Cordoba
 
 
 

CORDOBA TRAVEL GUIDE

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CORDOBA

 

Why Travel to Cordoba?

Cordoba was the largest city in Roman Spain, gaining prominence due to its strategic location at the highest navigable point of the Guadalquivir River. This made it a vital port city in exporting Spanish olive oil, wine, and wheat to Ancient Rome. The Romans built a bridge across the river, now known as El Puente Romano. Later, Cordoba became the capital of the Moorish kingdom of El-Andalus, during which time the construction of the Great Mosque (Mezquita) began. Expanded over centuries, it grew into one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world and arguably the most beautiful religious construction in Spain. When Christian forces reconquered the city in 1236, they were so impressed by the mosque´s splendor that they preserved it, constructing a cathedral right in its center, resulting in the extraordinary cathedral-mosque that stands today.

Historic Treasures and the Medieval Quarter

Cordoba is rich in architectural and cultural landmarks. The Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, or Fortress of the Christian Monarchs, was built in 1328. You can also find the Calahorra Tower, an Arab construction, which guards the Roman Bridge on the river´s opposite bank from the Mezquita. The city also houses one of the only three ancient Jewish synagogues remaining in Spain, now a museum. This 1315 Mudéjar building features an interior gallery for women and delicate plasterwork inscribed with Hebrew psalms. Cordoba´s medieval Jewish quarter, La Judería, is a charming maze of narrow lanes, flower-filled patios, and picturesque squares like La Plaza del Potro. Every May, locals decorate their courtyards with flowers to compete in the city´s famous "most beautiful courtyard" contest.

The Mezquita - Cordoba´s Most Iconic Landmark

The Mezquita traces its origins to the 10th century, when Cordoba flourished under Emir Abd ar-Rahman III, one of Islamic history´s great rulers. During this time, Cordoba was one of the largest and wealthiest cities in Europe, and the mosque reflected its prosperity. Visitors enter through the Patio de los Naranjos, a classic Islamic courtyard featuring orange trees and fountains used for ablutions. All nineteen naves of the mosque once opened onto this courtyard, blending light and architecture in a remarkable visual effect. The mosque’s design includes unique horseshoe arches and alternating red and white stone-and-brick patterns that give it a striking and cohesive character.

A focal point is the Mihrab, which traditionally indicates the direction of Mecca and helps project the imam´s voice. Cordoba´s mihrab is particularly ornate, featuring a shell-shaped ceiling carved from a single block of marble and surrounded by spectacular gold mosaics designed in the Byzantine style. At the mosque´s center sits a Renaissance cathedral built in the early 16th century. To the side stands the Capilla de Villaviciosa, constructed by Moorish artisans in 1371, adding yet another layer to the site´s rich architecture.

Our food experts have chosen the best tour operators offering tours with food, wine, and walking holidays in Cordoba. You can check our full list of things to do in Cordoba: top food tours to Cordoba and top boutique hotels in the sections of the travel guide to Cordoba.

Population:  346,000 inhabitants (2025)

 
 
 
Cordoba
Cordoba
Cordoba
Cordoba
 

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RECOMMENDED TOURS, EXPERIENCES & TASTINGS

Our top 10 best tours, experiences & tastings in the destination selected by our experts. Slow Way Food Tours, Green Walking Holiday and Exclusive Food & Wine Tours/Tastings.

 
 
 
  15 Days / 14...
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Southern Spain to Northern Portugal: A...

 

A 15-day private journey through Spain and Portugal, blending culture, history, and refined travel. Enjoy expert-guided tours, handpicked hotels, and regional cuisine from Andalusia to Lisbon and the Douro Valley, all seamlessly arranged for your comfort.

 

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1 to 8 Hours...  
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Private Driver-Chauffeur Car or Minivan Transfers...

 

Private Chauffeur/Driver Car services in Cordoba, Andalusia. You can be picked up and dropped off from your hotel, airport, or a location specified within city limits. Choose from our selection of vehicle types (eg. Mercedes Benz E-Class Sedan, Minivan)

 

  

 
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RECOMMENDED HOTELS

Our travel experts have researched the best hotels in the destinations we cover. Stay in unique accommodations from modern city centre hotels to wine country manor house with amazing food & wine. If you can not find a suitable option just let our experts know and we will suggest something different for you.

 
 
 
  4 Star
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Hotel Boutique Las Casas de la Judería Córdoba

 

This fantastic hotel, just 200 metres from Cordobas Mosque-Cathedral was built showing maximum respect for the buildings architecture and history

 

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