Cordoba

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Photo: Cordoba Tourism (IMTUR)

a CORDOBA

Ministry of Industry and Tourism

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Introduction 3
Discover Cordoba district by district 4
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Culture 11
the utmost care. However, if you find an error, Tasting Cordoba 12
please help us to improve by sending an email to
brochures@tourspain.es Cordoba in the four seasons​ 14
FRONT PAGE: Calleja de las Flores alley Cordoba with children 17
BACK: A Hammam. Photo: Cordoba Tourism
(IMTUR) The hidden city 18
Enjoy the nightlife... 22
What to visit near Cordoba? 23
How to get there 25
Getting around in Cordoba 26

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 XXXX XXXX

INTRODUCTION
A compendium of the past and
modernity, this ancient city,
declared a World Heritage Site,
is a living testimony of the mix of
cultures that have settled in it.

Let yourself be seduced by its colours,

its aromas and its atmosphere and dis-
cover its most fascinating legends and
mysteries.
Its vast cultural and monumental herit-
age will amaze you. Enter its grandiose
Great Mosque-Cathedral, cross the
Roman Bridge over the Guadalquivir
River and wander in the Jewish
Photo: Cordoba Tourism (IMTUR)

Quarter, a beautiful maze of narrow

streets and whitewashed courtyards.
History is always very present in its cui-
sine, in which olive oil, a fundamental in-
gredient of the Mediterranean diet, has
occupied a place of honour since the
Romans came to Hispania. Cordoba's a GREAT MOSQUE-CATHEDRAL OF CORDOBA

Iberian cured ham and delicacies such

as salmorejo (a tomato-based chilled
perfumed with the scent of jasmine, one
cream soup) are other examples of its
of the flowers always to be seen in the
culinary hallmarks.
Fiesta of the Patios in Cordoba, a festival
Cordoba is also synonymous with art, declared by UNESCO to be Intangible
culture and entertainment, thanks to Cultural Heritage. The white walls of its
the many events organised throughout houses are decorated for this festival to
the year: flamenco festivals, concerts, create a few days of singular beauty.
dance, etc. Activities that are comple-
Hospitality is one of the characteris-
mented by its many museums and a
tics of its open, welcoming people, and
lively nightlife.
you will be made to feel right at home.
Andalusia is sun, joy and festive spirit. Come and discover a city full of experi-
Try visiting in May, when its streets are ences for the five senses.

3
 CORDOBA

DISCOVER CORDOBA
DISTRICT BY DISTRICT
a ROMAN BRIDGE

JEWISH QUARTER
Its narrow streets of whitewashed doorway. The beautiful Orange Tree
houses are full of charm. There you Courtyard leads to the incredible for-
will find corners where the memory of est of columns with two-tone horse-
the four cultures endures: Christian, shoe arches in the interior.
Roman, Muslim and Jewish.
For one of the most beautiful views of
this special place in Andalusia, climb to
the top of Calahorra Tower, and get a
foretaste of the spectacular city that
awaits you. Cross the Roman Bridge
over the Guadalquivir River and enter
the city through the Puerta del Puente
gateway.
From there it's just a short distance
to the heart and soul of the city, the
Great Mosque-Cathedral, a UNESCO
World Heritage site, which you can
enter through the Puerta del Perdón a ORANGE TREE COURTYARD
GREAT MOSQUE-CATHEDRAL OF CORDOBA

4
 DISCOVER CORDOBA DISTRICT BY DISTRICT

Photo: World Heritage Cities

a THE MIHRAB (PRAYER NICHE)

GREAT MOSQUE-CATHEDRAL OF CORDOBA

One of the spaces you can visit is the

minaret, preserved inside the current
tower. You can climb the bell tower to
get beautiful views, from an interesting
angle, of the main building of the Great
Mosque-Cathedral. You should also
not miss the San Esteban Doorway,
Photo: World Heritage Cities

which is the oldest in the complex, and

the mihrab (prayer niche), the most inti-
mate and sacred place in the Mosque,
with Byzantine glass mosaics and a
dome. The Catholic Cathedral, which
is a blend of Gothic, Renaissance and a GREAT MOSQUE-CATHEDRAL OF CORDOBA
Baroque, stands proudly in the centre
of the mosque.
In the same district you can see the Nearby is the municipal craft bazaar.
synagogue, one of the best conserved Located in a two-storey Mudéjar-style
in Spain. Built in the first quarter of the building, it is a market where craft
14th century, it has had other uses in workers from Cordoba display their
subsequent times. Thanks to conserva- traditional silver, pottery and leather
tion work, the quantity and quality of goods. It is a good place to buy a pretty
its Hebrew inscriptions is excellent. souvenir.

