Background
Cordoba's period of greatest glory began in the 8th century after the Moorish conquest, when some 300 mosques and innumerable palaces were built to rival Constantinople, Damascus and Baghdad. UNESCO says that in the 13th century, under Ferdinand III, the Great Mosque was turned into a cathedral and new defences were raised, notably the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos and the Calahorra tower.
Captured by Rome in 206 BC, capital of the emirate of al-Andalus from 766 and of the Caliphate in the 10th century, Córdoba was then one of the most advanced cities in the world. The mosque was inscribed in 1984 and the listing extended to the old town a decade later. Wikivoyage says the Mezquita, begun in 786, needs at least a couple of hours, that nearly everything is in walking distance except Medina Azahara, and that May, with its crosses and fair, is the best month.
- 206 BCThe Romans capture Córdoba
- 766Capital of the Muslim emirate of al-Andalus
- 786The Mezquita is begun
- 10th c.The Caliphate of Córdoba, one of the world's most advanced cities
- 1236Ferdinand III takes the city and converts the mosque
- 1984Inscribed as World Heritage, extended to the old town in 1994
Find Your Way Around
The main parts of the site, in the order most visitors see them
- 1The MezquitaThe mosque-cathedral and its forest of red and white arches; free during the 8:30 morning mass.
- 2Roman BridgeSixteen spans over the Guadalquivir to the Calahorra tower.
- 3Alcázar de los Reyes CristianosThe fortress and its gardens with Roman mosaics.
- 4Caliphal BathsThe Moorish baths.
- 5Roman TempleThe columns in the city centre.
- 6Medina AzaharaThe caliphs' palace city, 8 km out.
Know Before You Go
From Wikivoyage and the GoGo guides
Mosque, Bridge and Alcázar
Not yet in a GoGo guide
- 08:30The Mezquita2 hrsThe arches at opening, free during morning mass.
- 11:00Roman Bridge and Calahorra Tower1 hrAcross the Guadalquivir and back.
- 12:30Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos90 minThe fortress and gardens.
- 16:00Caliphal Baths and the Old Streets90 minThe baths and the lanes around the cathedral.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: Apr–May, Oct. Very hot (highs 34°C+) in Jul–Aug.
Typical highs
Climate: NASA POWER
Pair It With
Other World Heritage sites nearby, by distance
