Cordoba, Spain. Sights to see

The Spanish city called Cordoba was founded before the arrival of the ancient Romans and during the early Middle Ages it reached its heyday under the rule of powerful Moorish rulers.

The city harmoniously combines 3 different cultures: Christian, Jewish and Muslim. The territory conquered by Christians from the Arabs gradually turned from the brilliant capital of the caliphate into a provincial one.

Location and how to get there

Cordoba in Spain is a little away from important tourist routes. The city is located in the autonomous region of Andalusia and is the administrative center of the province of Cordoba. It is located in the central part of the region on the southern side of Spain, in the Guadalquivir River basin, on its right bank.

The city is located between the rural plains of Campigny on the south side and the Sierra Morena on the north side.

The geographical coordinates of the location of the city of Cordoba are 37°53’29” s.w. and 4°46’21” v.d. or 37.8915500, -4.7727500. The height of the location above sea level is 117 m.

Cordoba is one of the TOP 10 most visited cities in the country.

You will not be able to fly directly to Cordoba, the local airport does not accept commercial flights, so you will have to get to the cities initially:

• Madrid;
• Malaga;
• Seville.

You can get from Moscow to Madrid, Malaga and Seville by:

• by plane;
• trains;
• international scheduled buses;
• cars.

After arriving in the intermediate cities, in order to get to Cordoba, you need to change trains:

After arriving in the intermediate cities, you should take a regular bus:

The most comfortable way to get to Cordoba from the airport of intermediate cities is to rent a car or call a taxi.

When renting a car, you need to take into account that there are almost no free parking in the central part of Cordoba, you will have to pay for parking at the following rate:

• from 1 to 3 € for 1 hour;
• from 12 to 17 € per day.

It is possible to park the car away from the center and get to the hotel and local attractions on foot or by public transport.

Climatic conditions

The climate in Cordoba is continental Mediterranean, with very hot summers in the city. It is warm, sunny and dry all year round, and rains are rare. There is almost never wind, fog and hurricanes here.

Regardless of the climatic conditions in different seasons, tourists go on vacation to the Spanish city throughout the year.

In summer, it is not recommended to visit Cordoba, the heat in the city can be up to +40 ° C, the average daytime temperature in July and August is about +37 ° C, in June +33 ° C. During this period, it is recommended to go outside only in the early morning or after sunset in the evening.

The weather in Cordoba is very diverse in autumn. In September, there is still summer weather and the air warms up to +32 ° C. In October, the temperature is on the decline and may drop to +26 °C. At the end of October, the sky often begins to become overcast and in November the air temperature drops to +18 °C. The number of sunny days is gradually decreasing and it rains often.

It is quite comfortable to visit Cordoba in the spring, there is still no heat outside, but it is already warm enough. At this time, plants begin to bloom and there is a pleasant aroma on the streets. Spring is considered the windiest period, but at this time it is pleasant and warm.

Average daytime air temperature in spring:

• in March +18°C;
• in April +22°C;
• in May, +27°C.

In winter, the average air temperature in the region is about +15 °C, at night +5°C. It rains periodically. Depending on the climatic conditions, it is considered that the best time to travel is spring, it is most comfortable to go to Cordoba in the period from March to May.

Historical data

Cordoba in Spain has a very rich history. It has been known about the city since the colonization of Spain by the Phoenicians and since the beginning of its formation, there has been a regular change of power and regime around it. The city often changed hands, it was conquered and its status was changed.

The most striking events in the fate of the settlement:

Attractions

Cordoba in Spain has the status of the city with the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world on its territory. Cordoba is the 3rd largest among the rest of the Andalusian cities, the city’s population, which is happy to receive tourists from around the world, is 325,000 people.

Mesquite

One of the most iconic and important sights of Cordoba is the former main mosque of the great Mesquite Caliphate of Cordoba. Since the 13th century, it has had the status of a Catholic cathedral. The grandiose and majestic building was built in the style of traditional Moorish architecture, it was erected in the VIII century during the reign of Abdar Rahman I.

The best masters of the Islamic world were involved in the construction of the structure, so in the end it turned out to create a masterpiece that could survive several centuries.

