Cordoba route for 1 day. Sightseeing route around Cordoba

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 handed over 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 religious building in the province and one of 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 a famous city in Spain, located on the right bank of the Guadalquivir River, as well as the capital of the province of the same name. According to history, Cordoba was founded before our era, around 152. During its heyday, the city's population exceeded a million inhabitants. Today this figure does not exceed 330 thousand people.

Over the entire period of its existence, Cordoba was repeatedly conquered by various conquerors, who left the city with many architectural monuments and structures. In this review we have collected the main sights of Cordoba which every tourist must see.

1. Alcazar in Cordoba

Alcazar– a fortified structure, also known as the fortress of Christian kings. This is one of the main attractions of Cordoba! The alcazar is located on the street of the same name, not far from the Roman Bridge. Initially, this building acted as a defensive fortress, as it occupied a very advantageous position on the river bank.

Later, when the Arabs ruled Cordoba, the Alcazar was one of the many parts of the Caliph's palace, while remaining a defensive structure. As a result, the building was repeatedly destroyed during attacks and subsequently rebuilt. In the 13th century The Alcazar was completely converted into a residence for the kings. Another century later, the fortress acquired its final form, which has been preserved to this day.

At the end of the 19th – beginning of the 20th century, the fortress served as a prison, as a result of which the interior of the premises underwent serious changes. Since June 1931, the Alcazar has been recognized as a historical monument, which later became a UNESCO cultural heritage site.

2. Torre de la Calahorra

Torre de la Calahorra is a beautiful monument in Cordoba that you can find at one end of the Roman Bridge. The tower was built as a defensive structure in the 13th century. Having survived many wars and civil strife, the building has retained its original appearance to this day.

The Calahorra Tower was built during the reign of Enrique II to protect against regular attacks from his half-brother, Pedro I the Cruel. The basis for its construction was the Moorish Wall. History says that this fortress became an insurmountable barrier when Fernando III tried to take the city in 1369.

Today Torre de la Calahorra is a museum and is a historical heritage of Spain. Thanks to modern technologies, every tourist can go back in time and see with his own eyes how things really were.

3. Botanical Garden of Cordoba

This beautiful place in Cordoba appeared in 1980, when a group of numerous university professors and scientists formed a park, which today houses the richest collection of plants from various parts of the world. The total area of ​​the park is more than 5 hectares.

Throughout the botanical garden there are several areas that group certain plants. For example, there is an arboretum in which a huge number of trees and shrubs grow in natural conditions. Also in the garden you can see a rose garden, where various varieties of roses from all over the world are collected.

In addition to numerous plants, the Botanical Garden of Cordoba has an ethnobotanical museum, where anyone can learn a lot about various plants. The museum also provides information about the evolution of the plant world on our planet and the relationship between man and nature.

4. Palacio de Viana

Another beautiful attraction of Cordoba is the largest complex Palacio de Viana, made in the form of a palace on the ruins of an ancient house. The complex got its name from the owner of the house, the Marquis de Viana.

It is believed that the main façade of the palace was built in the 16th century. Juan de Ochoa, who gave the entire building a Mannerist style. Throughout its existence, the Palacio de Viana has been restored several times. However, in the years 53-63 of the 20th century, the building underwent significant changes, since the owner, the Cajasur bank, wanted to found a museum in it, where a diverse collection is presented to this day.

Compared to all other buildings in Cordoba, the two-story palace stands out with its sleek white walls. In the middle, the attraction has a very complex structure, consisting of many different rooms connected by corridors in the form of galleries.

5. Roman Bridge

Roman Bridge- one of the most recognizable landmarks of Cordoba. The design is a 16-arched structure 250 meters long, which was born during the reign of the Roman Empire. Initially, the bridge was of great strategic importance, since it served as the only crossing into the city across the Guadalquivir River and was intended to facilitate trade between Rome and Cadiz.

Unfortunately, the original design of the monument has not survived to this day. The ancient bridge was completely destroyed during the reconquest of the city by Christians. Subsequently, a new one was built on the old foundation.

