Cordoba route for 1 day. Seville and Cordoba (what to do when you only have one day). How to get from the airport to the station

After having a quick breakfast and immediately packing our things to leave the next morning, we left our apartment at approximately 7:50. By the way, the prices for accommodation here are not low. A standard room for two at the hotel cost us $55.

I want to say right away that local transport cannot convey all the beauty of the city, since it does not reach almost 40% of the beautiful places. It’s easier to rent a car, even if it is more expensive - on average, $30 per day plus fuel costs, but it is more comfortable, and there is no constraint in the desire to visit this or that place.

The beginning of our trip was also overshadowed by the fact of additional expenses for washing our car, since it had been raining since the very morning. In general, the climate situation here is quite original. It’s not like at home - it waits in the evening, and in the morning the sun is already shining. Here, if it rains, it rains constantly and for several days. Fortunately, we were on the last day of this whole flood and by lunchtime everything cleared up.

As ironic as it may sound, the GPS in the city was incredibly slow, so with the help of a guidebook and following the bus route, we began our journey. Having reached Plaza de Colon, we went on foot to probably the most interesting place in the city - Palace Viana. A visually inspiring place with a stunning garden - 6.5 square kilometers of varied greenery. The only problem was the excursion, which started in an hour, and was also conducted in Spanish. After taking a few photos outside, we moved on.

After about a kilometer we came across the remains of Roman temples. I don’t argue that a lot of things here have been reconstructed and recreated quite recently, but you can also look for ancient untouched columns. Quite impressive.

Our next stop was Plaza Corredera. It is worth noting that due to the potential danger of rain and rather slushy weather, the area was packed with people. Well, in general it is logical, since this place is the main square of Cordoba.

Surprisingly, the square itself is closed - four walls and two arched entrances. According to the stories of the locals, what was not done in this square: bullfights were held, carnivals and fairs were held, there was even a prison here. Now they sell hats on its territory. Quite funny, and, as I understand it, products of our own production. My companion generally loves markets, and if we weren’t in a hurry, we would have obviously been delayed for several hours.

Further along our route was the city river and the Roman bridge built across it. True, we did not dare to cross the bridge. It was quite cool already a hundred meters from the river, so we did not risk our health. It’s a bridge and a bridge in Argentina.

Finally we reached the next stop along the route, in fact, it was the main reason for visiting Cordoba- city cathedral. I don't know who designed it, but the builders were definitely happy when they installed about 1,000 pillars inside the building. Of course, these are all jokes, since the place is really amazing.

And the uniqueness lies in the fact that there is not a single repeating pillar here. They are all different in color, texture and inscriptions. You can safely spend ten minutes near each one, understanding its purpose.

They also say that these pillars were brought from different places, and each of them is part of a separate diaspora. In addition to the pillars, your attention may also be attracted by the chapel; by the way, there are several of them here, and they are also completely different.

As for the cathedral itself, according to its history, the building was originally considered a mosque, and was built in the fifteenth century. However, after the reconquest of this territory by Christians, the mosque was reclassified as a cathedral.

During the two hours of being on the territory of the cathedral, I never once thought that it was boring here, that there was more work waiting for us. There really is something to see and listen to here. Fortunately, excursions are also in English. In my opinion, this is the largest religious building in the world.

We walked quite a bit, and it was decided to have a snack. It took us to the Jewish quarter. An original place - what can I say. An Italian-Jew sounds ridiculous, and looks even funnier, although, in fact, people are sympathetic, and, by the way, they cook quite tasty.

However, before we had a bite to eat, we also visited the local synagogue. After the cathedral it seemed so tiny, even though it is what it is. In general, after 10 minutes we finally got to the restaurant.

As for the local cuisine, I liked everything except the signature Cordoba soup. Well, really, if it's actually chicken broth, why does it look like rainwater? By the way, it tastes the same. You know, I always collect recipes from all the places I visit and often recommend them to family and friends. So I will only recommend this recipe to my boss. In addition to the broth, the “soup” also includes dry tiny croutons, boiled eggs and ham.

And now for the better. I tried a delicious stuffed eggplant drizzled with honey. Original, I tell you. Then I tried the pork loin, and my wife decided to experiment and ordered oxtail for herself. Both dishes were delicious and came with extra fries and some sauces.

