Cordoba Travel Guide
In December 2021 / January 2022 we made a 10-day trip to Andalusia. Cordoba wasn’t really a stop as we visit it on 1-day trip from Seville.
Cordoba is the capital of the province of Cordoba and the 3rd most populated municipality in Andalusia, after Seville and Málaga, and the 11th overall in the country.
It used to be a Roman settlement, taken over by the Visigoths, followed by the Muslim and later becoming the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate of Córdoba. It was a world leading center of education and learning, producing figures
So, let’s discover this breath-taking city with 9 Best things to do in Cordoba in 1 day.
Table of Contents
Mapping the day
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Getting there
The easiest and most comfortable way to get to Cordoba in by train:
- From Seville: It takes 40min approx. We opted for the 9h13 departure that arrive at 9h56. And took the return at 16h12 due to its price.
The train station is around 15min walking distance from the old city center of Cordoba. You can check the timetable on The Spanish railway company website: RENFE
Also, if you buy round trip ticket you will get a discount.
Moving Around
Once in Cordoba, you can do everything on foot and won’t need any transportation.
When to Visit
Cordoba, like Seville can be visited year-round. We visited it in winter and the weather was amazing for Europe with temperature up to 20°C. Yet the peak season are around near year and during the summer holidays.
Where to Stay
You may want to stay overnight in Cordoba which could also be a good idea if you have the time. This way, you will be able to enjoy it even more. Anything like 1 or 2 days in Cordoba is great.
- (€): Cruz Conde 5
- (€€): Homesuitehome Cordoba
- (€€€): Hospes Palacio del Bailio
What to Eat
As we are plant-based diet, Spain is not the best option for food for us, but some of the nice things to try are:
- Sangria
- Spanish omelette
- Smoked Ham/Prosciutto
- Paella
Things to do In Cordoba in 1 Day
Córdoba Synagogue & La Juderia
Walk by and stroll in La Juderia, the Jewish quarter of Cordoba and heart of the city where everything is located. There you can get lost in the smaller street and admire Andalusian style with whitewashed facades and flowery balconies. You can make a stop at the Córdoba Synagogue built in 1315. It is a super small building, but it is one of 3 last Synagogue in Spain.
Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba
Also known as Mezquita is probably the most amazing landmark of Cordoba. Built around 785 as a Mosque, it was later converted as a cathedral but remain most of its original style. You can actually see in the center of the mosque, a small cathedral popping out.
It unbelievable how many arcades are present in it and how beautiful there are.
On top of the visit of the Mezquita, you can also visit its bell tower with another ticket. If you want to do so, it may be better to book you ticket in advance as there is a limited number of spot.
Puerta del Puente
Also called the Bridge gate and located at the beginning the Roman bridge of Córdoba. It was built in the 16th century on the site of ancient Roman and Moorish gates
Roman Bridge of Córdoba
From the gate, you can walk on the old Roman Bridge and get some nice views from all directions. The bridge was built in the 1st century before BC and was the only bridge in Cordoba for nearly 20 centuries.
Torre De Calahorra
The Calahorra tower is located at the end of the Roman bridge and was a defensive tower during the Muslim era. It now serves as the museum of Al-Andalus which is about the coexistence of Jews, Muslims and Christians.
You can either visit the museum or just enjoy the building from outside.
Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs
The second top things to see in Cordoba is the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (“Alcázar of the Christian Kings or Monarchs” in English). It used to be the residence of the Catholic kings of Spain as well as the Holy Office during the inquisition.
The most amazing part of this monument is its garden. They are simply splendid.
To visit it, you will also need to reserve not a ticket but a spot in advance. We didn’t know it and when we arrived there, we had to reserve a spot in the afternoon and got the last one. It is confusing and we could see many people there as confuse.
Plaza de la Corredera
The most famous square of Cordoba, the Corredera square is a rectangular shape area with arcades. With inspiration from the classic “Plaza Mayor” of Castile but is the only square with such features in Andalusia.
For centuries, it has been a main square in town, featureing parties, markets, bullfights and executions.
Templo Romano
A bit further, are the ruins of an old Roman temple. The ruins are located within the city in a small, restricted area and you can just admire them from the streets. The ruins dates back 41 AD.
Plaza de las Tendillas
This is now a more modern location and square. The Tendillas square offers nice building facades and a small fountain in its center. It is also the beginning of the main shopping street of Cordoba.
1-Day Cordoba itinerary
- Take the 9:13am train from Seville
- Arrival at 9h56 in Cordoba
- Visit Córdoba Synagogue and stroll in La Juderia
- Visit the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba
- Get to the Puerta del Puente
- Cross the Roman Bridge of Córdoba
- Look at Torre De Calahorra
- Visit Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs
- Head to Plaza de la Corredera
- Stroll by the Templo Romano
- Follow the road to Plaza de las Tendillas
- Return to Seville
Dar gato por liebre ( To give cat for hare) – To rip someone off
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