Initially, this was the only bridge in Cordoba, so for a long time there was a southern customs house here. Since this is the oldest building, in order to preserve it, vehicles were banned here in 2004.

6. Church of San Lorenzo

Cordoba has many churches, temples and mosques. However, it deserves special attention Church of San Lorenzo, which is one of the most ancient architectural sights of Cordoba. It was built in the 13th century, when the city was conquered by King Ferdinand III. Previously, there was a mosque on the site of this church. Since the landmark was born during the transition period from the Romanesque to the Gothic style, this significantly affected its appearance. Particularly striking in this church is the large rose window in the Mudejar style. To this day, Gothic paintings depicting the Passion of Christ have also been preserved in the church.

7. Corrida Museum in Cordoba

Bullfighting is one of the most popular entertainments in Spain. In this matter, Cordoba was no exception. As a sign of respect for this unusually dangerous art, the city residents have dedicated an entire museum to bullfighting, which is located in Maimónides Square.

The entire museum is dedicated not only to the life, but also to the history of the most famous bullfighters. Particularly appreciated is the exhibition dedicated to Manoleta, one of the greatest and most famous matadors of Cordoba. His career did not last long, but in such a short period he showed amazingly beautiful bullfights. At the age of 30, the bullfighter’s life was cut short during his next performance. Today the skin of the killer bull hangs in this museum.

Among other things, in the bullfighting museum you can see capes and clothes of matadors, their photographs, various posters and announcements about fights, as well as many paintings dedicated to bullfighting.

8. Great Mosque (Mezquita)

Mezquita- the oldest architectural landmark of Cordoba, which dates back to the 13th century. was consecrated into a Christian temple, known today as the Cordoba Cathedral Mosque. It is believed that in the Middle Ages the Mezquita was the second largest in the world. It is assumed that the construction of the building began around the year 600. It was originally designed as a church. Unfortunately, the original structure has not survived to this day. It was completely destroyed in 711. More than half a century later, an Arab ruler erected a mosque in honor of his wife on this site.

For more than 2 centuries, the mosque has undergone repeated reconstructions. At the same time, each ruler brought something new. For example, Abd ar-Rahman II added a minaret, and Al-Hakam II significantly increased the area of ​​the mosque and enriched the mihrab. Be that as it may, every tourist should definitely visit the Mezquita in Cordoba, because it is one of the main attractions of Spain.

These are the attractions that await every visitor to Cordoba.

The main feeling that Cordoba gives me is a deep immersion in the Middle Ages. In no other city in the world have I encountered such a time machine. Moreover, this is not a boring feeling, but on the contrary, it is very “alive”. Horse-drawn carriages ride through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, and women in taverns dance in wooden flamenco shoes. But all this would not have such a great meaning if Cordoba had not miraculously preserved its great historical background: the fortress wall, watchtowers, bridges, gates.

The second thing I never tire of admiring about Cordoba is its phenomenal comfort. The snow-white walls of the houses are covered with flowers, narrow alleys lead to tiny squares with lemon trees. Everything here seems fabulous and amazingly pretty to me. A wonderful town where you want to live forever!

How to get there

You can get from Russia to Cordoba only with a transfer. The most convenient way, in my opinion, is: plane to Malaga + train “Malaga – Cordoba”. Another option is to consider traveling from Malaga to Cordoba by bus or rented car.

By plane

Cordoba has its own airport, but it practically does not receive passenger flights, so it is of no interest to us.

The nearest operating airport that receives direct flights from Moscow is in Malaga (159 km from Cordoba). Aeroflot operates five weekly flights from Sheremetyevo. Travel time is 5 hours 30 minutes. Ticket price is from 100 EUR one way.

There are no direct flights from St. Petersburg. You need to fly with a transfer through Moscow on the same Aeroflot flight.

By train

After you have successfully flown from Russia to Malaga, neighboring Cordoba, just a little remains: transfer to the train, admire the magnificent scenery from the window for about an hour - and you are in wonderful, flower-strewn Cordoba!

