Cordoba Highlights

10 things to see and do in Cordoba

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 I spent a few days in Cordoba in early November last year and loved it.  It is a small historic city but has a number of lovely places to visit and sights to see.  Here are my top ten tips.

Mezquita / Cathedral
By far the most impressive sight in Cordoba.  It took my breath away as I entered into the dark interior and absorbed all the columns and arches.  Simply stunning! The old cathedral in the centre (built on the site of a 6th century Basilica) is surrounded by the mosque area which would fit in hundreds possibly even a thousand plus people. The original mosque of Abd al-Rahman I dates from the 8th century.

Inside the Mezquita

Get there early for free entry from 8:30am until 9:30 (Mon - Sat). I don't believe this is enough time to fully appreciate this historic place but it will give you a taste for it, and you could go back later on a full price ticket (10 euros).
In addition to the main building you can go up the bell tower (walking up takes quite some energy) for excellent views over Cordoba from the top. It is 54 metres tall and is the tallest building in Cordoba. You will need to book on a tour as numbers are limited, these run every half hour from 9:30 to 17:30. Entry costs 2 euros.

Roman Bridge
Just south of the Mezquita there is an impressive Roman bridge over the Guadalquivir River, originally built in the early 1st century.  The tower on the south side of the bridge, the Torre de Calahorra, was a fortified gate to Cordoba and now houses the town museum and gives views over the city.
People promenade over the bridge regularly and often there are musicians busking at the side as you walk by.

Buskers on the Roman Bridge

The views back to the Mezquita / Cathedral and the historic centre are very attractive.
Look out for kingfishers and other birds such as herons and cormorants flying between the arches and dipping into the river.  It is a special place for me as this is where I saw my first (and so far only) kingfisher.

The Juderia
The old Jewish quarter is a network of narrow lanes lined with shops, restaurants and bars. There is a lovely hotel, Las Casas de la Juderia in the heart of the Jewish quarter, made up of lots of beautiful old buildings around small pretty courtyards with fountains.

Courtyard in Las Casas de la Juderia

In Calle de los Judios you will find the Synagogue, one of only three original synagogues that exist in Spain. The other two synagogues are in Toledo, the Inquisition closed the rest. 

Palacio de Viana
This is a national monument and is a homely palace surrounded by beautiful courtyards or patios, and lovely gardens. It is easy to enjoy an hour wandering through these varied garden spaces and the open rooms of the palace.

Pretty flowers in the patios

Kitchen in the Palacio de Viana

Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos
This includes a castle, gardens and a Moorish bathhouse dating from the 13th and 14th centuries. Again, if you get up early you can visit with free entry between 8:30 and 9:30. I would recommend it for the wonderful gardens and good views from the top of the towers.

Fountain in the Alcazar gardens

Botanical Gardens
If you love gardens then it would be worth the walk down to the Botanical Gardens, these are not extensive but still very interesting.  We spotted some impressive specimens including a citrus called the Buddha's Hand.
Take a picnic and sit on one of the benches to enjoy the scents and colours.

Buddha's hand citrus

Tortilla de Patatas
Look out for the tiny Bar Santos by the side of the Mezquita for their unique round tortilla de patatas washed down with a drink of the local fino, maybe?

Delicious Vegetarian Food
We discovered a vegetarian restaurant, called Amaltea, down by the river.  The food was so tasty that we visited a couple of times over our short stay.

Fino
Located in the Juderia, Taberna El No 10 is well worth a visit - wine and fino are served from big wooden barrels along the walls and you might be given a masterclass on preparing an Iberian ham for carving.

Somewhere to stay?
Wondering where to stay? I would thoroughly recommend Las Casas de la Juderia in the old Jewish quarter. It is a real treat to stay here with its richly decorated rooms, pretty courtyards and lovely staff.  It is in a central location, close to the Alcazar and in the heart of the Jewish quarter. We loved it.

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