Historical past buffs (and a variety of folks) will discover loads of issues to do in Cordoba, Spain.
Cordoba is one in every of Spain’s most lovely cities, and the right place for a culture-filled metropolis break. Simply strolling across the metropolis’s historic outdated city is endlessly fascinating, as you uncover hidden plazas and historic buildings round each nook.
In fact, probably the most spectacular of those monuments is the Mezquita. This awe-inspiring mosque that needs to be on each traveler’s bucket checklist. With its repeating red-and-white arches, and exquisite Islamic artworks, this constructing supplies an interesting window onto the previous glory of Moorish Spain.
While you’ve lastly had your fill of sightseeing, one other of the highest issues to do in Cordoba is to cease for a drink or some tapas in one of many metropolis’s many lush courtyards. These secluded areas, also called ‘patios’, are to be discovered throughout town and make wonderful spots to calm down and unwind after a busy day.
In a while, you would end up attending an thrilling flamenco present in Cordoba, or dancing the evening away in one of many metropolis’s many bars or nightclubs.
With superior buying alternatives, a spread of improbable museums, scrumptious native meals, and 1000’s of years of historical past to discover, Cordoba is a must-visit Spanish metropolis.
On this article, we’ll be overlaying a number of the best possible issues to see and do in Cordoba. Consider us, there’s much more to select from than you would possibly suppose!
Issues to Do in Cordoba, Spain
Go to the Mezquita – Spain’s Most Monumental Mosque
The Mezquita is the jewel of Cordoba, and has rightly been listed by UNESCO as one of the excellent examples of Islamic structure wherever on the planet. The huge constructing is legendary for its rows of double arches, inbuilt white stone and pink brick, which stretch off into the gap so far as the attention can see.
Inside, you’ll discover intricate geometric patterns, flowing calligraphy and plenty of different relics of the once-powerful Umayyad kingdom. You’ll additionally study the fascinating story of how successive rulers expanded the mosque. You’ll additionally find out how Christians reinvented it as a catholic cathedral within the Center Ages.
General, this is without doubt one of the historic highlights of Andalusia, and positively one of many high issues to see in Cordoba.
Discover the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
One other of Cordoba’s most fascinating historic buildings is the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos. The constructing began its life as a Moorish palace within the eighth century and was rebuilt into an imposing fortress after the Christians recaptured Cordoba just a few centuries later.
The fortress was subsequently used as a base by the Spanish monarchs Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, and was even the place the place Columbus first pitched his voyage of discovery all over the world.
However the most effective factor concerning the Alcázar needs to be its Moorish-inspired gardens. Full of trickling fountains, colourful flowerbeds, citrus timber, and fishponds, these gardens are the right place to retreat from the Andalusian warmth.
Stroll Throughout Cordoba’s Roman Bridge
Sure, that’s proper – as you’d anticipate from the title, this bridge over the Guadalquivir River was initially constructed by the Romans within the 1st century BC, though it has been rebuilt and expanded a number of occasions over time.
This bridge is a good place to take a stroll when in Cordoba, as you will get some fantastic views out over the outdated city and the awe-inspiring Mezquita.
On the far finish of the bridge, you’ll additionally discover the Calahorra Tower, a Moorish defensive monument that was later expanded by Spanish rulers.
The tower is residence to the Museo Vivo de Al-Andalus, a museum that teaches guests concerning the tradition of the traditional Al-Andalus kingdom, the place Christians, Jews and Moors lived side-by-side.
Get pleasure from Flower-filled Patios
Stroll round Cordoba and also you’re positive to stumble throughout a number of the metropolis’s well-known patios. These courtyards are a key function of Cordoban structure and are historically embellished with colourful flowers and elaborate tile work.
Many of those secluded courtyards are privately owned. However, every year, the homeowners collect collectively to open their doorways to guests in the course of the exuberant Patios de Cordoba competition. The occasion takes place within the first two weeks of Might, and in addition sees a lot of dancers and singers performing within the streets so as to add to the festivities.
For those who’re not within the metropolis when the competition is working, don’t fear; there are nonetheless loads of possibilities to get pleasure from a few of its conventional patios. Among the best locations to go to in Cordoba is the centuries-old Viana Palace, which is residence to 12 courtyards, every extra lush and peaceable than the final.
Watch a Flamenco Present in Cordoba
Flamenco dancing has its roots within the Andalusia area, and this whirling, stomping, exuberant dance is a must-see throughout your journey.
Among the best locations in Cordoba to benefit from the magic of flamenco is the Tablao el Cardenal, located within the metropolis’s historic middle. This long-running venue places on an genuine flamenco efficiency, with a solid of 9 totally different artists who take you on a journey by way of totally different dance types.
You might additionally head to the Baños Arabes, for an intimate flamenco present in what was once Cordoba’s Arabic baths. The room solely seats round 20 individuals although, so advance reserving is advisable. This can be a particular factor to do in Cordoba for any fan of the humanities.
Eat Some Conventional Spanish Tapas
A lot of Cordoba’s patios have been reworked into secluded eating places the place you possibly can calm down and luxuriate in some wonderful tapas.
Among the best eating places in Cordoba is the Bodegas Campos. This outdated constructing boasts a spread of luxurious courtyards and is a good place to strive conventional Cordoban fare together with ox tail stew (rabo de toro).