After a hearty lunch, we went to the fortress of the Christian kings. It seems to me that it would not seem so cool if it were not for the majestic gardens located around it.

By the way, there is a small tower there, which offers breathtaking views of the city. At the same time, the charging is not bad. It’s a pity we didn’t see the gardens blooming, we were only two months late, but given their beauty now, it’s hard to imagine how we could have been surprised.

At 5 p.m., purely by chance, we ended up on a tour of the patio. Seven houses with open courtyards, where unusual plants and flowers grow, hung in a certain style. The women housewives talked a lot about flowers and caring for them, but oh, this Spanish. All I understood from the excursion was that I Cordoba. Well, okay, there’s no need to listen, but to watch. By the way, the excursion costs 5 euros.

We finished our trip walking along the huge shopping streets of the city. What’s most interesting is that the prices for local goods are sky-high, so we didn’t stay there for very long and decided to have dinner at the restaurant. You know, it feels like prices here depend on the time of day.

Not only did prices at the market become noticeably more expensive by the evening, but in restaurants they were asking almost twice as much for the same “soup.” So we decided to abandon this idea and went to the hotel, where we had dinner in the dining room. As I wrote earlier, the price per room was $55. But I forgot to mention one thing that I already learned in the evening. In addition to breakfast, the price also included lunch and dinner. And all this in the form of a buffet.

At almost ten o'clock in the evening we returned home. And you know, even before midnight we were thinking, shouldn’t we stay here a little longer? But, having agreed that we still had to travel around a good part of Argentina and see many more beautiful places, the next morning we set off. By the way, we were once again touched by the delights of Cordoba when we tried to leave the city, which took us about two hours. Thanks GPS! But the city itself remains the best in Argentina for me.

When we are warned about something, we, as a rule, do not fully believe it, but after all, we know better than anyone else. When, at the mention of Seville, I heard “frying pan of Spain” and “terribly hot,” I, of course, believed it, but I had no intention of changing the route. Well, it’s hot, so what, we’ll be patient. I couldn’t imagine that it could be so hot at all...

After spending our summer holiday in Portugal, we planned to travel a little around Spain, namely Andalusia. Of course, I wanted to visit everywhere, but since time was limited, for a number of personal reasons, only a few cities were chosen, including Seville and Cordoba, for which one day was allotted for visiting.

Therefore, my story is dedicated to what to see in these cities if you only have one day.

Seville is one of the closest Spanish cities to Portugal; from Albufeira to Seville the road took 2 hours. If you are traveling by car, please note that in Seville you need to park your car in an underground parking lot, of which there are a great many in the city center, they can be found by signs, the cost is quite reasonable, for 3.5 hours we paid about 6 euros. The fact is that in the center of Seville, street surface parking is divided into zones and you can park a car on the street only for a very short period of time. In addition, picking up a car from a parking lot is much more pleasant than getting into a hot car.

//Sean Pavone, shutterstock.com

The history of Seville dates back several thousand years, to the second century BC. on the site of the city there was an ancient Roman colony; subsequently the city was under the rule of the Arabs and only then passed to Spain. This left a significant mark on the architecture of the city; here buildings from the times of the Arabs, medieval and modern architecture coexist with each other.

One of the main attractions of Seville is the Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María de la Sede de Sevilla), where we went first. It is the largest Cathedral in Spain and the third largest in the Christian world. Construction of the Cathedral began in 1401 on the site of an ancient mosque that had previously been located here; what remains of it is an orange courtyard and the gate of absolution, through which in the present day. the passage of tourists to the temple is organized. A visit costs about 11 euros. The interior decoration of the Cathedral amazes with its luxury and grandeur. The ticket price also includes a visit to the Giralda, the bell tower of the Cathedral. It was originally the minaret of a mosque. At the top of the Giralda there is an observation deck from which you can enjoy the view of Seville from a height of 80 m. The climb to the bell tower is quite easy, since it is not carried out along steps, but along a gentle ramp, which was built so that a rider on a horse could climb the bell tower.

Keep in mind that you will not enter the Cathedral for 10 minutes. A short walk from the Cathedral is the Alcazar. The palace was built in the 14th century on the site of an ancient Arab fortress, from which the fortress walls and a Gothic courtyard have been preserved. The upper floors of the palace are still used today as the official residence of the royal family in Seville.