5
 CORDOBA

In Cordoba you can also listen to fla- In the old Jewish quarter you can see
menco music in the Posada del Potro- such characteristic Cordoban façades
Fosforito Flamenco Centre, which of as that of Casa del Indiano house,
works to disseminate this typical form with its mix of Gothic and Mudéjar el-
of song and dance from Andalusia. A ements. Or take a snapshot of the col-
tour that explores the birth and devel- ourful Calleja de las Flores street, with
opment of flamenco through its instru- wonderful views of the Great Mosque-
ments, artists and costumes. Cathedral.
L Further information:
www.mezquita-catedraldecordoba.es

b A PATIO IN CORDOBA

Photo: World Heritage Cities

6
 DISCOVER CORDOBA DISTRICT BY DISTRICT
Photo: World Heritage Cities

a ALCÁZAR DE LOS REYES CRISTIANOS FORTRESS

THE SAN BASILIO AND ALCÁZAR VIEJO DISTRICTS

Running parallel to the Guadalquivir Andalusian horse, a thoroughbred of
River, San Basilio is right next to one Arab descent.
of the city’s greatest attractions. This is
Also nearby the Alcázar are the ancient
the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, an
walls of the former Judería Castle, an
ancient fortress where the discovery of
ancient military construction which was
America was planned. Its Moorish gar-
a Sephardic settlement in the early 13th
dens are a true delight. Inside you can
visit the Mosaics Room, with huge ex- century. From here you can go through
amples of this art from Roman times, the Puerta de Sevilla gateway, bringing
or the Receptions Hall, with historical you to the San Basilio district, or look
furniture such as a 17th century chap- at Torre de Belén, a tower that is a ves-
ter choir and current pieces such as the tige of the wall that surrounded the old
age of discovery map table. Jewish Quarter.
Very nearby are the Royal Stables, built L Further information:
at the end of the 16th century by or- www.turismodecordoba.org/
der of Philip II to breed the Spanish or alcazar-de-los-reyes-cristianos

7
CORDOBA

SANTA MARINA
DISTRICT

Discover a different kind

of city, with narrow streets
full of palaces and ancient
houses of Cordoba's
aristocracy.

It is also known as the bullfighters'

neighbourhood, because of its long as-
sociation with bullfighting. At the pop-
ular Conde de Priego square, you will
find a statue in honour of one of the
great Spanish bullfighters of the 1940s,
Manolete. It stands in front of Santa

Photo: Cordoba Tourism (IMTUR)

Marina Church, from the 13th century,
one of the oldest in the city. Notice the
buttresses on its façade, which give this
church the appearance of a fortress.
Another place not to be missed is Viana
Palace, with 12 magnificent patios a CHURCH OF SANTA MARINA
and a fantastic garden, whose flowers
brighten and scent every corner of this
15th-century manor house. Inside the
palace, you can also find several artistic Nearby the charming Jardín de los
collections (furniture, paintings, mosa- Poetas (Poets' Gardens), run paral-
ics, carpets, tiles, etc.). lel to the Muralla del Marrubial, an
San Agustín Church has a wonderful in- Almoravid wall from the 11th century.
terior, one of the jewels of the Baroque It was part of the walls that surrounded
in Cordoba. Thanks to its recent resto- the Axerquía, the area that is now the
ration, beautiful murals and frescos of historical quarter, where artisans and
great chromatic richness are now vis- merchants lived during the period of
ible. It has many similarities with the Arab dominion.
chapels of San Cayetano Church, lo- L Further information:
cated on a steep street called Cuesta www.palaciodeviana.com
de San Cayetano. It has stunning vaults
and decorative details.
8
 Photo: Cordoba Tourism (IMTUR)
DISCOVER CORDOBA DISTRICT BY DISTRICT