How to get from the airport to the station

I will describe how I usually go this route. After landing at Picasso Airport in Malaga, I follow the Train sign. The stop is located right in terminal 3 and is called Renfe Cercanias Malaga. Then I look on the board for the number of the desired train - C1 (departs from line 1). I get off at Maria Zambrano station. This is the city's central railway station. Travel time from the airport is 12 minutes. Trains run every half hour.

Then at the station I buy a ticket to Cordoba from a special machine or from the cashier. Trains run every half hour, sometimes more often. The ticket costs 20 EUR.

How to get from the station to the center

In Cordoba, the train station is located on Avenida de America, a little north of the Old Town (this is where all the most interesting things for travelers are located). I usually walk to it, it takes no more than half an hour at a measured pace. If this is your first time in Cordoba and you are afraid of getting lost, remember the word Mezquita (“Mezquita”), this is the main attraction in the Old Town. Every local resident will show you the way to it.

If you have a lot of luggage, you can use a taxi. The journey from the train station to Mezquita costs approximately EUR 6 and takes 15 minutes.

By bus

Buses from Malaga to Cordoba leave every 15-20 minutes, so there is no need to buy tickets in advance. Travel time is from one and a half hours. Ticket prices start from 10 EUR. Buses depart from Paseo del Parque. The main landmark is the nearby Plaza Marina. The Cordoba bus station is located in the same place as the railway station, that is, within walking distance from the center.

By car

You can bypass the center of Malaga and head to Cordoba directly from the airport with a rental car. The cost of gasoline is 1.24 EUR, car rental - from 50 EUR. The distance between the cities is 170 kilometers. Without traffic jams, travel time is about two hours.

Clue:

Cordoba - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Ekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season? When is the best time to go

There is no concept of “off season” in Cordoba. It’s always warm, sunny here, rain is an exceptional phenomenon (I’ve never seen it), even more so snow (in the entire history of the city it has never fallen). No wind, no hurricanes, no fog. Perhaps it is too hot in the summer - up to +40˚С in July. But even for this, wonderful Cordoba offers salvation: cool patios with fountains, flowers and orange trees.

Cordoba in summer

Summer in Cordoba is, in my opinion, the worst season to visit. The heat is incredible. The average (!) air temperature during the day in July and August is +37˚С, in June a little less - +33˚С. There is no sea in the city, only the river. During these months I go out only in the early morning, just after dawn, and in the evening, after sunset. One of the advantages of the summer season is excellent music festivals (flamenco in June, guitar in July).

Cordoba in autumn

Autumn in Cordoba is quite varied. September can be considered summer. The average daytime temperature is +32˚C. However, the sultry feeling disappears, and walking is much more pleasant. This is one of the most popular seasons among tourists. Accordingly, hotel prices are inflated. In October, the average daily temperature drops to +26˚C. Clouds appear in the sky. It gets significantly colder in November. During the day the temperature rises only to +18˚C, at night - to +10˚C. Heaters are turned on on the terraces and blankets are provided. The number of sunny days is halved, and it rains periodically.

Cordoba in the spring

Spring is my favorite time in Cordoba! It is ideal: sunny, not hot, everything is in bloom, there are wonderful smells on the streets, numerous parks appear at their best. Spring is considered the windiest time of the year in Cordoba, but the wind here is not piercingly cold, but pleasant and soft. The average daily temperature in March is +18˚С, in April - +22˚С, in May - +27˚С.

May is a special time in the city. Locals call it the “Month of Cordoba.” This is the time of holidays and festivals. Almost all the most significant and fun events (Feast of May Crosses, Patio and Balcony Competition, Wine Festival, City Day) take place in May. Therefore, if you love folk festivals, there could be no better month to visit Cordoba. But if you want to quietly and peacefully walk through the streets of the Old Town and see the sights without too much fuss, then choose another month.

Cordoba in winter

In winter, the average daytime temperature in Cordoba is +15˚C, nighttime - +5˚C. Locals wear sweaters and scarves. Sometimes (4-5 times a month) it rains. There are not very many tourists at this time, but personally I like the winter “bad weather”. In December and January everything is decorated like Christmas, and in February the orange trees are in bloom!