After the Cathedral and the Alcazar, we attempted to walk around the Santa Cruz area (Barrio de Santa Cruz). This is the old Jewish district and undoubtedly the most curious in the city. It is an interweaving of narrow streets, where small gardens are hidden behind wrought-iron bars. There are countless shops selling antiques and unusual jewelry, although almost all are closed during the day. The planned walk turned out to be quick and with a short stop for a snack we reached the Plaza de España, located in the Maria Luisa Park (Parque de María Luisa). Entrance to the park is free. It is noteworthy that this beautiful square was built quite recently, in 1928, to host the Ibero-American Exhibition. But if you don’t know this, it seems that ceremonial royal events must have been held in this square for many centuries. By this time the temperature had reached 45 degrees, we no longer had the strength to be outside, and we went to Cordoba.

The road from Seville to Cordoba took about 1.5 hours, and while we were easily able to enter Seville following the signs, when entering Cordoba we had to make more than one circle along crazy highway junctions and use the services of two navigators.

We planned to spend the evening and the first half of the next day in Cordoba, but the heat there was even worse than in Seville. Maybe after the cool Portugal, yes, now 33-35 degrees seemed cool, at first we could still bear the heat, maybe we were just tired, or maybe in Cordoba the heat was actually perceived more acutely, but the evening walk showed that it was impossible to spend another half a day here . Not to be unfounded, by midnight the temperature in the city dropped to about 41 degrees, and this despite the fact that there was solid stone all around. Cordoba made a double impression on us. We chose a hotel in a non-tourist area of ​​the city, since it was close to the exit we needed on the highway, while it took no more than 15 minutes to walk to the historical center. Of course, when traveling, we don’t often have to visit the so-called residential areas; as a rule, we only see the elegant, beautiful, historical center. But this area was truly depressing, dull, uniform panel houses with tightly drawn blinds and a series of empty cafes with iron tables and chairs.

But the old city is worth all the suffering; in general, it is a city that definitely needs to be seen with your own eyes. Cordoba begins its history back in the 8th century. BC. First of all, the city is unique in the sense that for a long period of time three peoples (Christians, Muslims and Jews) lived here in peace and harmony. Naturally, this was reflected in the architecture of the city; it is called Mudejar - a combination of Spanish-Christian architecture with the traditions and forms of Moorish architecture.

We entered the old city through the Roman Bridge (Puente Romano de Córdoba), a 16-arch bridge about 250 meters long, spanning the Guadalakivir River. The bridge was originally built by the Romans for trade transportation during the time of Emperor Octavian Augustus. Of course, during the war it was destroyed and rebuilt, but until the mid-20th century it was the only bridge in the city. The old city is very rich in attractions, it’s difficult to list them all, walking around the old city, you don’t have time to look around, but you want to see everything, the Puerta del Puente gate, the Alcazar, the Caliph Baths, the Church of St. Peter, the Tower of St. Dominic of Silos, the Viano Palace, Synagogue.

My main destination was the Cordoba Mosque (La Mezquita), the largest and oldest surviving mosque in Spain. But its uniqueness lies in the fact that it represents a rare combination of Christian and Muslim cultures. In the 13th century, the Cathedral of St. Mary was erected in its center. There is a legend that for the construction of the cathedral, permission from the king was necessary, which was given by Charles V. In 1526, having visited Cordoba, the king admitted that he would never have allowed construction if he had previously seen what he allowed to be destroyed: “You built what that could be built anywhere, and they destroyed what was unique in the world." Alas, we were not able to visit it inside; everything was already closed in the evening.

We wandered aimlessly around the old city as much as we could in order to at least see all this beauty from the outside, but we must admit that Cordoba is absolutely not a city at night, closer to 11, all the restaurants began to close, and after midnight there was not even an open bar to be found.

While still in Cordoba, I made an interesting, let’s say “culinary” discovery. I am absolutely not a fan of Sangria, for me it’s a sweet compote that makes me dizzy in the heat, but theoretically I imagine that Sangria is wine with the addition of fruit and ice. The fact that in Spain and Portugal Sangria is diluted with water, Sprite and Schweppes and even made from champagne is somehow understandable, but when in Cordoba it was specifically diluted with rum, my surprise knew no bounds. By the way, it was delicious and fun...