SAN ANDRÉS-SAN PABLO

DISTRICT
Low houses, shops and taverns line
its streets, with their deeply Cordoban
flavour. Known in the Muslim era as
the neighbourhood of the silk embroi-
derers, it retains its Al-Andalus layout.
Most of its churches and noble houses
are concentrated on its main streets,
San Pablo and Realejo.
The church of San Andrés is a perfect
example of the Ferdinanda style: me-
dieval churches built by order of King
Ferdinand III during the reconquest of
the city in the 13th century (1236). San
Pablo Church is built over what was in
its day the Roman circus and subse-
quently an Almohad palace; and see the
Mudéjar coffered ceilings of the vaults.
Other religious buildings you can see in-
clude Santa Marta Convent, in Mudéjar
style, with a pleasant patio from which
to observe its Gothic façade.
Palaces and stately houses are oth-
er ­attractions of the area. Houses like
Palacio de los Villalones or Palacio de
los Luna, with coats of arms on their
façades, are places where time seems
to have stood still.
Finally, you must take a look around the
grand square of Plaza de la Corredera,
built in the 18th century in the neigh-
bouring district of San Pedro. This pop-
ular spot, the only quadrangular main
square in Andalusia, is a perfect place
to have tapas at a terrace and explore
one of the city's traditional markets.

` PLAZA DE LA CORREDERA SQUARE

 CORDOBA

SAN LORENZO DISTRICT

After the Christian reconquest of the you can see several religious carvings
city, the church that gives its name to of great value such as Our Father Jesus
this historically very popular area was Nazarene Rescued and the Holy Christ
built on the site of an old mosque. San of Grace, both greatly venerated by
Lorenzo Church is one of the most the people of Cordoba. Complete your
beautiful in the city, with a splendid tour with a visit to Colegio Salesianos
Gothic-Mudéjar rose window in its main School. There you can see the shrine
façade. Another interesting place to see of María Auxiliadora, the first church
in this district is the church of Nuestra in Andalusia dedicated to this Virgin,
Señora de Gracia, in Baroque style. It whose image is carried in procession
forms part of the Trinitarians Convent, every 24 May through the streets of
founded in the 17th century. Inside the neighbourhood.
Photo: Cordoba Tourism (IMTUR)

MEDINA AZAHARA

MEDINA AZAHARA
Very near to the city is the archaeological
site of Medina Azahara, one of the most
beautiful Palatine cities of Al-Andalus, built
in the 10th century by Abd ar-Rahman III.
Explore it on your own or take a guided
tour to discover the roots of its magnificent
past. Its rooms will transport you back to
the time when the Caliphs governed the
city.
The archaeological site has a visitor centre
as a starting point for the tour. Go down
into its subterranean depths to see a fas-
cinating collection of museum pieces from
the most important periods of the ancient
Medina.
You can get there by car or on a bus. For
groups of 10+ people, pre-booking is re-
quired. For fewer people, no booking is re-
The Medina Azahara quired.

archaeological complex has been L Further information and ticket sales are
available at tourist offices and at:
declared a World Heritage Site. www.museosdeandalucia.es/web/conjun-
toarqueologicomadinatalzahra
www.reservasturismodecordoba.org
10
Photo: Cordoba Tourism (IMTUR)

THE ARTS
Find another way of exploring Cordoba's history, culture
and lifestyle at its many museums and art centres.

a MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

The Museum of Fine Arts, located in symbolism and a certain aura of mys-
Plaza del Potro, in the old Hospital of tery. The museum has some of his most
La Caridad, houses an interesting col- representative paintings such as La chiq-
lection of works by Spanish painters, uita piconera and Naranjas y limones.
including Valdés Leal, Zurbarán, Ribera In Plaza Jerónimo Páez, a 16th
and Murillo, and sculptors from Cordoba century Renaissance palace is home
­
such as Mateo Inurria and Juan de la to the Cordoba Archaeological and
Mesa. Ethnographic Museum. Spread over
Sharing the same courtyard as the three courtyards and eight rooms, the
Museum of Fine Arts is the Julio Romero museum has unique pieces dating from
de Torres Museum, with works by this prehistory through to the Al-Andalus
painter from Cordoba who achieved period.
great popularity with paintings full of