Cordoba - weather by month

Clue:

Cordoba - weather by month

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

Cordoba is a very convenient city for tourists. 99 percent of hostels, guest houses and hotels here are located in the historical center. And the remaining percentage is in the modern Vial Norte area, adjacent to the center in the north.

Old town

The old town is a tangle of narrow streets and tiny squares. There are no large chain hotels here; they would simply look out of place. The only five-star hotel in the city is Hotel Hospes Palacio del Bailio. Even it is located not in a modern building, but in an ancient palace of the 16th century.

Basically, all the housing in Cordoba is of the Andalusian type: with a cool courtyard, orange trees, a fountain, mosaics, arches and other pronounced Moorish motifs. At different times I stayed in student hostels (price from 20 EUR per day) and in decent family hotels (price from 30 EUR per day). Everywhere you can feel the magic of both the European and Eastern world.

Vial Norte

The north is suitable for you if you are in Cordoba literally for one day between buses or trains. It is in this part of the city that the train stations are located. In general, Vial Norte, with its shopping centers, apartment buildings and trendy restaurants, is much more modern in spirit compared to the Old Town. Accommodation prices are the same as in the center: a modest double room from 30 EUR per night.

If you don’t want to live on narrow medieval streets, but want to settle on a wide avenue, then I advise you to consider living options here. Prices in different hotels can be compared in advance on the Internet (for example,), and it is convenient to book the room you like on.

What are the prices for holidays?

I always include the following items in the approximate cost of a trip: accommodation, food, transportation, cultural trips (museums, galleries, temples), souvenirs. Cordoba is not a very cheap city by average Spanish standards, but it is far from the most expensive.

Prices for tourists are approximately as follows:

• The price of a double room in a three-star hotel in the historical center of the city is 30 EUR/night.
• Lunch/dinner in an inexpensive restaurant - 15 EUR.
• The average price of a ticket to the museum is 3 EUR.
• One trip on city public transport - 1 EUR.
• Local wine or olive oil as a gift - 3 EUR.

Clue:

Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things

Currency: Euro, € US Dollar, $ Russian Ruble, Rub

Main attractions. What to see

The main attractions of Cordoba are concentrated in the Old Town, the heart of which is the Cathedral. Therefore, I advise you to mark it with a bold dot on the map, visit it first and then walk to your heart’s content in the medieval streets surrounding it.

This is where all the most beautiful houses, museums, temples, squares and typical taverns are located. I especially like that in the Old Town the doors of many residential buildings are slightly open and you can quite legally look into the courtyards, richly decorated with flowers.

A very special part of the Old City is the Jewish Quarter (Juderia). You will immediately understand when you find yourself there: the streets are becoming even narrower, the houses have bars and there are no windows. There is also a synagogue and a Jewish museum located here. Geographically, the Jewish Quarter is located northwest of the Cathedral. Be sure to take a walk to it, preferably early in the morning. It is one of the popular tourist spots and during rush hours those who want to see how Jewish families lived in Cordoba in the 10th–15th centuries cannot physically fit on the tiny streets.

My favorite city squares:

Top 5

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

There are many ancient temples in Cordoba. Walking around the historical center, I constantly found new chapels, often very small, but incredibly cozy, shrouded in flowers.

To begin with, I suggest you visit the churches and cathedrals for which the city is famous throughout the world:

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

Parks

Cordoba is a very green city! I attribute this to the warm year-round climate and hot summers (at +40˚C, natural oases in residential areas are a vital necessity).

I will list the main parks and gardens of Cordoba:

Tourist streets

What to see in 1 day

Let's assume that you arrived in Cordoba by morning train or bus (the stations are in the same place), and in the evening you will leave from the same point. I offer you a day option that covers all the main city attractions!

