Over the centuries, the different people and cultures who settled in Cordoba left a priceless legacy of monuments that still stand in the streets of this Andalusian city. All of western Europe regarded Cordoba with awe throughout the Middle Ages, and when you see its stunning heritage, it is perfectly clear why.
A World Heritage Site
Cordoba’s historic quarter has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, with the Great Mosque at center stage. Considered one of the world’s greatest Islamic buildings, the Great Mosque is a symbol of the sophisticated culture that flourished well over a millennium ago when Cordoba was the capital of Islamic Spain.
Besides the Great Mosque, there are many other magnificent buildings in the city. A gentle stroll around the historic center will lead to the Alcazar Palace of the Christian Monarchs, with its beautiful gardens, Moorish baths, and the Mosaic Room. The winding, narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter lead to the Synagogue with its beautiful plasterwork. There is also the Medina Azahara archaeological site; the typical Cordoba patios at Viana Palace; the Potro Inn, mentioned in “Don Quixote”; the Baroque Merced Convent; Calahorra Tower… and the list goes on and on!
Modern Cordoba: still grand
Cordoba is proud of its well-deserved status as a World Heritage Site, but its inhabitants today are equally proud of their modern life and all it has to offer. Much of the city’s rich history is brought back to life in fascinating museums, like the Museum of Fine Arts, with famous paintings from the age of Andalusian baroque and other epochs; the Calahorra Tower Museum, which shows how Arab, Christian, and Jewish cultures mixed and melded in Cordoba; the remains of the Arab baths; and the Casa de las Cabezas (House of Heads), which shows how a 14th century aristocratic family lived and also shares some of Cordoba’s most hair-raising tales. Another that is not to be missed is the Museum of Archaeology, which features Cordoban treasures like prehistoric crafts, Roman statues and mosaics, and an entire floor devoted to Moorish culture and history.
Of course, Cordoba’s real charm reveals itself through its cobbled streets and wrought-iron balconies, stone buildings and verdant patios, blossoming trees and plants overflowing from their pots, and an abundance of quaint hidden plazas with exquisite restaurants and unique bars. Visitors to Cordoba today leave with an enchantment that has been shared by countless others through many centuries.
Your Andalusian tour
If you are planning an Andalusian tour, don’t miss out on the magic of Cordoba! With so much to offer, it is hard to make time for everything. We can help you to choose the best attractions and activities for your group, and to make the perfect arrangements for accommodation and dining. Contact us today to start planning your tour of this exciting and unforgettable destination!