Of course, I would like to spend more time in both Seville and Cordoba, but in July there is absolutely no season in these cities and we fled to Madrid because of the terrible heat.

PS: Unfortunately, there are practically no photos, and those that exist are too bad to post them

kseniatraveller
14/07/2016 13:00

The opinions of tourists may not coincide with the opinions of the editors.

TOURISTS' ANSWERS:

Cordoba (or Cordoba) is an ancient city located in the south of Spain, in the province of Andalusia.

The city was founded during the reign of Rome, so its history goes back several thousand years. Currently, Cordoba is a medium-sized city in Spain (its population is about 300 thousand people).

For a long time, Cordoba was under the rule of the Arabs and was part of the so-called Cordoba Caliphate, so evidence of Arab rule has been preserved in the city.

Roman Bridge

In the very heart of the city is the Roman Bridge, which was built by the ancient Romans before our era and served for trade transport. The bridge was very important because it connected the banks of the Guadalquivir River (on which Cordoba was built).

The bridge is currently closed to vehicle traffic and is classified as a pedestrian zone.

Calahorra Tower and Museum of the Three Cultures

Among the Arab monuments is primarily the Calahorra Tower, which was built to defend the city. It is an example of Islamic architecture from the 12th century. Nowadays, the tower houses the Museum of Three Cultures (Muslim, Christian and Jewish). In the museum you can see buildings from different times, learn how intricately cultures intertwined and what influence they had on each other. The museum's exposition includes models and modern 3D installations that help you immerse yourself in a long-gone world. The tower is open to the public from Monday to Sunday, from 1 October to 30 April it is open to the public from 10 am to 6 pm, and from 1 May to 31 September it can be accessed from 10 am to 2 pm and from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm . A ticket to the museum costs 4.5 euros for an adult visitor, 3 euros for students (students or schoolchildren) and pensioners. Admission to the museum is free for children under 8 years of age.

Alcazar

The Alcazar or royal residence is a monument of both Muslim and Christian culture.

The Alcazar was built by Muslims, who erected it as the residence of the caliph and at the same time as a defensive structure. Then, over time, the Alcazar was partially destroyed. When the Arabs were expelled from these territories, the Alcazar became of interest to the Spanish kings, who made this place their residence. In the 14th century it was almost completely rebuilt by King Alfonso. It was at this time that it acquired its modern appearance. In the Middle Ages, Spanish kings lived in the palace; later the castle was converted into a prison, which existed until the mid-20th century. The Alcazar was then recognized as a cultural site and given to the city. Currently, the Alcazar of Cordoba is included in the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites.

Now it is a museum where you can admire fragments of the Muslim fortress, as well as mosaics. In the inner part of the complex there are gardens with swimming pools and fountains.

From October 1 to May 31, the Alcazar can be visited from Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 20:00; on Saturdays it opens an hour later - from 9:30. On Sundays and public holidays you can get there from 8:30 to 14:30. From June 16 to September 31, the complex is open to the public from 9:00 to 20:00 from Monday to Saturday and from 8:30 to 14:30 on Sundays. From June 1 to June 15, the Alcazar is closed to the public.

The entrance ticket will cost 4.50 euros for an adult, 2.25 for a student. Admission for children under 13 years of age is free.

Mosque

In the historical center of the city there is a mosque, which since the 13th century has been called the Cathedral of St. Mary. The building is a mixture of elements of Muslim and Christian architecture. The mosque was built back in the 8th century on the site of a Roman temple. Later it was completed and rebuilt. After Cordoba came under Christian rule, the mosque became a Christian church, and the minaret was turned into a bell tower. The Christian cathedral was built in the Gothic style with Baroque elements.

Thus, the Cordoba mosque represents a synthesis of various architectural styles.

The cathedral also houses a collection of ritual accessories that are used during Christian holidays. Among them are crosses, bowls and dishes made of precious metals and richly decorated. Also among the treasures is the Gift Bearer of the Body of Christ, which is still used in church rituals and ceremonies to this day.