• 18:00 - Climbing the Calahorra Tower (Torre de Calahorra). The giant medieval tower is located right next to the Roman Bridge, making it impossible to miss. The evening hour is the best time to admire the wonderful views of Cordoba from its observation deck! Having descended, we head back across the bridge to the Old Town. 20 minutes walk.
• 19:00 - Dinner at Taberna Luque. In my opinion, there is no better place to find! Homemade Andalusian cuisine, wonderful hosts who will personally tell and explain everything, location in the heart of the Old Town (Calle Blanco Belmonte, 4). Have you tried local delicacies? It's time to have a glass of wine in the city's main square (Plaza de las Tendillas). 10 minutes walk.
• 20:30 - Tendiyas Square. The most lively and pleasant place in Cordoba after sunset. There is music, cafes, street performers everywhere. Choose a nice table, order wine, tea or ice cream and watch a little life of the local population. This is better than any movie!
• 21:00 - A walk through the evening city. At this time he seems especially romantic and mysterious. Choose any streets for a walk, but keep the general direction of movement - to the north-west. That's where the train stations are!
• 22:00 - Return to the station (20 minutes walk from anywhere in the Old Town).

What to see in the area

Cordoba is not a very big city that can be seen in 2-3 days. The rest of my time is usually spent traveling around its incredibly picturesque surroundings!

Food. What to try

Cordoba is the recognized gastronomic capital of Andalusia. It is unknown for what reasons, but it is here that the food is tastier and more varied than in neighboring cities.

Dishes

Markets and shops

In Southern Spain it is common to eat at markets. That is, the market is always a place where you can not only buy food, but also try cooked fresh fish, have a tapas snack (sandwich) and drink a glass of cava (champagne). I really love market cafes. They are always noisy, fun, and delicious.

I advise you to visit Mercado Victoria - the favorite market of local residents. In the mornings they buy vegetables and fresh fish there, in the evenings they drink beer and watch football. Victoria Market has many cafes where you can eat tasty and inexpensive food. I especially like that samples of dishes here are displayed right on display, making the choice much easier.

My favorite grocery stores are the Dia chains. They have the optimal balance between variety of assortment, price and quality.

In the Old Town of Cordoba you can find many cozy tapas bars ("sandwich bars"), traditional Andalusian taverns (they often play flamenco in the evenings), as well as gourmet gourmet restaurants. Also, a significant part of the cafes are located in numerous city squares. They are not as romantic as “medieval” establishments, but they offer the opportunity to watch the locals!

My favorite restaurant in the city, which I want to come to again and again, is Taberna Luque. It is small, cozy and, best of all, family-run. The owner Antonio serves all visitors, and his wife Marie cooks. Everything I tried was amazingly delicious: salmorejo, braised oxtail, caramel cheesecake. Antonio is in love with his restaurant and his wife's culinary talents and is incredibly enthusiastic about helping him choose a dish.

He is also very generous with compliments: I dined at Taberna Luque several times and always finally received something “from the establishment” (homemade fig liqueur, red wine). Getting a table at Taberna Luque is very, very difficult. It is advisable to book it in advance. Address: Calle Blanco Belmonte 4.

Budget

• El Tercio Viejo. Address: Calle Enrique Redel, 19;
• La Tortuga. Address: Plaza Marmol de Bañuelos 1;
• Taberna Casa Pepe de la Juderia. Address: Calle Romero 1;
• Taberna La Montillana. Address: Calle San Álvaro, 5.

Mid-level

• Campos de Toro. Address: Calle Cespedes 6;
• Casa Mazal. Address: Calle Tomás Conde, 3;
• Taberna San Miguel El Pisto. Address: Plaza San Miguel, 1;
• La Gusa. Address: Calle Diario de Córdoba, 18.

Expensive

• Gourmet Iberico. Address: Calle Deanes 11;
• El Churrasco. Address: Romero 16;
• Taberna La Lechuga. Address: Calle Tomás Conde, 12;
• Bodegas Mezquita. Address: Calle del Corregidor Luis de la Cerda 73;
• Amaltea Restaurant. Address: Ronda de Isasa 10.

Holidays

Cordoba is essentially a quiet Spanish city with a hot climate, a slow-flowing river, cozy courtyards, museums, temples, excellent cuisine and numerous monuments of medieval architecture. But the Spaniards would not be Spaniards if they had not “revitalized” Cordoba with numerous fairs, holidays and festivals, at each of which the locals walk so wildly that it seems that the air itself is shaking with fun.

Safety. What to watch out for

Overall, Cordoba is a safe city. The only place where petty thefts were committed before my eyes was the immediate vicinity of the Mosque. Be especially careful in these places! You can often find beggars here.

