4 things you must see in Córdoba!

From Seville, it is very easy to go to Córdoba. The average travel time is 45 minutes when you go by train. Just like in Seville there is a lot to do in Cordoba. In this blog, we’re going to tell you about the four things you must see when you’re going to visit this city! 

1. The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba

The mosque-cathedral illustrates a rich history. Historians believe that there had first been a temple to the Roman god, Janus. The temple was converted into a church by invading Visigoths who seized Cordoba in 572. After, the church was converted into a mosque and then completely rebuilt by the descendants of the exiled Umayyads, the first Islamic dynasty who had originally ruled from their capital Damascus from 661 until 750.

So this really is a must-see monument of the city, because it is a combination of the two religions that shaped Andalucia: Islam and Christianity. It is a special building because of the fact that it is not only a cathedral and not only a mosque, it is both!  

If you want to visit this special monument, it is better to buy the tickets online to avoid long queues, you can buy the tickets here!

2. Alcázar of Cordoba

The Alcázar de Los Reyes Cristianos (Alcázar of Cordoba) is a military building in the city. The construction of the alcazar was ordered by the King Alfonso XI of Castile in the year 1328. This building is located next to the Guadalquivir, a 657 km long river in Andalucia. The fortress served as one of the primary residences of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon. When you’re on the towers of the Alcazar you have a beautiful view over the city, and over the beautiful gardens of the palace itself. 

3. The Roman Bridge                                                                                                               

This is a bridge in the center of Cordoba across the Guadalquivir and is one of the icons of the city. The bridge was built by the Romans in the first century. The bridge is 250 meters long and based on 16 ancient Roman foundations. A funny fact is that the Roman Bridge featured in season 5 of the series Games of Thrones. 

4. Medina Azahara 

The history of Medina Azahara starts with Abd-ar-Rahman III, he had proclaimed himself caliph in 928 and decided to build a palace-city near Cordoba, between the years 936 and 976. Medina Azahara was sacked by Berber rebels as part of a large rebellion that led to the dissolution of the Caliphate of Cordoba around 1010. The invasion effectively  wiped the city off the map for a millennium.

Nowadays, only 10% of the city is visible, but archeologists are still trying to discover more. Medina Azahara is about 7 km away from the city center, but it is definitely worth visiting. you can go by car, but there is also the possibility to go by bus that departs around 3 times a day from the city center. This costs 9€ for a round trip and it gives you 2 and a half hours to visit the Medina Azahara. For more information click here!

Also in Córdoba, you can join a bicycle tour with us. This bike tour shows you the highlights of the city: The Roman Temple, La Corredera Square, Roman Bridge, the Mosque-Cathedral and so much more! Do you want to join? Click here!