Capital of the province of Cordoba in Andalusia, known for its history and its architectural marvels
Cordoba (Cordoba in Spanish) was first Roman then Muslim for three centuries before the Christian conquest around the year 1000. These diverse cultures have given the city architectural gems such as the Mezquita, the Roman Bridge or the Alcazar among others. Cordoba is listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
How to come to Cordoba? - By plane: from Paris via Seville or Malaga or Madrid then the bus to Cordoba - By train: from Paris via Perpignan and Madrid then Cordoba (2 changes, counting 11 p.m.) - By bus: from Paris via Hendaye and Madrid (2 changes. Count 11 p.m. there too) - By car: from Paris, Hendaye, Madrid and Cordoba (15 hours and 1600 kilometers)
So you have the choice...Andalusia being at the very bottom of Spain, the trip can be long...But don't we say that travel trains youth :) When you come to Cordoba, take the opportunity to visit Seville and Granada, 2 other "pearls" of Andalusia.
How to get around Cordoba? Bus, taxi, horse-drawn carriage, everything is possible, but to tell the truth for the circuit that I propose to you below, a good pair of sneakers will suffice, the distances are quite short and you will enjoy the sweetness of life in Cordoba while discovering the most beautiful places in Cordoba.
Where to stay in Cordoba? You will find many hotels at a reasonable price
What to do in Córdoba? - Visit the Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral skip-the-line ticket) - Visit the Alcazar (skip the line ticket) - Visit the Mezquita, the synagogue and the Jewish quarter - Visit and enjoy a Hammam experience - See a horse show
It is now time to discover the circuit that I propose to you... A small plan first of all to locate you.
So let's start with the most famous historical and emblematic monument of Cordoba...The Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral) (pointA) This religious building is one of the most important in the world. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A Visigoth basilica when it was created, the building was transformed into a mosque and a 40-meter-high minaret was added in the 7th century. It will be necessary to wait until the 11th century to see this place become Catholic. I strongly advise you to take a skip-the-line ticket in order to avoid an interminable wait...I would add, go there at the opening, it will be cooler and there will be less people
After this visit of about 2 hours, let's go out through one of the doors to go to the Royal Stables (point B)
The Royal Stables were built by Philip II during the Renaissance. The King wanted to create a purely Spanish horse breed. Admission is free every day except Tuesday. You can also discover equestrian shows of all beauty and Andalusian tradition. Get your tickets here
Let's continue our tour by visiting the Alcazar of Cordoba (point C) The Alcazar is a Palace-Fortress built in 1328 by the Christian kings. The Alcazar has had several lives. Court of the inquisition, prison, barracks, palace... If the exterior is austere and military, the interior is lush, flowers, gardens, vegetable gardens, ponds, patios ... the smell of roses, citrus fruits, or cypresses will enchant you Remember to take your skip-the-line tickets to avoid wasting time waiting at the cash desks.
Let's leave the Alcazar and go back a few tens of meters to admire the Roman Bridge (point D) and these 16 arches that span the Guadalquivir. This bridge was built a century before our era by the Romans. It was for almost 2000 years the only crossing point over the river. Come admire it at night!
Let's continue and leave the heart of the city to head towards the Judéria Quarter (Jewish Quarter) of Córdoba (point E). You will walk through winding alleys before arriving at the Jewish quarter of Cordoba... take the opportunity to discover the alleys, patios and local crafts
You have arrived at the small synagogue of Cordoba...it is free to visit...Admire its decorations
We will end our excursion with a visit to Plaza de la Corredera at around 15 minutes walk from the Synagogue (1 kilometer) (point F). This square is emblematic of Cordoba, one of the 3 quadrangular squares of Spain. It served since the 15th century as a place for meetings, parties, markets or bullfights. Today, you will discover taverns, shops, flea markets, but also the flea market. End your stay with an evening on one of the terraces of the square to have a drink and enjoy the sweetness of Cordoba..
I hope to have made you want to visit and discover this city which is less known than Seville or Granada, but which really deserves our interest. I wish you a good trip and good souvenir photos.