Hello everyone here we are again to lost ourselves in a new adventure (and a new knowledge!) in a Spanish destination. Today we are heading to Cordoba a city to be discovered… So we are waiting for? Let’s start immediately but first we want to present it!

Cordoba, located in the south of Spain, in ancient times was a great cultural center and during this period it became the center of a society governed by Muslims, which is why you will feel like you have been catapulted into the eastern part of Europe (later you will understand what we are meaning). Today Cordova is a modern medium-sized city and its historic center has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An important part of the cultural tradition of the city are the popular festivals, among them we can find: the Semana Santa (Easter week), Festival de los Patios and in the end the feast par excellence, Madonna della Salute (celebrated in May) where you can eat in the casetas (stands) and the streets are populated by people that wear the typical costume and dance with music. It seems right to warn you that in the summer months Cordova has the highest temperatures in Spain so watch out if in that period you are in town! This is enough for a short presentation so let’s get to the heart of our adventure.

To know more ( what to eat, where to eat, where to have fun, things to visit…) continue to read.

Let’s start with the strong point of the city: the culture.

 

PLACES TO VISIT (MUSEUMS/THEATERS..)

Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba

  • Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba: this cathedral is a great example of Arab-Islamic art and of the Gothic and Renaissance architecture of Andalusia (along with the Alhambra of Granada that we have already seen, do you remember?). The interior is full of columns and arches that reflect the style of the cathedral’s facade as well as its high altar. The cathedral is flanked by the patio de los Naranjos, a large garden full of orange trees (it smells so good!). To fully admire and have a larger picture of the beauty of this building you have to go to the Roman bridge (located on the Guadalquivir river but we’ll see it later). In 2010 the Spain dedicated a commemorative 2€ coin to the great cathedral.
  • Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos: is a fortress-palace in Cordoba (where there was the former Arab palace). In this place Columbus asked for funds for his adventure to the Americas. The palace is surrounded by gardens and fountains and houses two towers: “torre del Homenaje” and “torre de los Leones”. Alcázar has been declared a national monument.
  • Museo Julio Romero de Torres: it is an art museum dedicated to the famous painter from Cordoba. The building houses several paintings by the artist that testify his love for the city (but also houses works by other contemporary artists). In addition to it is possible to admire the furniture, the palettes and the brushes belonging to the artist. The intimacy of the museum can already be seen from the facade and from the small square at the entrance of the building; in fact the museum is very suggestive. Inside there is also a library.
  • Museo Arqueológico y Etnológico de Córdoba (MAECO): archaeological and ethnological museum which has been declared of cultural interest. Inside there is a vast collection of works that go from the prehistory to the Middle Ages. The museum is very well presented has an external part and an internal part; it is an hybrid museum half open and half indoors. A very nice and bright place.
  • Casa de Sefarad: it is an interesting museum based on the culture, history and the Sephardic tradition (Jews tradition). The structure is located in an old Jewish house in the heart of the Jewish district (opposite to the city’s Synagogue). It has a permanent exhibition and a themed library. Here you will learn about the history of the district in a simple and detailed way in a charming atmosphere. There are many exhibition rooms and we will list some of them: sala de la Vida Doméstica, sala de Música Sefardí, sala de los Ciclos Festivos, sala de la Sinagoga, sala de la Lengua…
  • Casa Andalusí: located in the center of the Jewish quarter, it is a house-museum full of symbols and meanings. The Andalusian atmosphere that you breathe in the house is mixed with that of oriental styles and embellished by the smells of the colorful flowers that create a beautiful decoration. Inside the courtyard presents it as a welcoming place full of plants all accompanied by the pleasant sound of the fountain water. The palace is also home to the Museo del Papel (the paper museum). Another beautiful example of architecture that we recommend to visit is the Palacio de Viana.
  • Centro Flamenco Fosforito: is a white building with a beautiful flowered patio (which is a feature of all these buildings) where is located the flamenco museum full of documents, video… It is a place that fully expresses the importance of Andalusian flamenco dance, lively part of the soul and the culture of citizens.
  • Patio de los Naranjos: it is a courtyard full of orange trees and this explains everything (we have already mentioned it speaking of the cathedral but now we will go deeper into it). It is therefore a matter of outdoor knowledge with orange trees. It has a rectangular shape and the point where the area starts is located just where there is Puerta de la Concepción (in Renaissance style). This space today is integrated into the structure of the cathedral.
  • Torre de la Calahorra: it is a fortress of Islamic origin located at the entrance to the Roman bridge of Cordoba (it was a protection for the city). Inside it there is an interesting museum that tells about the cohabitation between Jews, Christians and Muslims in ancient times. From the top you will be able to admire the wonderful view of the city.
  • Madīnat al-Zahrā: it is an outdoor archaeological site, the ruins of the city at the time of the Arab domination. What can’t say nothing about it, the story speaks for itself without needing explanations… it is a great historical testimony told by a great architecture. A very nice place, the only consideration that we feel to say is that unfortunately is a few miles away from the city.. So we can suggest you to visit it only if you have enough time and if it din’t happen we have a solution, this archaeological site will be an excuse to come back to see what you could not see eheh!

