andalusia region. Córdoba has a long history, including as the capital of Hispania Ulterior and later that of Hispania Baetica. Golden times followed. But there was also a lot of fighting in Córdoba. Thus, the city was conquered by the Arabs and Berbers for a long time. Their status was achieved with the construction of the Mezquita mosque. Around the tenth century, Córdoba was even one of the largest cities in the world. Much of this long history is still represented in the city. Particularly in the historic district ‘Alcazar Viejo’ there are a number of particularly beautiful sights to discover. It is not for nothing that it has been named a ‘World Heritage Site’ by Unesco. The old defensive walls are a confirmation of the city’s origins. Another characteristic of Córdoba are the many courtyards, also known as patios. These courtyards are often richly decorated with colorful plants and flowers. The most beautiful courtyard is that of the Palace of Viana in the medieval part of the city. Córdoba is a very pleasant city with a lot to see and do. The museums, the historical sights as well as the shops are ideal for a pleasant city trip. During the summer months you have to take into account exceptionally high temperatures.

Top 10 things to do in Cordoba

#1. Mezquita
A tour of the Mezquita Cathedral of Córdoba will quickly lead to quite a stir. The more than special incidence of light provides spectacular pictures on the richly decorated interior of the second largest mosque in the world. Because yes, before the Reconquista, in which the Moors (Muslims) were expelled, the Mezquita was the largest mosque in Europe. The hundreds of columns in the prayer hall were built at the time under the direction of Abd el-Rahman and later modified by al Hakam II. With the construction of the Grand Mosque, it also became clear how great the power of Islam was here in Spain at the time. At the Mihrab (prayer niche) it is clearly visible that many pilgrims have walked. Later, during the reign of Charles V in the 16th century, the structure was drastically overhauled to transform it into the current cathedral. In the heart of the Mezquita de Córdoba is the space in which the cathedral is built. Lovers of special architecture will immediately see that different architectural styles can be distinguished.

#2. Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
This palatial residence of Catholic kings has withstood the test of time quite well. It was built in the fourteenth century under the direction of King Alfonso XI. The palace is not very impressive in size. The gardens would like you to think so. Beautiful fountains, water features, stately avenues and the neatly maintained vegetation are a feast for the eyes. A wall has been built around the estate with four towers, Torre de la Paloma, Torre de la Inquisición, Torre de los Leones and Torre del Homenaje. In the basement of the Alcázar you can admire a bathhouse built in Moorish style.

#3. Puerta del Puente
One of the oldest entrance gates of Córdoba is located at Calle Amador de los Ríos and Calle Corregidor Luis de la Cerda. In the immediate vicinity are also the Mezquita de Córdoba and the ancient bridge Puento Romano. The current Puerta del Puente was built in the sixteenth century. At the time, it was the main gateway through which many traders and visitors entered the city. Francisco de Montalbán was called upon for the design and later by Hernán Ruiz III. Above the Doric columns you can admire triglyphs and metopes with reliefs and the image of Felipe II of Spain.

#4. Puente Romano
The old Roman bridge of Córdoba crosses the Guadalquivir River. It was an important access road to the city early in history. The bridge was already built in the first century, but has undergone several restorations over the centuries. The Puente Romano has sixteen arches and a beautiful sculpture of guardian angel San Rafael. This one comes from the hand of Bernabé Gómez del Río, a sculptor from the seventeenth century. In the immediate vicinity of the Puente Romano bridge are the mosque-cathedral Mezquita, the entrance gate Puerta del Puente and the Arab fortress Torre de Calahorra.

#5. Torre de la Calahorra
The Spanish Calahorra tower on the Guadalquivir river in Córdoba is part of a former Islamic fortress. It was strategically built here to guard the bridge that provided access to the city. Nowadays, the Calahorra Tower houses a museum that focuses on the medieval history of Córdoba. Explicit attention has also been paid to the Christian, Jewish and Islamic cultures that have prevailed here.

#6. Plaza de las Tendillas
In the heart of the city of Córdoba is the beautiful square Plaza de las Tendillas. In the twentieth century, the square was drastically overhauled. On the current Plaza de las Tendillas you will find buildings designed by architects such as Felix Hernandez Gimenez, Benjamin Gutiérrez Prieto and Ramón Aníbal Álvarez. But the most present building is the fountain with equestrian statue of Don Gonzalo Fernandez de Córdoba. As an army commander, he is also known as ‘the Great Captain’. In any case, he is seen as the founder of modern warfare, including trenches. Plaza de las Tendillas is mainly a car-free square where you can relax on one of the many terraces.

#7. Córdoba Synagogue
The ancient synagogue of Córdoba is a vibrant reflection of the Jewish community. Although the synagogue is no longer functional as a place of worship, it is an important part of history for the city of Córdoba that they would like to preserve. It is therefore a symbol of the modern Jewish community. The Córdoba Synagogue was built around 1350 and was for a long time the most important synagogue in Andalusia. After the expulsion and attempt to convert the Jews in the fifteenth century, the Jewish house of prayer was converted into a hospital. Nowadays you can visit the Córdoba Synagogue as a museum. The entrance is reached through a small courtyard.

#8. Museo Arqueologico de Córdoba
The archaeological museum of the city of Córdoba is a must for art and history lovers. The centuries-old history, in which influential people such as Claudius Caesar, Titus Flavius ​​Domitianus, Justinian I, Abd Al-Rahman III and Alfons XI had a lot of power, have left clear traces. Some parts of this are exhibited in the Museo Arqueologico de Córdoba (MAECO). The museum is located in the former palace ‘Palacio de los Páez de Castillejo’.

#9. Plaza de Toros de los Califas
Bullfighting has been an important and popular cultural festivity in Spain for centuries. In the meantime, many cities and places are already looking differently at this unnecessary bloody event. The Plaza de Toros de los Califas in Córdoba is the bullring of the city, which can accommodate nearly seventeen thousand spectators. Bullfights have been organized here for a long time. It is deeply rooted in culture. These are often organized during the Cordoba Fair ‘Feria de Cordoba’ which takes place in the month of May. At other times, the Plaza de Toros de los Califas is also used for tennis matches, for example.

#10. Basilica de San Pedro
At the Plaza de San Pedro is the eponymous cathedral from the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. In some parts, including the tower, characteristic Moorish styles can be discovered. The most radical restorations took place in the sixteenth century. At the time, Hernán Ruiz II was in charge. In the basement, the remains of martyrs such as Faustus, Martial and various altarpieces, including those of Alonso Gómez de Sandoval, can be visited.

Córdoba, Spain