In general, during your stay in Cordoba, I recommend that you follow basic safety rules in a tourist place: watch your bag and wallet, leave especially valuable things in the hotel safe, do not wear expensive watches and jewelry in crowded places.

Things to do

In addition to the standard European cultural set (museums, temples, parks, architecture), I advise you to pay tribute to Cordoba’s Moorish past and visit the hammam (oriental bath) and the Moroccan teahouse. They feel incredibly good!

The best hammam in the city, in my opinion, is Hammam Al Andalus (Address: Calle Corregidor Luis de la Cerda, 51). And the most pleasant Moroccan cafe has the simple name Tea House and is located a stone's throw from the Mosque (Address: Calle Buen Pastor, 13).

Shopping and shops

Cordoba is a very pleasant place for shopping. In the Old Town there are many old souvenir shops with unusual handicrafts (price from 3 EUR). If you are more accustomed to buying gifts in large shopping centers, I advise you to go to El Corte Ingles. The largest grocery store in the historical part of the city is Maxi Dia. Prices in chain stores are exactly the same as in Madrid, Barcelona and other cities in Spain. During the sales season (July and December) there are discounts of up to 70%.

Bars. Where to go

Bars are Cordoba's strong point! The city's main drinking establishments are located in the Plaza de la Corredera (central square) and Paseo de Cordoba (a modern quarter famous for its trendy cafes). Traditions dating back centuries can be found in the chaotic streets of the Old Town.

My favorite bar is Taberna La Fuenseca. Small, inexpensive, always crowded with cheerful locals, with paintings by Andalusian artists on the walls and insanely friendly owners. And most importantly - in the evenings there are flamenco concerts! Address: Calle Juan Rufo, 20.

I can also recommend:

• Cervecería Califa. Address: Calle Juan Valera, 3;
• Bar Santos. Address: Magistral González Frances, 3;
• Bar Rafalete, Calle Diario de Córdoba, 5.

Clubs and nightlife

Cordoba is not a city about nightlife at all. He is calm, not very youthful. Mostly, it is visited by intelligent family tourists who want to eat deliciously and beautifully (Cordoba has excellent restaurants!) in medieval scenery and stroll through museums and temples.

I also saw many young couples in love. Cordoba with its bridges, river, narrow cobbled streets is a very romantic city. But you probably won’t find cheerful students in search of adventure and nightlife fun here. However, there are still several clubs in the city:

• Bombo Club. Address: Calle Alfaros 31;
• Sala Metropolis. Address: Av. Profesor Arnold J. Toynbee, 25;
• Long Rock Club. Address: Teniente Braulio Laportilla, 6.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

Cordoba has a completely unique range of souvenirs. Perhaps the most famous of them is the hat (sombrero cordobes). I also noticed that the city sells a lot of jewelry (gold, silver and precious stones) and leather (mostly shoes and riding accessories).

Personally, I bring olive oil as souvenirs (it is of excellent quality here) and delicious local wine (my favorite brands are Oloroso and Amontillado).

How to get around the city

Cordoba is the most pedestrian city possible. All the attractions, main squares and streets are located so close to each other that it is a mystery to me where and for what purpose you can go by bus. However, they operate around the city and are the only form of public transport other than taxis. There is also a red sightseeing tourist bus that travels around Cordoba. You can buy one-day (17 EUR) and two-day (25 EUR) tickets.

Among the unusual ways of moving, I can recommend:

Taxi. What features exist

Cordoba taxis are white with blue or red stripes diagonally on the front doors and the numbers 1-2-3 on a green illuminated indicator located on the roof of the car. If the green indicator is on and there is a “libre” sign on the windshield on the passenger side, then the car is free and you can safely stop the taxi driver. When a taxi is busy, it says "ocupado".

Payment by meter (1 km - 1 EUR). Keep in mind that for moving inside the historical center they usually charge from 5 EUR. You can pay either in cash or by card. Night service and travel on public holidays are charged at double rates.

