Serving as a major hub in Muslim Spain during the Middle Ages, Cordoba is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city in the heart of Andalusia. It’s home to the magnificent former mosque of the Mezquita, as well as a charismatic old town and a medieval Islamic palace-city.

Things to do

Explore one of the world’s most impressive Islamic buildings, the multi-arched Mezquita, which was built as a mosque in 786 and later transformed into a cathedral. Admire the fortress-like walls and Moorish arches, wander through the Court of the Oranges, then be awed by the forest of columns that characterise the Mezquita’s interior.

The Mezquita is surrounded by atmospheric streets that form Cordoba’s medieval Old City. Step inside the fortified gate that now houses the Museum of Al-Andalus Life, then soak up the magnificent city views from the top of its tower.

Spend an afternoon exploring the 8th-century residence of Ferdinand and Isabella at the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, built on the site of a Visigoth fortress. Visit the Inquisition Tower where Roman mosaics and a sarcophagus are exhibited, then explore the magnificent gardens of this Heritage-listed castle.

On the outskirts of Cordoba lies the fortified palace-city of the Medina Azahara that was built as the administrative hub of Muslim Spain in the 10th century. Wander through the Casa de Yafar residence and the royal reception hall, then discover the history of the medina’s construction and downfall at the on-site museum.

Getting around

Cordoba is just under two hours by train from Madrid and around one hour from Malaga, while buses connect with destinations across Andalusia. Most of Cordoba’s attractions are within easy walking distance of one another, with the notable exception being the Medina Azahara.