Spain · City Guide
Córdoba
Córdoba is one of Spain's most historically magnificent cities, former capital of Moorish Spain and home to the extraordinary Mezquita-Catedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of breathtaking architectural beauty. From the Mezquita and the Jewish Quarter to the beautiful patios of the old city and the Roman bridge across the Guadalquivir, Córdoba offers a depth of Andalusian heritage that is exceptional even by the standards of southern Spain.
Explore Córdoba →Elect's take
"Córdoba is one of those Spanish cities that delivers a genuine sense of wonder. The Mezquita is extraordinary, the Jewish Quarter is beautiful and the combination of Moorish, Jewish and Christian layers creates one of the most complex and rewarding historical landscapes in Europe."
The Mezquita-Catedral is one of the world's great buildings, a forest of 856 columns of jasper, onyx, marble and granite topped with double arches creating an interior of hypnotic beauty. The Jewish Quarter is a beautifully preserved neighbourhood of whitewashed streets and flowering patios. The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos provides beautiful gardens. Córdoba's Patio Festival in May transforms the city into a garden of extraordinary colour as residents open their private patios to visitors.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Mezquita-Catedral
One of the world's great buildings and Spain's most magnificent Moorish monument.
Jewish Quarter
A beautifully preserved medieval neighbourhood of whitewashed streets and patios.
Patio Festival
Córdoba's extraordinary May festival when private flower-filled patios open to visitors.
Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
A magnificent royal fortress with outstanding gardens above the Guadalquivir.
Córdoba Cuisine
Outstanding Andalusian cuisine including the famous cold soup salmorejo.
Roman Bridge
A beautiful 2000 year old bridge crossing the Guadalquivir with views of the Mezquita.