11
 CORDOBA

a LA MERCED PALACE

SALMOREJO

There are also interesting art centres

like the Palacio de la Merced, a former
convent that hosts temporary exhibi- TASTING
tions. The building is one of the best
examples of Cordoba's Baroque, with a
particularly fine main cloister.
CORDOBA
Taverns and their tapas are the quin-
The Casa Andalusí Museum, located tessence of the city's philosophy and its
in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, is
cuisine. There you can try delicious bites
a beautiful and enchanting place. The
Andalusian flavour of the house is of cuisine in miniature, washed down
mixed with oriental touches, and every with a glass of Montilla-Moriles wine.
nook and corner is pervaded with mu- These taverns are scattered throughout
sic, aromas and the colours of flowers.
the city, especially in the San Lorenzo,
It also offers an interesting explanation
of the paper manufacturing process in San Andrés and Santa Marina districts,
the period of the Cordoba Caliphate, as and many of them have been in exist-
well as an interesting collection of Al- ence for more than a century. They are
Andalus coins. the soul of Cordoba, places where cui-
If you're interested in contemporary sine is an art form.
art, visit the Pepe Espaliú Art Centre, One of the best known dishes of
located in a recently restored 18th cen-
Cordoba's traditional cuisine is salmore-
tury house-courtyard. It has a perma-
nent exhibition of some 40 works by jo, a cold cream of tomato, garlic and
the painter and sculptor Pepe Espaliú, a bread crumbs, which is eaten especially
key figure in 20th century Spanish art. in summer. Other dishes to be seen in all
L Further information: restaurants in Cordoba include flamen-
www.museojulioromero.cordoba.es quín (a roll of Iberian ham and pork loin,
www.museosdeandalucia.es/web/mu- breaded and fried), oxtail, marinated
seodebellasartesdecordoba fish and ajoblanco (a cold soup of bread,
www.museosdeandalucia.es/web/mu- ground almonds, garlic, water, vinegar,
seoarqueologicodecordoba salt and olive oil).

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 TASTING CORDOBA

The city also has a growing number of these is La Victoria Market, with stalls
restaurants serving avant-garde cui- offering both fresh and prepared prod-
sine, which offer singular, exclusive ex- ucts. To add to that, it has an unbeatable
periences. Try the reinterpretation of location, in La Victoria Gardens. Come
Andalusian cuisine offered by prestig-
to a unique spot to lunch or have tapas.
ious chef Paco Morales, or proposals
that combine traditional recipes with For dessert, try some of the typical sweet
the use of new culinary techniques. pastry delicacies from the area, such as
Complete your gastronomic route by Cordoba Cake, a puff pastry cake usually
exploring some of the city's urban filled with Spanish pumpkin preserve or
markets. The most gourmet-oriented of cider or quince jelly from Puente Genil.

Photo: Cordoba Tourism (IMTUR)

13
 CORDOBA

CORDOBA IN THE
FOUR SEASONS
SUMMER
Photo: Cordoba Tourism (IMTUR)

The summer months are an ideal time

to visit the Sierra de Córdoba moun-
tains, discover their stunning nature
and cool down. The nearest place
to visit in these mountains is Santa
María de Trassierra, about 30 min-
utes away by car.
An hour to the west are the La
Breña Reservoir and the Sierra de
Hornachuelos Nature Reserve, with
abundant vegetation, waterfalls and
rapids. It is a privileged place to ob-
serve a large population of birds of
prey.
Another option is to enjoy the summer
nights at the outdoor performances
of the International Sephardic Music
Festival, held in the Royal Botanical
Garden, an incomparable setting for
these concerts by the best perform-
ers of the Sephardic legacy. Other oc-
casions not be missed are the Noche
Blanca all-night flamenco festival,
held in June, and the Guitar Festival,
in the first fortnight of July.

AUTUMN
Cordoba has always been associ-
ated with horses. In the months of
September, October and November,
Otoño del Caballo (Horse Autumn)

14
 CORDOBA IN THE FOUR SEASONS

takes place, which is when the ma-

Photo: Cordoba Tourism (IMTUR)

jority of activities, championships,
events and shows associated with
these beautiful animals are held.
The other key event in these months
is Otoño sefardí (Sephardic Autumn)
in the first half of September. For
almost two weeks numerous work-
shops, concerts and activities will
allow you to learn about Sephardic
history and discover Spain's Jewish
cultural heritage.