Synagogue

The synagogue, located in Cordoba, is the only synagogue in southern Spain that has survived to this day. It was built in the 14th century during the reign of Christians, and is located next to the Jewish quarter. Later the synagogue was turned into a Catholic church and then used as a hospital. In the 20th century, the synagogue was recognized as a historical monument. This building is built in the Mudejar style (which is a mixture of styles).

Bullfighting Museum

Cordoba is also home to a museum dedicated to bullfighting. In it you can examine exhibits related to bullfighting (equipment, equipment) and things that belonged to famous bullfighters, one way or another connected with this city. Among the museum's exhibits are matador costumes, posters, sculptures and photographs. Part of the exhibition is dedicated to one of the most famous bullfighters of Cordoba and all of Spain - Manoleta.

Museum of Fine Arts

The museum was founded back in the 19th century. It was created from art objects confiscated from various monasteries after their destruction. Currently, the Museum of Fine Arts has large collections of paintings, sculptures, and graphics. The exhibition mainly consists of paintings by Spanish artists whose work dates back to the Baroque and Renaissance periods. In addition, the museum also has a collection of sculptures. It also features a collection of graphics, the highlight of which are the works of Francisco Goya.

From January 1 to June 15 and from September 16 to December 31, the museum can be visited from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 to 20:30. On Sundays and public holidays it is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays. From June 16 to September 15, the exhibition can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free for citizens of the European Union, and one and a half euros for everyone else.

Is the answer helpful?

Cordoba has been known since time immemorial. Throughout the long history of the city, it was repeatedly captured and colonized by numerous invaders, which could not but affect the architecture of the city. For many years the city was the capital of the Emirate of Cordoba, so Muslim culture is still felt here. The world-famous mosque of the city, erected in the 10th century, was the second, after Mecca, in terms of spiritual importance, an obligatory center of worship for Muslims from all over the world.

Mosque-Cathedral (Mezquita-Catedral).

This is a truly unique building, where, over its more than thousand-year history, all architectural styles, without exception, have been intertwined, from Romanesque and Gothic to Baroque and Neoclassical. Moreover, in this religious building, throughout its existence, they worshiped the ancient Roman gods and the Arabic Allah, and, of course, the Christian god Jesus Christ. The mosque was erected in the 8th - 10th centuries, on the ruins of the ancient Roman church of Janus worshipers. It was only in the 16th century that a Christian church was built around the mosque. This wonderful building is located at the address: Cordoba, Calle Cardenal Herrero, 1. To enter the building, an adult visitor will have to pay 8 euros, but for a child under 10 years of age there is no need to pay.

Church of San Lorenzo (Iglesia de San Lorenzo).

Another city attraction is located at Pl. San Lorenzo E - 14002 Cordoba. Entry for tourists is free and completely free. Due to the acute shortage of Christian churches, this building, which served as a mosque at the end of the 13th century, like the famous Mezquita, was quite successfully converted into a church. Now this is still a functioning temple, rightly recognized as the most beautiful church in the entire province. The bell tower in the Renaissance style, which was once a minaret, is especially beautiful. It is also worth admiring the paintings inside the church. All paintings are on religious themes. The interior decoration of the temple is very impressive, it is not for nothing that the church is recognized as a national cultural monument.

Palace of the Christian Kings (Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos).

This magnificent structure was erected by order of King Alfonso XI on the site of a Moorish fortress, which in turn was built on the ruins of an ancient Roman temple. This palace is also famous for the fact that here, at the end of the 15th century, Queen Isabella of Castile blessed the navigator Christopher Columbus to find a new route to the fabulously rich India. But not everything is so wonderful in the history of the palace. Its walls probably remember the inquisitors who settled here in the Middle Ages. Here you can take a closer look at the torture chambers of the Holy Inquisition. Don't regret 4.5 euros to see all the delights of the palace. You can find it at: Calle de las Caballerizas Reales.

Roman Temple (Templo Romano).

Cordoba, Calle Claudio Marcelo, 5 - at this address you can find the remains of a majestic Roman temple. Judging by the size of the found columns and part of the altar, this ancient temple was grandiose and undoubtedly inspired, at a minimum, reverence and respect among believers.

