Cordoba Sightseeing and Tourist Attractions
Mezquita / Cordoba Cathedral
Cordoba’s Mezquita (April–Sept Mon–Sat 10am–7pm; Oct–March 10am–5pm) is the
grandest and most beautiful mosque ever constructed by the Moors in Spain. It
stands right in the centre of the city, surrounded by the old Jewish and Moorish
quarters. When the Christians reconquered the city they were so overwhelmed by
its beauty that they built the Cathedral within the Mosque.
Alcazár de los Reyes Cristianos
It was here that Columbus first requested funding for his renowned journey.
The beautiful gardens of the Alcázar are well worth a visit. The buildings
(Tues–Sat 10am–2pm & 5.30–7.30pm, Sun 9.30am–3pm; last entry 30min before
closing; free Fri) were the former residence of the Inquisition and today host
one of the largest complete Roman mosaics in existence.
Judería
At the heart of the tiny streets which make up Córdoba’s old Jewish quarter
is one of Spain's few remaining synagogues (c/Maimónides 18). Only three
survived the Jewish expulsions of 1492 (Tues–Sat 10am–1.30pm & 3.30–5.30pm, Sun
10am–1.30pm; last entry 30min before closing; free to EU citizens).
Plaza del Potro
This quaint old square is mentioned in Don Quixote, apparently Cervantes
himself stayed at the inn opposite. A pleasant break from the summer heat having
a drink under the orange trees.
Arab waterwheels and Roman bridge
These lie on the river just south of the Mezquita. Over the bridge, the Torre
de la Calahorra (daily 10am–2pm & 4.30–8.30pm) houses large scale models of the
Mezquita with audio guide explanations of its history.
Plaza de la Corredera
The ayuntamiento (town hall) building lies on the site of a ruined Roman
temple which is under constant restoration. Nearby the Corredera has undergone
impressive reconstruction in the last few years. This square has been a Roman
amphitheatre, the site of Inquisition burnings, a bullring, a hangout for
Cordoba’s druggies and is now the city’s answer to Madrid’s Plaza Mayor where
thousands of people flock to on New Years Eve to see in the New Year.
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