WINTER
Cordoba's Christmas programme
holds many surprises, such as the
Christmas choirs. This involves sev-
eral choirs parading through the city
centre's streets, creating an infectious
atmosphere of joy.
The other big event is Christmas of
the Patios, which are decorated for
the occasion with poinsettias. Many
private and institutional patios in the
city open their doors for you to visit.

SPRING
a CROSSES OF MAY
The scent of orange blossom and
jasmine fills the city air when spring Easter Week commemorates the
arrives. It is the time of the year of Passion of Christ as the people pub-
greatest splendour, thanks to the licly show their faith. The processions
succession of three authentically that take place in Cordoba's histor-
Cordoban celebrations: Easter Week, ic centre are especially emotional,
the Fair and the Festival of the Patios. marked by silence and recollection.

15
 CORDOBA

Photo: Cordoba Tourism (IMTUR)

a FESTIVAL OF THE PATIOS

During the first fortnight of May the Experience the joy and colour that fill
popular Festival of the Patios is held. the city during the days of the Cordoba
For two weeks, the people of Cordoba Fair, usually held at the end of May.
proudly open up their patios in the his- Horse riders and people wearing typical
torical old town, adorning them with an flamenco costumes gather in the Arenal
abundance of pots of geraniums, car- fairground, while people from Cordoba
nations, jasmine, etc. They can be vis- and outsiders come to drink, sing and
ited at practically any time of the day dance in the marquees distributed in
and there are Flamenco shows as well the different fairground passages.
as the chance to taste delicious t­apas L Further information:patios.cordoba.es
from Cordoba and Montilla-Moriles
wine.

16
 CORDOBA WITH CHILDREN
bite to eat. The entrance is on Avenida
Discover a city with many de Menéndez Pidal avenue. There you
can enjoy a pleasant walk among trees
attractions for families.
and gardens while games of all kinds
are taking place. The star attraction in
summer is the enchanted forest, a se-
Children will love to see how the
ries of artificial trees that spray water
Andalusian horses dance in the Royal
Stables. as you pass by them.

Although perhaps what catches their Right here, with its entrance on Avenida
imagination most is the Children's City, Linneo, is Cordoba Zoo. An exotic, wel-
a huge playground in Cruz Conde Park, coming world, well worth spending a
with dozens of swings, zip-lines, picnic few hours in if you are going to be in
areas and kiosks to enjoy a pleasant this beautiful city for a few days.

b THE CHILDREN'S CITY

Photo: Cordoba Tourism (IMTUR)

17
 CORDOBA

THE HIDDEN CITY

If you still have time and would like to discover more, here are some possibilities
to add to your itinerary. There's no question; it is well worth spending time to dis-
cover all the charms of this city.

Photo: Cordoba Tourism (IMTUR)

a LA AGRICULTURA GARDENS

PARKS AND GARDENS

In addition to its numerous beautiful Sotos de la Albolafia, a protected natu-
monuments, the Andalusian city has ral area with islets, water birds and an-
many green spaces in which to relax cient watermills that contributed to the
and enjoy nature. Cruz Conde Park, splendour of the medieval city of the
Juan Carlos I Gardens and the spacious Umayyads.
Paseo de la Victoria green walkway are By the Guadalquivir River, near
some of the best examples. San Rafael Bridge, is Cordoba Royal
On the river bank you will find oth- Botanical Garden. Built for education-
er places of singular beauty, such as al and scientific purposes, it is laid out
18
 THE HIDDEN CITY

with several plant collections. From

the arboretum or natural forest, to the
Cordoba-style courtyard, it includes
rose gardens and several greenhous-
es. You can also see its amazing stone
forest, a collection of large vegetation
fossils.

SECRET MUSEUMS
If you want to delve into the city's his-
tory or some of its most curious tradi- a PLAZA MAIMONIDES SQUARE AND THE
tions, there is much to see. STATUE OF MAIMONIDES

