Cordoba

Cordoba is a city with an incredible cultural and historical legacy. Its strategic location, close to the once navigable Guadalquivir River, is home to a rich heritage of different people. All cultures that have inhabited this city have left their mark; Romans, Arabs, Jews and Christians had deposited a singular artistic-historical patrimony.
The UNESCO recognized the universal significance of the historic wealth of Cordoba in 1994, extending the title of World Heritage Site not only to the Mosque - Cathedral, but also to the whole city that surrounds it.
In addition, Cordoba is the gastronomical capital of Andalusia, as some of their magnificent chefs have endeavored to combine innovative approaches to traditional dishes from the area.
In Cordoba, the Mosque impresses as one of the most outstanding monuments in the world. Its stunning patios, profusely decorated with flowers, and pink sunsets and quaint streets make a visit to Cordoba and its province is full of surprises well worth the experience.

What to do

WHAT TO DO

The Mezquita -Aljama- of Cordoba is the most splendid monument of the Muslim period throughout the Western World. Its construction was initiated in the period in which Abd-al-Rahman established Cordoba as capital of al-Andalus in 785. But Cordoba also has many other monuments and surprising places waiting to be discovered, such as the Roman Temple, the Plaza of Capuchins and the Christ of the Lanterns, the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, the Calleja de las Flores and the Medina Azahara archeological site. Its rich cultural offer also features many museums: the Bullfighting Museum, Diocesan Museum, Casa de Sefarad, the Archaeological Museum...
One of the most colorful traditions of the city is to decorate the patios and balconies with flowers, based on the Cordoba lifestyle. There is even a Patios Competition, held during the second and sometimes third weekend in May, in which about forty patios open their doors to visitors. Those interested may request a list provided in the tourist offices, hotels and some patios, which shows which are open and where they are located. Traverse the patios during the day, and enjoy them in the late afternoon, when the smell of jasmine and orange blossoms of the orange trees, the flamenco music and conversation with friends combine for a unique experience
In the old part of Cordoba one will find the Hammam, very close to the Mosque, Cathedral, and in the direction of Plaza del Potro, where visitors may relive the Andalusian past. Discover the different rooms with baths and a relaxing massage with essential oils, applied by skilled chiropractor.
In Cordoba, there are several areas designed especially for children where little ones, have the opportunity to live new experiences and sensations and where they’ll also have the opportunity to learn about our environment. Kids may have fun and use their imaginations through numerous activities such as: the Children's Town, the Zoo, the Botanical Garden, the Farm School, the Eco-Adventure Park, the Equestrian Center or the Water Park, among others.
In Cordoba, nights have a special color. Stroll down its streets, feel the charm of its history and its people, enjoy the scents of the flowers from their balconies, attend a flamenco show, enjoy a free outdoor concert, go to the theater or enjoy a drink in one of its terraces…these are just a few of the proposals for a truly magical evening.
Horses are closely linked to the history of the city and that is why equestrian tourism in Córdoba takes a special prominence. If you want to enjoy a unique and very special event, be sure to attend a horse show in a historic building. It is an annual event between the amateur and the world of horses. The different disciplines displayed emphasize the high quality of the participating herds and the expertise of the riders. Or you can visit the Almuzara stud, a farmhouse which was an al-Andalus and Roman villa, with a colorful program which offers an authentic sample of the most traditional management of cattle.
Nature lovers can also take advantage of three National Parks in the province of Cordoba: Montoro-Cardena in the north, Hornachuelos in the west, the Sierras Subbéticas south, and the wetlands of the countryside, with a sanctuary of protected species.
Sports enthusiasts may enjoy a wide range of activities as well as the two existing golf courses: Club de Campo de Córdoba and Golf Club Pozoblanco.
The Route of Manolete, allows visitors to take a tour of all the prominent places that were part of the life of the famed bullfighter, from where he was born and lived, where he trained or even the taverns he frequented with friends.