Córdoba

Córdoba has been declared a World Heritage Site for its valuable and extensive monumental heritage. Its historic centre of narrow and intricate alleyways is surrounded by a wall, the walls of which date from different historical periods: Roman Córdoba, Muslim Córdoba and the walls of Christian Córdoba. Of the sections that are still preserved, the Almodóvar Gate stands out, for example. In the historic centre of Córdoba is located the most emblematic monument of Hispano-Muslim Umayyad art: the mosque-cathedral of Córdoba. Of extraordinary beauty, the Mosque is a building constructed in various stages and destined both for worship and visual delight. In the 16th century, the Christian cathedral in Plateresque style was superimposed in the centre of the enclosure. Very close to this architectural marvel we can visit the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs. This square-shaped architectural complex was commissioned by King Alfonso XI on the former Andalusian alcázar. Its extensive gardens full of fountains are the most striking feature of the complex.

Plaza de la Corredera was designed following the Baroque standards of Castilian main squares. It is the only rectangular square in Andalusia, formerly located on the outskirts of Córdoba. In that area, which was still unfortified, bullfights were held and the market was established.

In the Jewish quarter is the Synagogue, the only pre-expulsion synagogue in Spain preserved in Andalusia and the most important for the inscriptions it holds.

From the Roman period, there are also remains in Córdoba. The main one is the Roman bridge that crosses the Guadalquivir, but we also find the remains of a Roman temple and a mausoleum in the historic centre. 

North of the city of Córdoba is the Malmuerta Tower, built in the 15th century to defend the Córdoba wall. It bears a legend related to love and revenge from which it takes its name.

The Palacio de la Merced, a former convent, is today one of the most important architectural complexes in Córdoba. It is currently the seat of the Diputación de Córdoba, but still retains its church and gardens; as well as a façade with clear hints of Córdoba Baroque. Very close by is the Palacio de Viana, better known as the Museum of Patios.

On the outskirts of Córdoba is the city-palace of Medina Azahara. The beauty of its architecture led to it being declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. Medina Azahara is the most important vestige of the power of the Caliphate of Córdoba and Abderramán III, who ordered the construction of the palatine city at the foot of Sierra Morena.

Córdoba's cultural and leisure agenda includes various activities and events throughout the year, among which are its patios in May, the Córdoba Fair, and the Guitar Festival. Meanwhile, the Archaeological Museum offers us the opportunity to explore in depth the history of the city through the pieces found in Córdoba's archaeological sites.

Córdoba's gastronomy is renowned for its salmorejo and flamenquín, a delicious rolled mix of Serrano ham, cheese, and pork. The Córdoba cake is one of the main desserts of its cuisine.