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Home / Provinces of Spain / Córdoba / Córdoba / Attractions in Córdoba /

Madinat Al-Zahra

The city of Madinat Al-Zahra is located 6 Kilometres to the west from the city of Córdoba. It is a Palace City designed to be the capital city of the Caliphate of Córdoba during Abd al- Rahman III´ s reign.

 

It has a rectangular floor of 1500 meters by 750 meters with octagonal design. It also has a network of sewers and a well designed network of conducts for the water supply. It is built on stepped terraces that are separated by walls dividing the city into three areas.

 

In the highest area stood the palaces (Viziers´ House, the Guard, the Rich Hall, the administrative rooms); in the middle area there were orchards and gardens, and in the lowest area the major Aljama mosque and the houses were built.

 

The Rich Hall is important. It has a basilical structure with three naves and is decorated with marble relieves with decorative motifs inspired in vegetation. In this monument the characteristics of the Caliphal horseshoe arch are formalized.

Built: X Century (936-976)

Author: Abd al–Rahman III

Style: Caliphal

Category: Civil

Type: Monumental Complex

Best things to do

From 42.00 €
Three essential monuments of Cordoba are the Mosque-Cathedral, the Alcázar of the Christian Kings, and its Jewish Quarter. We propose you a waking tour to know these wonders of the Historical Quarter of Córdoba. [+]

Three essential monuments of Cordoba are the Mosque-Cathedral, the Alcázar of the Christian Kings, and its Jewish Quarter. We propose you a waking tour to know these wonders of the Historical Quarter of Córdoba.

With the complete guided tour: Jewish Quarter + Alcázar + Mosque-Cathedral, you will discover all the historical and artistic details of these emblematic places.

If you book this tour, you will access to a lot of monuments: Mudejar Chapel of San Bartolomé, Synagogue, Califales Baths, Alcázar, Mosque-Cathedral.

Make the most of your stay in Cordoba!

From 24.00 €
In your trip to Córdoba, you can’t miss a guided visit to the Mosque-Cathedral. This is the temple of the capital of the ancient caliphate of Cordoba. This Mosque was the largest Muslim culture in the Occident. [+]

In your trip to Córdoba, you can’t miss a guided visit to the Mosque-Cathedral. This is the temple of the capital of the ancient caliphate of Cordoba. This Mosque was the largest Muslim culture in the Occident.

The best way to discover this monument, is visiting it along with an expert official local guide, who will explain you all the historical and artistic details of this unique place declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The ticket is included.

From 45.00 €
If you do not know the historic center of Córdoba and its main heritage sites, do not miss this tour. [+]

If you do not know the historic center of Córdoba and its main heritage sites, do not miss this tour.

With the company of historians, you will contemplate every corner of the Alcázar of the Christian Monarch, where even the Catholic Kings (Isabel and Fernando) came to live. You will enter the old Jewish quarter, including its Synagogue. Of course, you will visit the symbol of the city, the Mosque-Cathedral.

The reservation includes the price of tickets and the guided tour. Do not miss the opportunity and discover Córdoba in depth.

From 30.00 €
Delve into the incredible Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba with the company of historian tour guides. They will take you on an incredible journey through time. In addition, you will complete the experience walking through the narrow streets of the Jewish... [+]

Delve into the incredible Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba with the company of historian tour guides. They will take you on an incredible journey through time. In addition, you will complete the experience walking through the narrow streets of the Jewish quarter, where you will see by first-hand the Synagogue, the Monument to Maimonides and the Souk.

Tickets are included in the tour. Make your reservation and enjoy delight yourself with the historical wonders of Córdoba.

Plan your visit

Address and telephone

  • Carretera de Palma del Río, Km. 8. 14029 Córdoba
  • +34 957 355 506

Opening times

  • 16 September to 30 April
    • Tuesday to saturday: from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
    • Sundays and public holidays: from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • 1 May to 15 June
    • Tuesday to saturday: from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
    • Sundays and public holidays: from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • Closed on Mondays, 1 and 6 January, 25 March, 1 May, 15 August, 1 November and 6 and 25 December.

Tickets and prices

  • General entrance ticket: Free entry (citizens of the European Union, with ID).
  • Rest of the countries: 1.50 €

If you see any mistakes or want to add anything to this information, please contact us.

Location

Things to do in Córdoba

From 42.00 €
Three essential monuments of Cordoba are the Mosque-Cathedral, the Alcázar of the Christian Kings, and its Jewish Quarter. We propose you a waking tour to know these wonders of the Historical Quarter of Córdoba. [+]

Three essential monuments of Cordoba are the Mosque-Cathedral, the Alcázar of the Christian Kings, and its Jewish Quarter. We propose you a waking tour to know these wonders of the Historical Quarter of Córdoba.

With the complete guided tour: Jewish Quarter + Alcázar + Mosque-Cathedral, you will discover all the historical and artistic details of these emblematic places.

If you book this tour, you will access to a lot of monuments: Mudejar Chapel of San Bartolomé, Synagogue, Califales Baths, Alcázar, Mosque-Cathedral.

Make the most of your stay in Cordoba!

From 24.00 €
In your trip to Córdoba, you can’t miss a guided visit to the Mosque-Cathedral. This is the temple of the capital of the ancient caliphate of Cordoba. This Mosque was the largest Muslim culture in the Occident. [+]

In your trip to Córdoba, you can’t miss a guided visit to the Mosque-Cathedral. This is the temple of the capital of the ancient caliphate of Cordoba. This Mosque was the largest Muslim culture in the Occident.