Roman Bridge (Puente Romano)

While sightseeing in Cordoba, you will in any case have to visit the Roman Bridge over the Guadalquivir. The bridge, which is 223 meters long, connects the Cathedral area of ​​Cordoba with the historic area of ​​the Field of Martyrs. It was built in those distant times when the Emperor of Rome, Augustus, reigned.

On the entire peninsula, this bridge was perhaps the only opportunity to cross the river. At the moment, this structure has ceased to fulfill its main function and has become a purely pedestrian tourist site of historical value.

Bridge location: Puente Romano E - 14009 Cordoba.

Jewish Quarter (Barrio de la Juderia)

For many years, one of the largest areas of the city belonged entirely to Jews, until in 1492, by order of the Spanish Queen Isabel the Catholic, the entire Jewish population of the area was evicted outside the city. Today, this area looks like a labyrinth of narrow and long streets, on which very graceful houses, impeccably painted mostly white, stand like in a fairy tale.

Synagogue.

As you walk around the area, don't miss the main pride of the former Jewish quarter - the only Jewish place of worship in the province and one of only three synagogues remaining in the country. It was built in the 14th century in a very original Mudejar style. Inside, the synagogue is decorated with geometric patterns made of plaster, characteristic of this style. After the Jews were resettled, they decided to rebuild the synagogue into a chapel of a Christian temple, and subsequently into a museum. To get here you only have to pay 0.30 euros. You can find it at: Cordoba, Barrio de la Juderia.

Square of the Capuchins (Plaza de los Capuchinos).

Pl. de los Capuchinos E - 14001 Cordoba - at this address is the symbol of Cordoba and its pride - the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, skillfully made by the sculptor Juan Navarro-Leon. The date of manufacture of this marble monument is 1794.

After you have seen all the significant city attractions, do not waste your precious time to walk around the courtyards of the houses (patios). Trust me, they are worth it. There are especially many of these magical courtyards located in the area of ​​the Alcazar Palace (Alcazar Viejo). You will find this quarter between the Alcazar and the parish church of San Basilio (parroquia de San Basilio). There are also interesting patios in the neighboring area of ​​Santa Marina (Barrio de Santa Marina): in the vicinity of the Magdalena Church (la Magdalena), and, of course, in la Juderia. Every year, in the month of May, a festival is held here where the best city courtyard is chosen.

Fans of shopping will also not be disappointed if they visit the store located at Calle de los Capitulares 24, Cordoba (near the train station). There is quite a large selection of manufactured goods here at very reasonable prices.

Cordoba is the pearl of Andalusia, an ancient city in which three cultures harmoniously coexisted for centuries: Christian, Jewish and Muslim. Founded before the arrival of the ancient Romans, Cordoba reached its peak in the Early Middle Ages under the rule of powerful Moorish rulers. Conquered from the Arabs by Christians, it gradually turned from the brilliant capital of the caliphate into a provincial, but not devoid of charm, city.

Today Cordoba is a picturesque city literally drowning in the aroma of spring flowers. Every year there is a competition for the most beautiful patio. Among the narrow streets of the Jewish quarter there are taverns-tablaos, where in the evenings dancers perform fiery flamenco dances and guests are treated to hearty dishes of Andalusian cuisine.

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What to see and where to go in Cordoba?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

The Mezquita is one of the iconic landmarks of Andalusia, the former main mosque of the great Cordoba Caliphate, which has been transformed into a Catholic cathedral since the 13th century. The grandiose structure in the style of traditional Moorish architecture was built in the 8th century under Emir Abdar Rahman I. The best masters of the Islamic world were invited to work, who ultimately created a masterpiece that has survived centuries.

Medieval fortress located in the historical center of Cordoba. During the Reconquista, it served as the main residence of the Catholic kings - Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile. The Alcazar was built on the site of an ancient Visigothic fortification, destroyed by the Moors during the conquest of Spain. Subsequently, the rulers of the Cordoba Caliphate rebuilt the fortress and began to use it as a royal palace.

The Jewish Quarter in Cordoba was built during Arab rule. Until the end of the 15th century, Jews lived on its territory, until Isabella of Castile ordered their expulsion from the city. The narrow streets of the Juderia (the Spanish name for the quarter) still retain the spirit of medieval Moorish Cordoba. The appearance of the area has not changed for many centuries.