The Alcazar of the Christian Kings

The Alcazar or Medieval Fortress is located in the historical central part of the city of Cordoba, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The palace was built on the site of the ancient Visigothic fortification, which was destroyed by the Moors when they conquered Spain. During the Reconquista, the palace served as the main residence for the Catholic kings Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile.

The Jewish Quarter

There is a Jewish quarter in the Spanish city of Cordoba, which was built during the Arab rule. Until the end of the XV century, Jews lived there, until they were expelled from the city by order of Isabella of Castile.

The Jewish quarter (Huderia) has preserved the spirit of medieval Moorish Cordoba to this day. The narrow alleys of the area have not changed for several centuries and have preserved it in its original form.

Synagogue

The temple was built at the very beginning of the XIV century. The Jewish religious building was built for Jews at a time when they were treated favorably in Cordoba. The synagogue was built in the Mudekhar style, it harmoniously combines Moorish and Gothic styles.

After the Jews were expelled from Cordoba, a hospital was founded in the church building, then a school and a chapel began their work here. In the XIX century, the building was recognized as the most valuable monument of architecture and history. It currently houses a museum.

Roman Bridge

The famous Roman bridge was built of stones and decorated with arches. It was laid through a river called the Guadalquivir, it has a length of 250 m and is equipped with 16 arches. The bridge was founded in the 1st century AD and geographically it belongs to the Augustovskaya road.

In the 10th century, the bridge underwent major restoration, which was carried out by the Arabs. For a long time, the structure was maintained in good condition and for a long time it served as the only crossing over the river. In 2004, the Roman Bridge was converted into a pedestrian bridge.

Kalaorra Tower

The fortification tower named after Kalaorra was built in the XII century. The building was built on the banks of the Guadalquivira River back under the Almohads (the Berber dynasty that ruled in Spain between 1130 and 1269). The architectural landmark is a striking example of the late Islamic style.

During the liberation of Cordoba from the Moors, the tower structure was severely damaged, but already in the XIV century it was completely restored. In 1930, the Kalaorra Tower was included in the lists of strictly protected cultural heritage sites of the country. Currently, the tower houses a Museum of Three Cultures.

Puerta del Puente

The Puerta del Puente Gate is an integral part of the Roman Bridge. They were installed near the entrance to the bridge and in the Middle Ages they were combined with the fortress wall and played a fortification role.

The gate was made in the style of the Renaissance, the work on the project was led by F. de Montalban. According to his project, the gate was supposed to facilitate the expansion of entry into the city and increase the flow of merchants, which should have a beneficial effect on the city’s economy.

Roman Temple

In the historical center of the city of Cordoba, you can see the ruins of an ancient Russian religious building. They were discovered in the last century during construction work.

After studying the structure, it was concluded that the temple was built in the I century AD and was used by the Roman emperors. Most likely, the temple in the ancient period of the history of Cordoba was considered the main religious building and sanctuary of the city.

Madina az-zahra

The city of Madina al-zahra, located in the suburbs of Cordoba, was built during the reign of Caliph Abd ar-Rahman III. Translated into Russian, the name of the city means “shining city”. The city was built 8 km from Cordoba in order to show its own superiority over other caliphs.

To date, only the ruins of the city have remained intact, according to them it is possible to imagine the luxury and splendor of Madin al-Zahra in the past.

Merced Palace

The Merced Palace was built in the Spanish Baroque style. It is located on the Plaza de Colon square, on the site of the ancient early Christian church of St. Eulalius and the monastery. The present appearance of the building was acquired in the XVIII century as a result of major restoration work.

To date, the residence of the governing bodies of the settlement and its surroundings is located on the territory of the palace.

The Royal Stables

The royal stables in Spanish Cordoba were built during the Middle Ages. They were founded specifically to breed new breeds of horses, the most successful being the Andalusian. As a result of long-term work, one of the most beautiful horses in the world has appeared.

To date, the Royal Stables are occupied by the equestrian Association, which includes:

• Equestrian Art School;
• Carriage Museum;
• theatre.

In the theater you can see a large number of productions with the participation of thoroughbred horses.