Cordoba has a great number of theaters and we list some of the best: Gran Teatro de Córdoba, Teatro Axerquía, Teatro Avanti, Teatro Góngora.

Casa Andalusí

 

ENTERTAINMENT (PUB/DISCO/PARKS…)

Plaza de la Corredera

How many other beautiful places Cordoba saves for us? We are going to know it!

  • Puente romano: this is the Roman bridge, that we have previously mentioned, the construction id due thanks to the Roman people. It is the only pedestrian bridge of the city. It has also been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Located on the Guadalquivir river, just a few meters away there is a small nature reserve called Sotos de la Albolafia (where are located a large number of animal and some ancient mills).
  • Baños De Popea: this is certainly one of the most beautiful and famous places in the city. It is a nice route to cross and a nice place to live the nature. It will lead you in so called Baths of Poppea, a series of pools connected by waterfalls. Magnificent!
  • Parque de Miraflores: it is the city park of Cordoba. It is very vast in fact it not seems to be in a park but it is more a pedestrian area with lots of greenery. It has several points of interest and one of them is the sculpture of Agustín Ibarrola. The park is located at the foot of the Roman bridge.
  • Royal Botanical Garden Cordoba: it is a botanical garden. This has several areas including: collections of plants for human care (fruit, sugar, medicines…), various types of plants from different parts of the world, an area full of shrubs that want to simulate a natural forest. There are also two museums inside the structure: Museo de Etnobotánica (to better understand the plant’s world in relation to the indigenous population), Museo de Paleobotánica (where are present some examples of plant fossils).
  • Now is the time to enjoy and get lost in the squares and in the streets of the city: Calleja de las Flores this characteristic street, as its name suggests, is composed of flowers (like almost the rest of the city) in vases located on the white walls. What harmony! The small street will lead you on a small square from which you can enjoy the view of the mighty cathedral of Cordoba. Plaza de la Corredera is the main square of Cordoba, it is very large and has a rectangular shape where some bars are located inside the porticoes. Plaza de las Tendillas is the main square of the commercial life of the city, thanks to its connection with the main commercial streets (such as the streets of Cruz Conde and Gondomar). There are located some important buildings such as: Reloj de las Tendillas (a clock), Edificio de La Unión y el Fénix, Casa Colomera; and it is always here that the inhabitants celebrate the new year. Calle Pedro Jimenez, a narrow street that will lead you to a small square with a fountain surrounded by trees. Juderia is the Jewish quarter of Córdoba from which is visible part of the cathedral that you can reach through this street. These are just a few of the squares that populate the historic center and the city of Cordoba because there are many others: plaza del Potro, plaza de Capuchinos, plaza del Cardenal Salazar, plaza del Conde de Priego… During your walk you can meet the Torre de la Malmuerta, a sighting tower that has a high arch under which you can go through. Not a bad location for some nice photos!
  • Two valid tours that we want to suggest you are: OWAY Tours (walking tour), Cordoba en Bicicleta (for those who love long bike rides).

Calleja de las Flores

If you consider Cordoba a quiet and peaceful city, you should live its nightlife. The places most frequented by university students from all over the world are: Patio Olmos, Nueva Cordoba, Cerro de las Rosa… Perfect places to socialize and have fun!

There are lots of bars, now we will list some of them:

  • Olea Bar
  • Bar Jarote: lounge bar
  • Rush CLUB: nightclub
  • Pub karaoke Central
  • Room M100 Córdoba: disco
  • Bar Amapola
  • Glace Lounge Bar

 

TYPICAL FOODS

Flamenquín

Reading the word “typical foods” makes us curious and desirous to know more about the typical Spanish food.

  • Mazamorra: the specialty of the city, it is a cold soup based on bread, egg, garlic, vinegar, salt, peppers and black olives as a garnish.
  • Flamenquín: another specialty of the city, is a dish made of ham that is rolled in the pork meat then it is breaded and fried. The dish is accompanied with fries and mayonnaise. However there are different variations stuffed with fish or cheese.
  • Alcachofas a la Montillana: a dish made of artichokes, ham and a typical white wine.
  • Tocino de cielo: it is a dessert made with caramelized egg with the addition of sugar (its color is a lively yellow). It is served cold. What a delight!
  • Pastel Cordobes: it is the typical sweet of the city, very particular and good. It is composed of puff pastry and stuffed with white pumpkin jam; the dessert is also known under the name of “Manolete” (in honor of a famous  torero).

Pastel Cordobes

 

WHERE TO EAT (RESTAURANTS/CAFE’..)

And if the decision of where to go to taste these typical dishes assails you, we are here to give you some ideas.