Buses

Buses in Cordoba run strictly on schedule, from 6 am to 11:30 pm. One bus trip costs a fixed price of 1.30 EUR, regardless of the distance. Tickets can be purchased from the driver. You can buy a card for 10 trips (Bonobus pass) for 7.10 EUR.

Transport rental

To get around Cordoba you don't need a car at all. The city is small, and all attractions are within walking distance of each other. In addition, in the historical center there are very narrow streets, which are basically impossible to drive through.

I recommend renting a car for day trips to the surrounding villages. There is real beauty around Cordoba: small Andalusian villages with vineyards, olive fields and other beauties!

You can rent a car only after reaching 21 years of age, with an international driving license and at least a year of driving experience. As a financial guarantee, you must leave a deposit or a credit card. The average cost of renting a car with insurance and navigator in Cordoba is 60 EUR per day. The price of gasoline is 1.25 EUR per liter. You can search for a suitable option in advance on the Internet (for example,).

If you rent a car in Cordoba, I recommend remembering the following rules:

• The driver and passengers must always wear seat belts.
• Children under 135 cm tall can only be transported in a specially equipped seat.
• You can use a mobile phone while driving only with a speakerphone, but never through headphones.
• It is prohibited to drive while intoxicated. The permissible blood alcohol level is 0.5 ppm, if driving experience is less than two years - 0.3 ppm.
• Many roads have speed cameras. The police officer gets a photo of your violation long before he stops you. Speed ​​limit: on highways -130 km/h, in populated areas - 40 km/h, outside populated areas - 80 km/h.
• The use of high beams in urban areas is prohibited. Turn on your side lights or low beam headlights depending on how well the roads are lit. Headlights must be on in tunnels.

Cordoba - holidays with children

Overall, Cordoba is a good city to travel with children. It's warm, delicious, a lot of greenery, an excellent selection of hotels, an excellent zoo, and a high level of security. However, I have a concern that children in Cordoba might get bored quickly. There is no sea, no water park, all attractions are historical in nature. On the other hand, modern Cordoba is similar to medieval knightly cities, which may interest boys. In general, if you are traveling with children, it is quite possible to stay in Cordoba for a few days, but no more.

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.

From Seville to Cordoba the train takes 1 hour 15 minutes. During this time, we had lunch, admired the surrounding landscapes, read the guidebook (which we later safely forgot on the train - it’s a shame, we loved the “fat man.” He’s probably now riding around Spain, about which he contains so much interesting information. It would be nice to meet an inquisitive person on his way Russian person).

In Cordoba we lost 40 minutes waiting for a bus to the center. It turned out that the stop had been postponed. (It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the station to the center. Most of the way is along a pleasant boulevard with palm trees. But we learned this on the way back).

The bus finally arrived and picked up a sizeable crowd from the stop. We were dropped off not at the Mezquita itself, as we had expected, but on a quiet street, and for some time we made our way through the labyrinths among the whitewashed blank walls of the Jewish quarter of Juderia.

Juderia is more reminiscent of the alleys of the Arab Albaicin than the Seville quarter of Santa Cruz, the houses here are lower and simpler and life seems completely closed. Santa Cruz looks more aristocratic and sophisticated with its lanterns and openwork grilles on the balconies. Every now and then, in the gap between the houses, some tower will stick out or a piece of a church will flash. In Cordoba, too, there are bars and skillful portals, but low houses, long blank walls, arches create the feeling that you are making your way past small fortresses and are somehow even defenseless in these deserted corridors.

Mezquita

Soon we found ourselves under the walls of Mezquita, where life, on the contrary, was seething. The inner Orange Courtyard turned out to be spacious and resembled the Orange Courtyard at the Seville Cathedral. And the minaret tower of the Mezquita looked like the Giralda. (Attention for photographers: in both courtyards there are narrow grooves under your feet for water drainage. When capturing the tower through your lens, look first at your feet).

At the box office they sold us a ticket to “Catedral” - this is where this greatest monument of Arab culture is officially called. And we entered the twilight of the mosque.

