Major Monuments:
The Mosque-Cathedral (***)
The Mosque of Cordoba was built during the 9th and 10th centuries and consecrated as the cathedral in 1236. A Jewel of Hispanics art, the Mezquita, with its 850 columns, double arches and Byzantine mosaics, is a legacy of the Umayyad Caliphate in Spain. In the center of its forest of columns rises a 16th-century cathedral. [read more about Mosque of Cordoba.]
Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos (*)
The Alcazar palace was built in the 13th century by King Alfonso XI, and until the late 15th century, the kings of Spain used the Alcazar as a royal residence. The palace has two courtyards and Arab baths.
On display in the Inquisition Tower are impressive 2ndC Roman mosaics-discovered in Corredera Square-and a 3rdC Roman sarcophagus carved from one piece of marble.
The renaissance gardens, refreshed by abundant fountains and pools, are in Arab style. Statues of the kings of Spain are contemporary. [read more about Alcazar of Cordoba]
The Jewish Quarter (**)
The Jewish Quarter is the best-known part of Cordoba’s historic centre, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984 and is one of the largest in Europe. To the northwest of the Mosque-Cathedral along the city wall, its medieval streets have a distinctly Moorish flair to them, reminiscent of the Jews’ prosperity under the Caliphate of Cordoba. This neighborhood’s history is a history of the Caliphate and of the West. Of special interest are the Synagogue and Souk. [read more about the Jewish Quarters in Cordoba.]
The Roman Temple
Next to the City Hall are some of the columns, the foundation and altar of Cordoba’s Roman temple, probably dedicated to the Emperor Augustus [read more about Roman temple ]
Medina Azahara (Medinat al-Zahra)
Ancient capital of Al-Andalus at the height of the Umayyad Caliphate’s power, Medina Azahara (Medinat al-Zahra) was built 11 km west of Cordoba beginning in about 941. Today 10% of the city has been excavated, including Abd al-Rahman III’s palace, and the large archaeological site makes a great excursion.
Other Monuments and Sights
- Almodovar Gate (Puerta de Almodovar)
- Bridge Gate (Puerta del Puente)
- Callejita de las Flores Street
- Cordoba City walls
- Hospital de San Sebastian
- Mezquita Bell Tower
- Portillo Gate (Puerta del Portillo)
- Saint Raphael’s Triumph Devotional Column (Triunfo de San Rafael)
- Souk (Zoco)
- Synagogue (Sinagoga)
Museums
The Archeological Museum(*) is situated in a renaissance palace, over the ruins of the Roman Theatre, and features prehistoric, Iberian, Roman, Visigoth, Moslem and renaissance artifacts.
The Julio Romero de Torres Museum(*) is dedicated exclusively to Cordoba’s most emblematic painter, who captured the beauty of Cordoba’s women in his portraits. Across the courtyard is the Fine Arts Museum (Museo de Bellas Artes), situated in a 16th century hospital and exhibiting a collection of paintings and sculptures, including some by Goya, Zurbarán, Murillo, and Sorolla. Both museums are located in the well-known Plaza del Potro.
Viana Palace(*), former residence of the Marquise of Viana, is an impressive museum featuring furniture, tapestries, porcelain, tiles, paintings, leatherwork, muskets, a 7000-volume library and extensive gardens spread out over 14 patios.