Cordoba (Córdoba)

Cordoba is one of the Most Popular Travel Destination in Andalucia

The jewel in the crown at this Andalucia tourist destination is the mosque, which at the height of its splendour was the largest in the Islamic world. It doesn’t look much from the outside, but once you’re inside, the row after row of magnificent arches make Cordoba mosque a must-see on any holiday in Spain.

Another important monument in Cordoba is the Alcázar fortress, not on the same scale as the Alhambra in Granada and not as grandiose as the Reales Alcázares in Seville, but well worth a visit. Just outside Cordoba is the archaelogical site of Medina Azahara, once the most important city in Andalucia and the excavations and museum give an excellent insight into Cordoba’s Moorish heritage.

As well as home to the Romans and Moors, Cordoba was also the city in Andalucia with the largest Jewish population. The Jewish quarter with its narrow alleys and pretty patios is centred round the synagogue and is one of the most popular spots with tourists visiting this Andalucia travel destination.

Cordoba airport is small and offers domestic flights only so your best option for getting there is Malaga airport. From Malaga you can get the high-speed AVE train or rent a car –  Cordoba is about two hours away. Like Seville, this Andalucia city is very hot in the summer and to make sure you get the best weather in Cordoba, visit in the spring or autumn.

Things you Must See and Do in Cordoba

Moorish Mosque: Top of any guidebook to Cordoba´s list of things to do is to visit the mosque and admire the unusual red and white striped horseshoe arches throughout the interior, unique to this Andalucia city.
Guitar Greats: July sees the guitar festival Cordoba, one of the most prestigious in Spain, when the world’s greatest guitarists and teachers congregate in this Andalucia tourist destination. A must for all music lovers. (www.guitarracordoba.com)
Flower Power: Most Andalucia towns and villages have patios of note, but those in Cordoba are famed as the best in Andalucia, particularly in May when the Patio Festival is held.
Holy Week: Along with other Andalucia cities such as Malaga and Granada, Cordoba is well known for its Holy Week processions. These take place daily during Easter week and those with routes round the old quarter are the most breathtaking.
Arab Baths: Relax after a hard day’s sightseeing in Cordoba at the Arab baths. Situated near the mosque, the hammam takes you back in time as well as providing perhaps one of the most atmospheric things to do in Cordoba.