You must also take a look at the Tabernas Salinas, a small and atmospheric bar situated subsequent to Corredera Sq.. Whereas right here, ensure that to order one other native specialty: fried aubergines drizzled with honey. Yum.
In fact, wherever you go for a meal in Cordoba, you shouldn’t miss out on ordering a glass of sherry. This candy, fortified wine originates from the close by metropolis of Jerez de la Frontera and is the right accompaniment to a calming night meal on one in every of Cordoba’s out of doors terraces.
Marvel at Cordoba’s Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum is the most effective place to go to in Cordoba for an opportunity to marvel on the wealthy patchwork quilt of town’s previous.
The museum accommodates numerous fascinating displays that present you ways the Romans, Visigoths, Moors and Christians all left their very own distinctive mark on this historic metropolis. It additionally consists of uncommon treasures, such because the Iberian Lion of Nueva Carteya, and a Roman sculpture of the god Mithra.
The Archaeological Museum lies subsequent to the Plaza de Jerónimo Páez, a wonderful and tree-shaded sq. the place you possibly can calm down and luxuriate in a espresso or a chilly beer.
Uncover the Museo de Bellas Artes and Museo Julio Romero de Torres
For a style of Spanish artwork and tradition, you must pay a go to to Cordoba’s Museo de Bellas Artes. This gallery is devoted to showcasing high quality artistic endeavors from Cordoba and the encircling area.
There are some wonderful historic work right here, exhibiting how town appeared by way of the ages, in addition to a spread of recent artworks on the highest flooring.
Nevertheless, the actual star attraction right here is the Museo Julio Romero de Torres, which lies close by throughout a small courtyard. This gallery is devoted to the native painter Julio Romero de Torres, who was famed for his charismatic portraits of Spanish women.
Julio Romero’s work of flamenco performances and bullfights shouldn’t be missed, as they supply an intriguing snapshot of conventional Andalusian life.
Loosen up With a Drink in Corredera Sq.
Lastly, you couldn’t depart Cordoba with no go to to Corredera Sq.. This massive plaza, situated to the east of the outdated city, is surrounded by a grand red-and-white façade.
In good climate, the entire sq. turns into one out of doors eating space, with cafes and eating places setting out tables and chairs to catch the solar.
Whereas the meals right here could also be squarely aimed on the vacationer commerce, that is nonetheless a great place to get pleasure from a nibble and a beer whereas admiring your environment. The charming red-and-white balconied flats additionally make this one of the Instagram-worthy spots within the metropolis.
The place to Keep in Cordoba
Mattress & Be – Greatest Funds Hostel in Cordoba
Mattress & Be needs to be one of many coolest hostels in Cordoba, in addition to one of many metropolis’s finest worth locations to remain. The rooms are clear and fashionable, with loads of facilities comparable to air-conditioning and WiFi. The hostel additionally boasts a rooftop terrace providing improbable views over town.
Mattress & Be makes particular efforts to entertain its friends, with free sangria nights each different night, in addition to free night-time strolling or biking excursions of Cordoba’s finest tapas eating places. Workers are pleasant and welcoming, and can allow you to to plan your go to to Cordoba. General, it is a fantastic place to remain when exploring this vibrant Andalusian metropolis.
For extra data, unbiased evaluations, or to see the most effective costs at Mattress & Be click on right here.
Patios de Cordoba Resort
Situated inside simple strolling distance of Cordoba’s lovely Jewish Quarter, the Patios de Cordoba resort is the right choice in case you are seeking to splash out.
This resort is constructed round not one, however 5 conventional Cordoban patios – lovely tiled courtyards the place you possibly can catch the solar and luxuriate in a drink. With a good-quality breakfast, cozy rooms and useful employees, the Patios de Cordoba is a peaceful oasis within the middle of town.
For extra data, unbiased evaluations, or to see the most effective costs at Patios de Cordoba click on right here.
When to Go to Cordoba
As a rule, winter within the southern Spanish area of Andalusia is like spring in different areas, with gentle climate and loads of sunshine.
The summer season months from June to September can get brutally sizzling right here, so in case you are delicate to 40° C/90° F temperatures then you definately would possibly wish to think about visiting throughout winter or spring.
The weeks surrounding Easter, or Semana Santa, might be very hectic, so if you wish to keep away from crowds you shouldn’t go to between Palm Friday and Easter Sunday. General, the durations between January to March and October to November are good occasions to go to Cordoba if you wish to dodge big crowds and scorching solar.
Remaining Ideas on Cordoba
There are simply so many issues to see and do in Cordoba, that I couldn’t have hoped to suit all of them into the above article. Hopefully, we’ve given you a style of why Cordoba is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Andalusia, Spain, and even the world.
Whether or not you’re exploring historic buildings, enjoyable in lush courtyards, tucking into scrumptious tapas, or having fun with an exhilarating flamenco efficiency, this actually is the right metropolis break.
However don’t take our phrase for it – e book a visit to Cordoba and discover this world-class metropolis for your self!
Please observe – A few of our picks include affiliate hyperlinks. These enable us to earn a small share each time you make a reserving. Utilizing our hyperlinks permits us to offer all the data discovered on this website freed from cost.