Viana Palace Museum

The museum on the territory of Cordoba was built in the XIV century on the ruins of an ancient Roman palace. The main facade of the building was added a little later, it was erected in the XVI century under the guidance of architect H. de Ochoa.

Until the beginning of the 20th century, the museum complex was privately owned and periodically changed from one owner to another. The last owner of the palace was the Cajasur Bank, its administration initiated the opening of an art museum in the building.

Julio Romero de Torres Museum

On the territory of the city of Cordoba there is a museum named after Julio Romero de Torres, an artist who worked in the style of realism in the XIX and XX centuries. The museum was opened in the building of the former hospital, which differs from others by bright and bizarre patterns on the walls. The Museum of Fine Art is located in the same building.

Bullfighting Museum

There is a bullfighting museum in Cordoba, as Andalusia is considered the birthplace of this entertainment. In the museum you can get acquainted with the history of the emergence of a spectacular, but also quite cruel occupation.

Learn the basic rules of competitions and get acquainted with the biographies of famous matadors. The museum displays the ceremonial and casual clothes of the matadors and their weapons.

Archaeological Museum

The museum’s exposition is located in a palace that previously belonged to one of the noble families of Cordoba. The building was erected in the XVI century under the supervision of architect E. Ruiz. The museum has exhibits dating back to the Roman, Visigothic and Iberian eras.

Here you can see the most ancient artifacts that were confiscated in monasteries in the middle of the XIX century. The archaeological museum has a library with ancient books and chronicles.

Plaza del Potro

Plaza del Potro is the name of the square where the fountain is installed in the form of a figure of a small foal, hence the name, which in Spanish means “foal”. Adjacent to the square is one of the most popular hotels in Cordoba, which was mentioned in the immortal work of Miguel Cervantes.

The quiet and cozy square, which is a striking example of a classic Andalusian pedestrian zone, is surrounded by the facades of ancient buildings that have preserved the features of the Middle Ages to this day.

Entertainments

Cordoba in Spain is currently very popular with tourists and has the status of a picturesque pearl of Andalusia. Incendiary flamenco dances in the evenings on the narrow streets of the city, and guests are treated to traditional Andalusian cuisine.

Entertainment in Cordoba is seasonal, and certain traditional festivities are held here in different months. May in Cordoba is considered a “national” month, it is the main time of holidays and festivals, during this period of time the most significant events take place.

At this time, the ancient city is drowning in the scent of spring flowers and an annual competition is held here for the most beautiful patio. In January and December, Christmas is celebrated in the city, and in February orange trees begin to bloom.

There are a large number of organizations in the city that arrange entertainment for local residents and guests of the city. In Cordoba, a lot of attention is paid to horse riding. There is an equestrian club near the city center, which everyone can visit. Here you can ride horses or take a riding lesson.

Those who like to visit the SPA can be recommended to visit the centers of Hammam de Al Andalus and Banos Arabes. It offers massage rooms, an oriental sauna and a hammam. There is a Jacuzzi and a swimming pool nearby.

Those who want to spend an active night are invited to visit the El Cardenal club, where night discos and entertainment programs are held until the morning.

When visiting the city of Cordoba with children, it is recommended to visit the Parque Zoologico Municipal de Cordoba Zoo.

It is home to a large variety of animals, which are fashionable to see in the immediate vicinity:

• giraffes;
• parrots;
• tigers;
• bears;
• elephants;
• flamingo;
• lynxes;
• The panthers.

Tourists pay great attention to local cinemas, where interesting films are shown around the clock. The most popular are CineSur El Tablero and Filmoteca de Andalucia.

During your stay in the Spanish city of Cordoba, it is recommended to try national cuisine. The gastronomy of the city is based mainly on products grown on fertile plains. On olive oil and meat products.

At the same time, you can notice the presence of spices and seasonings from the Caucasus in the dishes: mint, tarragon and oregano. There is also rice, spinach, eggplant and bitter orange, brought by the Arabs.

Traditional dishes of Cordoba include salmorejo, flamencines, oxtail and mutton with honey. Crushed oranges and Cordova puff pastry cake with candied citrons are popular and have an original taste.

Video about the city

Heads and Tails. Circumnavigation — Cordoba. Spain:

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