You can start at the House of Water,

In a similar way, the Living Museum
a visitor’s centre where you can learn
of Al-Andalus, in the interior of the
about the cycle of water in Cordoba,
Calahorra Tower, has a double ob-
its residents’ habits and customs and
jective: to journey through the cul-
its changes over time. Set in a historical
ture of Al-Andalus and highlight pos-
building, the centre has a corrala patio,
itive aspects of collaboration among
a well and a cistern, and inside you can
Christians, Jews and Muslims.
also find a portion of Roman walls and
sewers. Lastly, Casa-Museo del Guadamecí
Omeya Museum, located next to the
The Alchemy Museum is the first space
Great Mosque-Cathedral, pioneers dis-
in Spain to be dedicated to the fasci-
semination of the region's artwork of
nating world of this sacred, ancestral
tanned leather from the times of the
science. Objects, videos and reproduc-
Omeya caliphate, which was famous
tions of ancient contraptions, such as
for its quality and colourful ornamen-
the "rota" (a rotating wheel with the
tation.
signs of the zodiac), help the visitor
understand some of the keys of alche- L Further information:
my, in a beautiful building in the Jewish www.turismodecordoba.org/casa-de-
Quarter. Its displays include an alchem- sefarad
ical laboratory, stills and a small obser- www.casadelaguaportillo.es
vatory. www.casadelaalquimiaaliksir.com
www.turismodecordoba.org/casa-de-
Also in the Jewish Quarter, document- sefarad
ing the city's Jewish past, is the House www.torrecalahorra.es
of Sepharad - House of Memory. It www.guadameciomeya.com/museo
has a permanent exhibition in sever-
al rooms, exploring highlights of the
Sephardic tradition and its subsequent
development in the diaspora.
19
 CORDOBA

MONUMENTS
Be captivated by the city's monumen- are seen.
tal beauty. Some of its greatest secrets One of the monuments that all visitors
are in plain sight. This is the case, for should see is the Puerta del Puente
example, with the Roman Temple, next gateway. Located at one end of the
to the Town Hall. Roman bridge, it was the entrance that
The current reconstruction of the build- connected the city with the Via Augusta.
ing gives an idea of Cordoba's grandeur After you go through the gate, you can
in Roman times. Some of the original see the monument to Saint Raphael
pieces from the temple are exhibited Archangel. You will come across many
in the Archaeological Museum and in such sculptures in Cordoba, a reflec-
places like Plaza de las Doblas square, tion of the city’s devotion to its patron
where some of the entrance columns saint.

b PUERTA DEL PUENTE GATEWAY

Photo: World Heritage Cities

20
 THE HIDDEN CITY

If you are looking for a fuller panoram-

ic view, about 15 kilometres from the
Photo: Cordoba Tourism (IMTUR)

city you will find the Las Ermitas shrines

complex, a place of religious meditation
since the Middle Ages. The site includes
a magnificent lookout point under the
shadow of the monument to the Sacred
Heart of Jesus. From there you will get
a wonderful view of the city and part of
the Guadalquivir River's fertile plain.

b CALAHORRA TOWER

a ROMAN BRIDGE

THE ROOFTOPS OF
CORDOBA
The city does not have steep hills, so
some of the best places from which to
view its historic centre are its own mon-
uments.
There are few views from the roofs of
Cordoba as beautiful those seen from
the Calahorra Tower lookout point, with
the Roman bridge and the Guadalquivir
River at its foot and the monumental
skyline of the city on the other side of
the river.
Another essential place from which to
admire Cordoba's skyline is the Alcázar
de los Reyes Cristianos fortress wall. You
can walk around it when you visit this
historic complex and observe the gran-
deur of the gardens. Or climb the tower
of the Great Mosque-Cathedral to get
some beautiful views of the city centre.

21
 CORDOBA

ENJOY
THE NIGHTLIFE...
When night falls, Cordoba becomes a par-
ty town. Tourists and visitors can join in
events, and discover monuments and spac-
es specifically designed to enjoy after dark.

a CALLEJA DE LAS FLORES ALLEY

Take an Alma de Córdoba night tour to Jewish Quarter. In June, you can join
the Great Mosque-Cathedral to watch the Trotacalles night race; or, alterna-
surprising projections and sound and tively, you can shop until late at the
light effects and learn about its history. Shopping Night Centro Córdoba. Go
Visit the Royal Stables and be amazed to museums, guided tours, cinema, gigs
at the skills of the horses at the Pasión and outdoor activities in the summer...
y Duende horse show. Cordoba offers these options and many
Savour a meal with a flamenco show in more to enjoy under the stars.
the establishments and tablaos of the

