More

    Tourist Attractions in Cordova

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Cordova. Photos and a brief description.

    Cordova
    clear sky
    75 ° F
    75 °
    75 °
    43 %
    1.6mph
    0 %
    Thu
    94 °
    Fri
    97 °
    Sat
    96 °
    Sun
    96 °
    Mon
    96 °
    About Cordova

    Cordoba is the pearl of Andalusia, an ancient city where three cultures have coexisted harmoniously for centuries: Christian, Jewish and Muslim. Founded before the arrival of the ancient Romans, Cordoba reached its heyday in the Early Middle Ages under the rule of powerful Moorish rulers. Conquered from the Arabs by Christians, it gradually turned from the brilliant capital of the caliphate into a provincial, but not without charm, city.

    Today, Cordoba is a picturesque city literally drowning in the fragrance of spring flowers. Every year there is a competition for the most beautiful patio. Among the narrow streets of the Jewish quarter, there are tableau taverns, where in the evenings dancers perform an incendiary flamenco dance and guests are treated to hearty dishes of Andalusian cuisine.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Cordova

    Mesquite

    Mesquita is one of the iconic attractions of Andalusia, the former main mosque of the great Caliphate of Cordoba, which since the XIII century has turned into a Catholic cathedral. The grandiose structure in the style of traditional Moorish architecture was built in the VIII century under Emir Abd ar-Rahman I. The best masters of the Islamic world were invited to work, who eventually created a masterpiece that has survived centuries.

    Mesquite
    Alcazar of the Christian Kings

    Alcazar of the Christian Kings

    A medieval fortress located in the historical center of Cordoba. During the Reconquista, it served as the main residence of the Catholic kings – Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile. The Alcazar was built on the site of an ancient Visigothic fortification destroyed by the Moors during the conquest of Spain. Subsequently, the rulers of the Cordoba Caliphate rebuilt the fortress and began to use it as a royal palace.

    Jewish Quarter

    The Jewish quarter in Cordoba was built during the Arab rule. Until the end of the XV century, Jews lived on its territory, until Isabella of Castile ordered them to be expelled from the city. The narrow streets of the "Huderia" (the so-called quarter in the Spanish manner) they still retain the spirit of medieval Moorish Cordoba. The appearance of the area has not changed for many centuries.

    Synagogue

    Synagogue

    The Jewish temple was built at the beginning of the XIV century, when favorable times came for Jews in Cordoba. The synagogue was built in the Mudekhar style, harmoniously combining elements of the Moorish and Gothic manner. After the expulsion of the Jews, the building housed a hospital, then a chapel and a school. Since the beginning of the XIX century, the temple has been recognized as a valuable architectural monument. Nowadays, a museum is located on its territory.

    Roman Bridge

    Stone arch bridge over the Guadalquivir River 250 meters long, consisting of 16 arches. It was built in the I century BC and was part of the August Road. In the X century, the Arabs restored the bridge. The structure was maintained in working condition throughout the Middle Ages and Modern times. Moreover, until the middle of the XX century, this bridge was the only crossing over the river. Only since 2004 it has become pedestrian.

    Roman Bridge
    Kalaorra Tower

    Kalaorra Tower

    A defensive structure of the XII century, erected at the Almohads on the banks of the Guadalquivir. The architecture of the building is an example of the late Islamic style. During the liberation of Cordoba from the Moors, the tower was damaged, but in the XIV century it was restored. Since the 1930s, it has been included in the list of protected cultural objects. Today, a Museum of three cultures is located on its territory.

    Puerta del Puente

    The gate is located in front of the entrance to the Roman Bridge. In the Middle Ages, they were part of the fortress wall and performed a defensive function. On the other hand, the construction of the Puerta del Puente was supposed to help expand the entrance to the city and increase the flow of merchants, which had a beneficial effect on the city's economy. The gate was built in the Renaissance style according to the project of F. de Montalbana.

    Puerta del Puente
    Roman Temple

    Roman Temple

    The remains of an ancient Roman sanctuary are located right in the middle of a busy city block at the intersection of streets. They were discovered in the 1950s during construction work. It is obvious that in the ancient period of the history of Cordoba, the temple was the main city sanctuary. The structure was erected in the I century. It is believed that it was used for the worship of Roman emperors.

    Madinat az-zahra

    A Moorish city built in the X century under the Caliph Abd ar-Rahman III, about 8 km from Cordoba. Translated from Arabic, the name means "shining city". The ruler built Madina az-Zahra in order to demonstrate his own power and superiority over other caliphs, as required by the etiquette of that time. Only the ruins have survived to our time, but even they give an idea of how beautiful the city was.

