| Cordoba is a municipality in the province of Córdoba, in Andalusia, Spain. It is this very blend of cultures that makes a visit to Córdoba an unbeatable experience. Moving from one age to another is as easy to walking round a corner or from the naves of the Mezquita to those of the Christian Cathedral. |
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· PATRONATO PROVINCIAL DE TURISMO DE CÓRDOBA: C/ Imagenes, 15 Tlf.: +34 957491677 turismo@cordobaturismo.es www.cordobaturismo.es |
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· OFICINA DE INFORMACIÓN TURÍSTICA DE LA JUNTA DE ANDALUCÍA: C/ Torrijos, 10 Teléfono: +34 957471235 www.andalucia.org otcordoba@andalucia.org |
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· OFICINA MUNICIPAL DE TURISMO DE CÓRDOBA: C/ Rey Heredia, 22 Teléfono: +34 902201774 www.turismodecordoba.org consorcio@turismodecordoba.org |
| The MEZQUITA DE CÓRDOBA is a unique monument in Europe. It symbolises Arab domination of the Iberian peninsula and the splendour of Caliphate, whilst also housing a Christian Cathedral that, though modifying the original building, may have ensured its survival. There are a number of doors to the building, the most striking being the al-Hakam II, Perdón (Forgiveness) and Santa Catalina doors. On the northern side is the PATIO DE LOS NARANJOS, (or Orange Tree Courtyard); refurbished in the 16th century, it has five fountains at its centre, alongside the primitive sink for washing. Inside the temple, the original “forest of pillars” and the oriental decoration create a magical atmosphere. The most sumptuous part is the al- Hakam II mihrab (or prayer niche), behind the maqsura (or screen), an area reserved for the Caliph. In the central area, the Capilla Mayor and Capilla Real (Main Chapel and Royal Chapel), which the Christian monarchs had built in 1523, stand out. |
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The north-west corner of the Mezquita marks the start of LA JUDERÍA, (or Jewish Quarter), a labyrinth of narrow, white streets alongside the city walls. Among the many shops, there are some interesting buildings including the SYNAGOGUE, one of three remaining in Spain. |
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Very near this is the PUERTA DE ALMODÓVAR, or Almodóvar Gate, which is the only remaining example of the city’s great medieval gates. |
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Other noteworthy buildings include the HOSPITAL DEL CARDENAL SALAZAR, which is now the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters, with its San Bartolomé chapel, a former hermitage and a treasure from medieval Córdoba, and the BULLFIGHTING MUSEUM, where you can see items relating to bullfighting from the last three centuries. |
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Alongside the Mezquita, on Calle Torrijos, is the DIOCESE MUSEUM and the current PALACIO DE CONGRESOS Y EXPOSICIONES, the Conference and Exhibition Centre, which are separated by a stretch of the walls of the former Hospital Mayor de San Sebastián (16th Century). |
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Continuing along Amador de los Ríos, you come to the ALCÁZAR DE LOS REYES CRISTIANOS, a former fortress converted into a visitor centre. Its beautiful gardens would once have witnessed Queen Isabella, the Catholic queen, wandering through them. |
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By this are the CABALLERIZAS REALES (or Royal Stables), founded at the behest of Felipe II and repaired following a fire by Carlos III. Beyond these is the San Basilio neighbou hood, famous for its courtyards. |
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The PUERTA DE SEVILLA (or Seville Gate) marks the beginning of the western wall which heads down towards the river, work of Christians in the 14th and 15th centuries. Some MOLINOS MUSULMANES (or Arab Mills) can be seen along Avenida del Alcázar, which were designed to provide irrigation for the gardens of the Alcázar and Mezquita. |
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The PUERTA DEL PUENTE (or Bridge Gate), rebuilt by Hernán Ruiz III during the reign of Felipe II, is located by the PUENTE ROMANO. This is a medieval construction with 16 arches; before leaving you have to have walked over it, in both directions. |
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Then, you can see the TORRE DE LA CALAHORRA, the oldest of the defensive towers remaining in Córdoba. It was designed to defend the Puente Romano, or Roman Bridge, from possible attack. The other two towers are LA MALMUERTA and the TORRES CABRERA, outside the city. |
| Our walk continues up along the eastern side of the Mezquita to the renamed SANTA MARÍA’S BATHS, which date back to the times of the Caliphate. Continuing along Calle Encarnación, we reach the ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, the former palace of the Páez de Castillejo, which brings together a beautiful building and an interesting collection. |
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A little further on is PLAZA DEL POTRO, as mentioned by Cervantes, home to the inn of the same name and the former Hospital de la Caridad; founded in the 15th century, it now plays host to the MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS and THE JULIO ROMERO DE TORRES MUSEUM. |
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Among the Fernandian churches built following the conquest of the city by Carlos III, the Holy One, SAN NICOLÁS DE LA VILLA stands out. It is one of the oldest churches in Córdoba and still conserves it original mudejar structure. Or, the church of Santa Marina, which gives its name to the neighbourhood. |
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Other temples include the church of SAN HIPÓLITO, a former collegiate church founded by Alfonso XI to commemorate the Battle of Salado and the church of SAN JUAN Y TODOS LOS SANTOS, which belonged to the Convent of the Trinidad, founded in 1241. |
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Calles Sevilla and Barroso come together at the site of the most emblematic ALMINAR (mosque tower) in Córdoba, by the church of SAN JUAN DE LOS CABALLEROS. The Alminar was built between the 9th and 10th centuries, and is listed as a historical monument. On the other side of Calle Ángel Saavedra is the COLLEGE OF SANTA VICTORIA CHURCH, a collegiate church from the 18th century, the façade of which has a doorway with a triangular lintel. In PLAZA DE LA COMPAÑÍA, the CHURCH OF EL SALVADOR was built on what was the Jesuit church of Santa Catalina, destroyed in 1767. A short distance from here is PLAZA DE LAS TENDILLAS, the nerve centre of the city and home to the statue of the GRAN CAPITAN on horseback. |