22
 WHAT TO VISIT NEAR CORDOBA?
Half an hour away by car is Almodóvar Visit Lucena, known as the Pearl
del Río, a small, charming town dom- of Sepharad. There the last king of
inated by its imposing castle built Granada, Boabdil el Chico, before sur-
on the hill in 760 by the Muslims. rendering to the Catholic Monarchs,
It is one of the most important and was held prisoner in the tower of the
best-preserved fortresses in Spain. Castillo del Moral, a fortress which to-
Walk around its surroundings and in- day houses the city's Archaeological
side, where many activities are offered and Ethnographic Museum. You can
throughout the year. also visit the church of San Mateo,
constructed over the old synagogue,
and the beautiful Condes de Santa Ana
Palace.
b ALMODÓVAR DEL RIO CASTLE
Photo: Dariia Maksimova/123rf.com

23
 CORDOBA

a PRIEGO DE CÓRDOBA

If you want to explore one of the old- But, unquestionably, the most em-
est towns in the region, head for the blematic monument of this style is
lovely Cabra. Surrounded by moun- the Fuente del Rey-Fuente de la Salud
tains, springs and natural sites of great Fountains, a set of sculptures around
beauty, it preserves its Al-Andalus past three ponds and a spring, where you
in its double walled enclosure and in can lose yourself in an atmosphere of
the beautiful Condes de Cabra castle. peace and quiet.
It also has some of the most interest- Lastly, mention should be made of
ing Baroque architecture in Andalusia, Fuente Obejuna, a small town nestled
with such jewels as the parish church among fields of holm oaks, famous for a
of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción y popular revolt of the 15th century that
Ángeles. inspired the play Fuenteovejuna, written
by the famous dramatist Lope de Vega.
Another great example of In summer, the piece is usually staged
the beautiful Baroque of by the town's residents in Plaza Mayor
Cordoba, Priego de Córdoba square, which was the scene of the
historical events. You can also visit its
has many churches and a churches and shrines, and the modern-
quite remarkable historic ist Casa Cardona palace, which houses
quarter of Muslim origin. the Municipal History Museum.

24
HOW TO
GET THERE
AVE
A fast and very attractive way is the
high-speed train (AVE), which connects
the city with Madrid, Malaga, Barcelona,
Valencia, Granada and Seville. There are
also daily connections via fast trains to
Huelva and Cadiz.
The Renfe Spain Pass allows non-­
Spanish residents to travel by rail in
Spain on all long distance and medi-
um distance trains, including AVE and
Avant. It is valid for one month starting
from the first trip, and passes for 4, 6, 8
or 10 journeys are available.
L For more information go to
www.renfe.com

a AVE

AIRPORT
To travel by plane, the nearest airports Granada. Lastly, the A-45 motorway
are Malaga and Seville, approximately connects Cordoba to Malaga.
an hour and a half away by car and less
than an hour by AVE high-speed train.
BUS
L Further information: www.aena.es
Many regular bus lines run from the
bus station, connecting the city daily
ROAD with other major cities such as Madrid,
Spain's extensive road network makes Seville, Malaga and Granada, as well as
it easy for you to get there. The A-4 with the different towns in the prov-
Andalusia motorway connects the ince.
city with Madrid and Seville, while L Further information:
the N-432 A-road connects it with www.estacionautobusescordoba.es

25
CORDOBA

GETTING AROUND IN
CORDOBA

You can get around Cordoba on foot, be purchased and topped up in several
as the old town and the main monu- establishments.
ments and places of interest are very You can also ride around the old town
close to each other. For example, you in a horse-drawn carriage. These car-
can go on the seven tours suggested at riages are available next to the Great
andando.cordoba.es, always finishing Mosque and close to the Alcázar de los
at the Great Mosque-Cathedral. Reyes Cristianos fortress.
There is also a public transport service L For more information:
that covers the whole city and links www.andando.cordoba.es
with the suburbs. A good way to get
around Cordoba is on the city buses. If
you want to make several journeys, the
best option is the Bus pass, which can

26
FURTHER INFORMATION
VISITORS’ CENTRE SPAIN TOURISM
Plaza del Triunfo OFFICIAL WEBSITE
14003 – Córdoba (Andalucía) www.spain.info
27
informacion@turismodecordoba.org
www.turismodecordoba.org
CORDOBA

MINISTERIO
MINISTERIO
DE INDUSTRIA
DE INDUSTRIA, COMERCIO TURESPAÑA
Y TURISMOY TURISMO

28

@spain @spain Spain.info /spain @visitSpain