    Madinat az-zahra
    Merced Palace

    Merced Palace

    A magnificent building in the Spanish Baroque style, adorning the Plaza de Colon. The current appearance of the building acquired in the XVIII century as a result of reconstruction. Earlier on the site of the palace was the early Christian Basilica of St. Eulalia and the monastery. Nowadays, the residence of the city and provincial governments is located on the territory of the palace.

    Royal Stables

    In the XVI century, the stables were built to breed a special breed of horses – Andalusian. As a result of careful crossing, one of the most beautiful horses in the world turned out. Today, the historic building houses an equestrian association, which includes a school, a small carriage museum and a theater for tourists, where you can see interesting shows and performances with the participation of horses.

    Royal Stables
    Vian Palace Museum

    Vian Palace Museum

    The museum was built on the ruins of a Roman villa in the XIV century. The main facade was built later – in the XVI century (architect H. worked on the project) . de Ochoa). Until the middle of the XX century, a private palace was located here, which passed from owner to owner for centuries. The last owner of the building was the Cajasur Bank. By the decision of his administration, a museum was founded in the palace, where art collections were placed.

    Julio Romero de Torres Museum

    Julio Romero de Torres is a Cordovan artist of the XIX-XX centuries, who worked in the style of realism. The museum of his name is located in the former hospital building, which stands out from the general urban landscape with intricately painted walls. The Museum of Fine (Fine) Arts is also located here. The exhibition consists of works by the artist, as well as paintings by masters of bourgeois realism of the early XX century.

    Julio Romero de Torres Museum
    The Museum of Bullfighting in Cordoba

    The Museum of Bullfighting in Cordoba

    Andalusia is considered the birthplace of bullfighting. It is here, according to many Spaniards, that the last bullfight will take place, when animal protection organizations will finally send this beautiful, but rather cruel tradition into the past. In the Cordova museum you can learn about the history of the competition, its rules, as well as the famous matadors. Ceremonial clothing and weapons of bullfighters are also available for inspection.

    Archaeological Museum of Cordoba

    The museum exposition is located on the territory of the palace, which once belonged to one of the noble families of the city. The building was built in the XVI century according to the project of E. Ruiz. The collection was based on ancient artifacts confiscated from monasteries in the middle of the XIX century. Here you can admire the exhibits relating to the Roman, Visigothic and Iberian eras. The museum has a library where literature on archeology is stored.

    Archaeological Museum of Cordoba
    Plaza del Potro

    Plaza del Potro

    The name of the square comes from a small fountain topped with the figure of a foal ("potro" in Spanish means "foal"). The hotel of the same name, mentioned in the immortal work of Miguel Cervantes, is located here. Plaza del Potro is a classic Andalusian square: small, cozy and quiet, surrounded by the facades of old houses. Here you can relax, think about the beautiful, or just enjoy the atmosphere of Cordoba.

    Tendillas Square

    One of the central squares of Cordoba, located at the intersection of two main shopping streets of the city. In the middle there is a monument to Gonzalo Fernandez de Cordova – the famous commander who made a significant contribution to the treasury of military victories of Spain in the XV-XVI centuries. New Year's Eve and other public holidays are celebrated on Tendillas Square, and regional fairs often come here.

    Tendillas Square
    Correder Square

    Correder Square

    The architectural appearance of the Corredera Square is quite atypical for Cordoba and Andalusia as a whole. The place resembles the famous Plaza Mayor in Madrid, as it is built in the "royal" Castilian style. Like the main square of the Spanish capital, the Corredera has the shape of a rectangle, along the edges of which are perfectly smooth facades of houses. Its appearance has remained unchanged since the XVII century.

    El Cristo de los Faroles

    A small square, formerly located on the territory of the monastery of the Capuchins. A path from one residential block to another passed through it. At the end of the XVIII century , a monument in the form of a crucifix was erected here by the sculptor H. Navarro-Leon. The figure of Christ is surrounded by lanterns, so the statue was named El Cristo de los Faroles ("farol" in Spanish means "lantern/ lighthouse").

    El Cristo de los Faroles
    Flower Street

    Flower Street

    One of the most beautiful streets of the city and the symbol of Cordoba. White facades of houses, balconies, patios and windows are decorated with pots of bright flowers. The street looks especially picturesque in spring, when the plants begin to bloom and the walls are covered with a bright carpet of roses, hydrangeas and geraniums. At this time, a competition is being held for the most beautiful courtyard. Residents open their patios to the public so that tourists can appreciate the beauty of the decoration.