The Jewish temple was built at the beginning of the 14th century, when favorable times came for the Jews in Cordoba. The synagogue was built in the Mudejar style, which harmoniously combined elements of Moorish and Gothic styles. After the expulsion of the Jews, the building was used as a hospital, then a chapel and a school. Since the beginning of the 19th century, the temple has been recognized as a valuable architectural monument. Today there is a museum on its territory.

Stone arch bridge over the Guadalquivir River, 250 meters long, consisting of 16 arches. It was built in the 1st century BC and was part of the Augustan road. In the 10th century, the Arabs restored the bridge. The structure was maintained in working order throughout the Middle Ages and the Modern Age. Moreover, until the middle of the 20th century, this bridge was the only crossing over the river. Only since 2004 it became pedestrian.

A defensive structure of the 12th century, erected under the Almohads on the banks of the Guadalquivir. The architecture of the building is an example of the late Islamic style. During the liberation of Cordoba from the Moors, the tower was damaged, but it was restored in the 14th century. Since the 1930s it has been included in the list of protected cultural sites. Today, the Museum of Three Cultures is located on its territory.

The gate is located in front of the entrance to the Roman Bridge. In the Middle Ages, they were part of the fortress wall and performed a defensive function. On the other hand, the construction of Puerta del Puente was supposed to expand the entrance to the city and increase the flow of merchants, which would have a beneficial effect on the city’s economy. The gate was built in the Renaissance style according to the design of F. de Montalban.

The remains of an ancient Roman sanctuary are located right in the middle of a busy city block at the intersection of streets. They were discovered in the 1950s during construction work. It is obvious that in the ancient period of the history of Cordoba, the temple was the main city sanctuary. The building was erected in the 1st century. It is believed that it was used for worship of Roman emperors.

A Moorish city built in the 10th century under Caliph Abd ar-Rahman III, about 8 km from Cordoba. Translated from Arabic, the name means “shining city.” The ruler built Madina az-zahra in order to demonstrate his own power and superiority over other caliphs, as required by the etiquette of that time. Only ruins have survived to this day, but even they give an idea of ​​how beautiful the city was.

A magnificent building in the Spanish Baroque style that adorns the Plaza de Colon. The building acquired its current appearance in the 18th century as a result of reconstruction. Previously, on the site of the palace there was an early Christian basilica of St. Eulalia and a monastery. Nowadays, the residence of the city and provincial governments is located on the territory of the palace.

In the 16th century, stables were built to breed a special breed of horses - the Andalusian. The result of careful crossing was one of the most beautiful horses in the world. Today, the historic building houses an equestrian association, which includes a school, a small carriage museum and a theater for tourists, where you can see interesting shows and performances involving horses.

The museum was built on the ruins of a Roman villa in the 14th century. The main facade was built later - in the 16th century (the architect J. de Ochoa worked on the project). Until the mid-20th century, there was a private palace here, which passed from owner to owner over the centuries. The last owner of the building was the Cajasur bank. By decision of his administration, a museum was founded in the palace, where art collections were housed.

Julio Romero de Torres is a Cordoba artist of the 19th-20th centuries who worked in the style of realism. The museum named after him is located in a former hospital building, which stands out from the general city landscape with its intricately painted walls. The Museum of Fine Arts is also located here. The exhibition consists of works by the artist, as well as paintings by masters of bourgeois realism of the early 20th century.

Andalusia is considered the birthplace of bullfighting. It is here, according to many Spaniards, that the last bullfight will take place, when animal protection organizations will finally consign this beautiful but rather cruel tradition to the past. In the Cordoba Museum you can learn about the history of the competition, its rules, as well as the famous matadors. The ceremonial clothes and weapons of bullfighters are also available for inspection.

The museum exhibition is located on the territory of the palace, which once belonged to one of the noble families of the city. The building was built in the 16th century according to the design of E. Ruiz. The core of the collection consists of ancient artifacts confiscated from monasteries in the mid-19th century. Here you can admire exhibits dating back to the Roman, Visigothic and Iberian eras. The museum has a library where literature on archeology is stored.

The name of the square comes from a small fountain topped with a figure of a foal (“potro” means “foal” in Spanish). Here is the hotel of the same name, mentioned in the immortal work of Miguel Cervantes. Plaza del Potro is a classic Andalusian square: small, cozy and quiet, surrounded by the facades of old houses. Here you can relax, think about the beautiful, or just enjoy the atmosphere of Cordoba.