I’ll say right away that a sigh of admiration did not escape from my chest. Imagine an endless, semi-dark space lined with rows of columns connected by striped arches (the red and white stripes subtly referred to mattresses). Completely monotonous, drawn-out, with its own rhythm, leading to infinity - no matter which direction a person goes. People wandered around in the semi-darkness, but in these spaces the presence of other people was almost not felt.

The Mihrab is the most sublime, graceful, delightful place in the Mezquita. The same ligature on the walls, arches with a figured edge, in a striped kokoshnik, like the rising sun. True, the mihrab does not point to Mecca, as it should, but to Damascus.

Cathedral

The mesquita is so huge that the Christian cathedral, embedded in the very center of it, is perceived as a small and strange inclusion. The cathedral is the brightest place in this unusual building. Perhaps this was done for contrast - unable to master such a huge space, they highlighted the Christian part with excess light. And it stretches upward rather than to the sides. This is how it is hidden: the mosque is dark and low, the cathedral is light and tall, and there is an imperceptible transition from one to the other. More! the mosque is restrained and austere, the cathedral is decorated with everything: a red marble retablo, symmetrical carved pulpits, decorated columns, domes, partitions, two magnificent organs, mahogany choir chairs. Very impressive lighting along the contour above the carved chairs - like a reflection of fire.

Alcazar in Cardova

After the Mezquita we went to the Alcazar, a fortress-palace on the banks of the Guadalquivir. In front of the fortress there is a yellow square with palm trees and oranges, and next to the tallest tower there is a tall narrow cypress tree. The walls have characteristic battlements in the form of a rectangle with a jammed triangular cap (we are somehow more accustomed to Gibbelin “swallowtails” and square Guelph battlements).

In the palace, in one of the halls, ancient mosaics found during excavations are displayed.

Interior patios are without any special frills, quite simple. From the fortress wall there is a view of the city and the gardens of the Alcazar, and the pools with fountains stretching into the distance - fish were clearly visible in their green water.

Alcazar Gardens

The sweetest memory of Cordoba remains from the palace gardens. It seems that the Seville gardens are larger, and more varied, and the fountain there is luxurious, but in Cordoba it is spilled - that’s exactly what sweetness is. Wander and wander! Again, terry cellosia, long thuja stands along the pools, sculptures. Water flows, light streams of fountains on both sides of the pool connect in the middle. In the midst of this beauty, in the center of the alley of thujas, there are sculptures darkened by time: the same Columbus in front of the Catholic kings. The bluest sky, yellow paths. Among the flower beds are bushes trimmed in the shape of jugs, and the bases of the bright flower beds are framed, as if by rolling sea foam, with pillows of silver grass.

Guadalquivir

After the Alcazar we went to the Guadalquivir embankment, which is noticeably shallower here than in Seville, although it is also wide. The water is the color of diluted cement, greenish-gray. In front of the Roman Bridge is a small, steeply sloping square, in the center of which stands a tall column of St. Raphael. And just before the entrance to the bridge there is a majestic, powerful gate, Puerta del Puente.

The bridge is pedestrian. In the middle of it, a lone sculpture of St. Raphael rises above the railing. On the other bank it ends with the square, squat tower of Calahorra.

At first I didn’t want to go to the other side of the river, but in the end we crossed the river and were rewarded with marvelous views of ancient Cordoba. From a great distance it was clearly visible how the cathedral built in the center bursts upward from the flat, extended, relatively low - level with the rest of the city - body of the Mezquita. The Mezquita Tower is only slightly taller than it.

Then we walked around Juderia a little more, stopping at Flower Street - a narrow white corridor decorated on both sides with rows of hanging blue pots with pink flowers. The street ended in a dead end, where photographers diligently tried to frame rows of flower pots with the Mezquita Tower visible at the end of the street.

We slowly went to the station, which turned out to be very close to the city center. We left by train at 18:45. We got to Malaga in just over an hour, twice as fast as to Seville. Ticket price: €25.70.

There remains a regret that Cordoba was given undeservedly little time. If I were planning a trip now, I would “remove” the Museum of Fine Arts and the walk along the river from Seville, replacing it with Piazza di Spagna. In the morning - Santa Cruz and Pilate's house. And I would go to Cordoba by train at 11:45.

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