Tourist Information

More than 2,000 years are contained in the history of this city. The different cultures that throughout the centuries have met in this city have enriched it and left a definite mark. The Mosque of Aljama, with the Christian cathedral in its heart, crowns the jewel that makes up the colourful and the whitewash houses of its historical centre. Its winding and narrow streets lead to discover the marvellous monuments of all the different cultures.

These streets will not stop amazing as you step through the soul of the traditional patios of Cordoba. It patios are a principal part of each home, the daily life of the neighbours turns around it, making the "patio" as one of the most valued treasures with its care and decorations.
Visitors today would be surprised to know that Cordoba is Spain's 10th largest city by population with around 320,000 residents. Yet it feels like a small provincial town centred on a historical centre which is dominated by the magnificent Mezquita, the Great Mosque of Cordoba. This Mosque dates back to 785 and was by far the biggest and most beautiful one constructed by the Moors in Spain and will be the highlight of your stay.

You can wander around the tiny streets of the Judería (Jewish Quarter) with their flower filled patios. Here you'll come across one of the last three remaining Synagogues in Spain, the others being in Toledo. You must visit the beautiful gardens of the Catholic Kings (Alcazár) where Columbus first sought finance for his voyage of discovery from Fernando and Isabella. And a stroll across the Roman Bridge past the Moorish waterwheels to the other side of the Guadalquivir River is a great spot for a panoramic view of the historical heart of the city which is particularly beautiful at sunset.
The game of lights and shadows is unique; the permanent bubbling of the water from its multiple fountains, the symphonies of smells and colours of the vegetation with which the city is filled will siege your senses and require your surrender, making Cordoba an unequalled visitation. Cordoba is more than just churches, palaces, monuments and museums. It's a special place and a day or two spent wandering its tiny streets, relaxing in its beautiful little squares, drinking in its traditional old bars and dining in its fine restaurants is time well spent.

History
Cordoba was founded by the Romans and due to its strategic importance as the highest navigable point of the Guadalquivir River, it became a port city of great importance, used for shipping Spanish olive oil, wine and wheat back to Ancient Rome. The Romans built the mighty bridge crossing the river, now called "El Puente Romano". But Cordoba's hour of greatest glory was when it became the capital of the Moorish kingdom of El-Andalusia, and this was when work began on the Great Mosque, or "Mezquita", which - after several centuries of additions and enlargements - became one of the largest in all of Islam.

When the city was reconquered by the Christians in 1236, the new rulers of the city were so awed by its beauty that they left it standing, building their cathedral in the midst of its rows of arches and columns, and creating the extraordinary church-mosque we see today.

As well as the unique mosque-cathedral, Cordoba's treasures include the Alcazar, or Fortress, built by the Christians in 1328; the Calahorra Fort, originally built by the Arabs, which guards the Roman Bridge, on the far side of the river from the Mezquita, and the ancient Jewish Synagogue, now a museum. Cordoba's medieval quarter, once the home of the Jewish community, is called "La Judería" (The Jewry), a labyrinth of winding, narrow streets, shady flower-filled courtyards and picturesque squares such as La Plaza del Potro. In early May, homeowners proudly festoon their patios with flowers to compete for the city's "most beautiful courtyard" contest.