One of the central squares of Cordoba, located at the intersection of the city's two main shopping streets. In the middle there is a monument to Gonzalo Fernandez de Cordova, the famous commander who made a significant contribution to the military victories of Spain in the 15th-16th centuries. Celebrations of the New Year and other public holidays take place in Tendillas Square, and regional fairs also often come here.

The architectural appearance of Corredera Square is quite atypical for Cordoba and Andalusia in general. The place is reminiscent of the famous Plaza Mayor in Madrid, as it was built in the “royal” Castilian style. Like the main square of the Spanish capital, Corredera has the shape of a rectangle, along the edges of which there are perfectly straight facades of houses. Its appearance has remained unchanged since the 17th century.

A small area that was previously located on the territory of the Capuchin monastery. The path from one residential area to another passed through it. At the end of the 18th century, a monument in the form of a crucifix by sculptor J. Navarro-Leon was erected here. The figure of Christ is surrounded by lanterns, which is why the statue is called El Cristo de los Faroles (“farol” means “lantern/lighthouse” in Spanish).

One of the most beautiful streets in the city and a symbol of Cordoba. White house facades, balconies, patios and windows are decorated with pots of bright flowers. The street looks especially picturesque in spring, when the plants begin to bloom and the walls are covered with a bright carpet of roses, hydrangeas and geraniums. At this time, a competition is held for the most beautiful courtyard. Residents open their patios to the public so tourists can appreciate the beauty of the design.

One day in Cordoba. What attractions to visit? See the most important and interesting things. In order to feel the city’s individuality, beauty, and perceive the peculiarity of the architecture, I suggest starting your acquaintance with the city with its history, even if very brief. . Here is a detailed Cordoba in Spanish and English.

You can start your acquaintance with the main attraction, with Mosques. It is open from 8.30 to 19.00.
It's cool and twilight inside. Therefore, depending on the weather (hot or rain), you can visit during the day. The inspection takes about 1 hour. There is an audio guide in Russian. You can book a tour with a Russian guide on the website.

Alcazar Gardens

The second most important monument is considered Alcazar of the Christian Kings, a little gloomy, but the gardens of the Alcazar will pleasantly surprise you.

Walk through Roman Bridge not very impressive on a hot summer day. But to take the main photo of the city, you need to go to the bridge. It offers beautiful views of Mosque, La Calahorra tower, Arch, water mill and current Guadalquivir.

Walking around Juderia

Opposite the main entrance to the Mosque is the Jewish Quarter, which is a network of alleys and streets. The area is more typical of Medieval Cordoba. There are many souvenir shops located here. Cordoba is famous for its production of silver jewelry. Walking through the streets Huderia, do not forget to visit one of the 4 synagogues that remained in Spain after the expulsion of the Jews in 1492. Along Judíos street there is also House of Andalusia. This is a small house-museum, decorated in Moorish style. Go through the small ZOCO market- in the past it was an Arab bazaar, and today it is a gallery of craft workshops.

And, of course, Cordoba courtyards, which are especially popular. The Cordoba Courtyard Festival of national importance is held in the first half of May every year. The address is San Basilio street 50. Here you need to buy an entrance ticket for 5 euros and take a guidebook. Courtyards are open and can be visited for free.

The squares of the city are interesting in their own way. The oldest of them is Plaza del Potro, named after the foal that adorns the central bowl of the fountain. Piazza Potro is mentioned in Don Quixote. On the square there are: Museum of Fine Arts, Julio Romero de Torres Museum, Posada del Potro is a typical tenement house of medieval Cordoba, preserved in its original form.

Be sure to visit La Corredera Square (Plaza de la Corredera). The architecture of the square is typical of the main squares of medieval Castile. You can see nearby Roman Temple

Christ Square with Lanterns is interesting.

Not far from this square there is another one of the unique museums in Spain. Viana Palace. It attracts attention with its 12 courtyards, for which the city is so famous.

And, of course, 13 Christian churches called Ferdinand's, which are scattered throughout Cordoba, the bell towers of some once served as minarets.

About Cordoba