The best way to discover this monument, is visiting it along with an expert official local guide, who will explain you all the historical and artistic details of this unique place declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The ticket is included.

From 45.00 €
If you do not know the historic center of Córdoba and its main heritage sites, do not miss this tour. [+]

If you do not know the historic center of Córdoba and its main heritage sites, do not miss this tour.

With the company of historians, you will contemplate every corner of the Alcázar of the Christian Monarch, where even the Catholic Kings (Isabel and Fernando) came to live. You will enter the old Jewish quarter, including its Synagogue. Of course, you will visit the symbol of the city, the Mosque-Cathedral.

The reservation includes the price of tickets and the guided tour. Do not miss the opportunity and discover Córdoba in depth.

From 30.00 €
Delve into the incredible Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba with the company of historian tour guides. They will take you on an incredible journey through time. In addition, you will complete the experience walking through the narrow streets of the Jewish... [+]

Delve into the incredible Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba with the company of historian tour guides. They will take you on an incredible journey through time. In addition, you will complete the experience walking through the narrow streets of the Jewish quarter, where you will see by first-hand the Synagogue, the Monument to Maimonides and the Souk.

Tickets are included in the tour. Make your reservation and enjoy delight yourself with the historical wonders of Córdoba.

From 25.00 €
If you have to choose an essential monument to learn about the history and culture of Córdoba, that is the Mosque-Cathedral. But, you can discover better this wonderful "forest" of columns and arches accompanied by a tour guide. You will... [+]

If you have to choose an essential monument to learn about the history and culture of Córdoba, that is the Mosque-Cathedral. But, you can discover better this wonderful "forest" of columns and arches accompanied by a tour guide. You will follow the itinerary in chronological order: since it was the ancient Visigoth basilica of San Vicente to the current cathedral, going through the different construction phases of the mosque.

You will fall in love with this beautiful construction which unites Islamic and Christian religious architecture in great harmony. You will understand why UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site. Make your reservation and immerse yourself in the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. Don't even worry about tickets. They are included!

From 18.00 €
Delve into one of the most important monuments of Córdoba: the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs. Do it with a historian guide. [+]

Delve into one of the most important monuments of Córdoba: the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs. Do it with a historian guide.

It will reveal to you incredible secrets of this place built on the old Umayyad fortress, which was the home of the Catholic Kings. You will learn how the first royal reception of the discoverer Christopher Columbus took place here and other outstanding events in the history of Spain.

Make a trip back the time walking throught its enchanting palatial halls and gardens. The entrance is included in the tour, do not miss it!

From 20.00 €
An essential place to learn about the Caliphal past of Córdoba is its center of power, Medina Azahara. This is an Archaeological Ensemble that brings to light an impressive palatine city, which shows the glorious past of the reign of Abd al-Rahman... [+]

An essential place to learn about the Caliphal past of Córdoba is its center of power, Medina Azahara. This is an Archaeological Ensemble that brings to light an impressive palatine city, which shows the glorious past of the reign of Abd al-Rahman III.

Discover it with historian and archaeologist guides. You will imagine "in situ" what the beautiful palatial rooms of Medina Azahara were like. You will visit the Interpretation Center, where you will see unique pieces found in this very special enclave. In your reservation you can choose the transport from Córdoba, or go to the meeting point with the guide at the same site.

From 15.00 €
Get to know up close what the popular Cordovan patios are like. You will be accompanied by an expert historian guide. You will visit these charming domestic spaces, while you meet their owners who will tell you stories about their patios and their ca... [+]

Get to know up close what the popular Cordovan patios are like. You will be accompanied by an expert historian guide. You will visit these charming domestic spaces, while you meet their owners who will tell you stories about their patios and their care.

This visit is visit full of tradition and authentically Cordovan culture in the historic center.

From 30.00 €
Delve into the Arab and Jewish past of Córdoba with this guided tour. You will visit the spectacular Mosque-Cathedral, knowing all its Muslim history until it became a Catholic Cathedral. [+]

Delve into the Arab and Jewish past of Córdoba with this guided tour. You will visit the spectacular Mosque-Cathedral, knowing all its Muslim history until it became a Catholic Cathedral.

You will walk through the charming streets of the Jewish Quarter, discovering corners such as the Souk and visiting the Synagogue. You will enjoy the company of an official tour guide, who will reveal the history of this multicultural city during the Middle Ages.

The tour includes entrance tickets to the Mosque-Cathedral and Synagogue.

From 17.00 €
One of the most demanded routes in Córdoba, in addition to its Monuments, is through its "patios" in the San Basilio neighborhood. [+]

One of the most demanded routes in Córdoba, in addition to its Monuments, is through its "patios" in the San Basilio neighborhood.

Enjoy these charming corners in the historic center of the Córdoba city, full of colorful flowers and centuries-old Andalusian tradition. Do it with this guided tour, which includes an official guide and tickets to 6 spectacular courtyards.

You can reserve and enjoy it at any time of the year (except July and August).

Attractions in Córdoba

The Mosque of Córdoba (Mezquita de Córdoba) is considered nowadays as one of the major treasures of the Arabic-Andalusian art and a key monument in the Spanish-Arabic architecture from the Caliphal period.
This military building was ordered by the King Alfonso XI in 1328. It was built on the ruins of Roman. 
It is a Hebrew temple to which you access throught a narrow street called Los Judíos (The Jews). It is a semi- hidden building, whose structure is not exposed to the exterior.
It was built in Cordoba in Roman times by the Emperor Augusto, being part of the Via Augusta. It is 225 meters length and consists of 16 round arches except for four of them which are pointed and the extreme ones that are segmental, and lean on stirrups,...

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