  • Taberna Luque: Mediterranean, Spanish, vegetarian cuisine, vegan options, gluten-free menu options.
  • Taberna La Cuarta: Mediterranean, European, Spanish, fusion, vegetarian cuisine, vegan options, gluten-free menu options.
  • Cielito Lindo Cafe: Mexican, international, vegetarian cuisine, vegan options, gluten-free menu options.
  • Regadera: Spanish, contemporary, Mediterranean, European cuisine.
  • La Fragua: Mediterranean, Spanish, vegetarian cuisine, vegan options, gluten-free menu options.
  • Bodegas Mezquita Céspedes: bar with Mediterranean, European, Spanish, vegetarian cuisine, vegan options, gluten-free menu options.
  • Doble de Cepa: Mediterranean, European, Spanish, vegetarian cuisine, vegan options, gluten-free menu options.
  • Marídame: Mediterranean, European, Spanish, vegetarian cuisine, vegan options, gluten-free menu options.
  • El Burrito Cordobes: Spanish cuisine.
  • Cuatromanos: Mediterranean, European, Spanish, vegetarian cuisine, vegan options, gluten-free menu options.
  • Gourmet Iberico: Mediterranean, European, Spanish, vegetarian cuisine, vegan options, gluten-free menu options.
  • ReComiendo: Mediterranean, European, Spanish, vegetarian cuisine, vegan options, gluten-free menu options.

 

Our stay in Cordoba has already ended but don’t worry because we are going to reach another big city in Spain that you will discover very soon, meanwhile we will let you meditate what will be the next destination..

Let us know your opinions about this place. If you liked it or not, if you’ve been there or you’re going to go there? What  you liked the most or least? We’re curious to read your opinions.

A big kiss to everyone.

 

Below we will list the accommodations that you can find in Cordoba.

http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?iata=ODB&aid=960457&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1 –  accommodation near the airport of Cordoba.

http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?city=-378765&aid=960457&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1 – accommodation in the city.

http://www.booking.com/searchresults.html?district=6525&aid=960457&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1
accommodation in the historic center of Cordoba.

 

Booking.com

50 thoughts on “Cordoba

  1. I still haven’t had the chance to properly visit Spain yet and only managed to get across to Barcelona the last time I was there! Cordoba looks like an amazing city though and definitely less touristy compared to Barcelona!

    Helen

  2. I had to get a snack part way through reading this, since I was drooling after those photos of the cuisine. Yum!! I had never heard of this city in Spain, but it looks so beautiful and sounds full of history! And, the mosque looks absolutely epic!

  3. I didn’t get to spend nearly enough time in the south of Spain when I was there. If I ever make it back, this is the region I would like to explore. The Baños De Popea sounds lovely:)

  4. I am so bummed that we missed Cordoba when we did a road trip through Andalusia! The Cathedral of Córdoba looks absolutely stunning with those columns, and Plaza Andalusi is seriously impressive as well. I’ll definitely have to go back to this part of Spain again.

  5. I travelled to Spain several times and visited main towns in the south: Seville, Granada, Malaga. But hadn’t time to see Cordoba as well. Now this article, alll nice pics and interesting suggestions , gave me the desire to travel again and see the town. Thaks for sharing..:)

  6. A very through review of Córdoba. We have not been able to visit it yet but it is definitely on our list now. I love that all over Europe we will see plazas or squares similar to plaza Andalusi. We really enjoyed them while we were in Europe.

  7. My family wants to visit Spain someday. I love how detailed and various your explanations are. The Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba looks very beautiful and ornate in structure. I would love to try their dishes as well. One that I would look most forward to eating Flamenquín, either with the traditional ham or even better–stuffed with cheese. I LOVE cheese dishes! Are there any shopping areas in Cordoba? If I visit there someday, I would love a souvenir or two of from the place.

  8. I was hoping this was about Cordoba in Argentina as I’ve heard good things about it being a digital nomad hub! However, this city in Spain seems like a great spot to spend some time! Not sure about that sugary cold egg though!

    1. They are completely two different cities but the “real one” is Cordoba in Spain, in fact is thanks to this city that Cordoba in Argentina has the same name.
      That’s the power of culture, another thing learned!

  9. We have explore a major part of Spain but would love to return to explore Cordoba. The Plaza de la Corredera looks impressive and so does the Casa Andalusí. The cuisines look tempting too. Convinced to visit 😉

  10. Cordoba seems like a wonderful place! Some of the photos remind me of Mallorca, especially the Plaza Corredera is very similar to Plaza Mayor in Palma de Mallorca – which is my favorite city.
    So I think I would love this city too! And omg, that pastry…I need to try it right now!

  11. Thank you for a list of VEGAN friendly food options. That is crucial for me when planning travel. I also love, love, love, your photo from Calleja de las Flores. It’s just magical!

  12. I’ve visited Valencia and Barcelona in Spain. Both incredibly beautiful locations, especially at Summer, where they also boast scorching temperatures and stunning architecture! Worth a visit! Will think about Cordoba for another Spanish trip.

  13. Cordoba is one of the cities I wanted to visit in Spain but I never made it there. Your post makes me want to visit even more now. That pastel looks delicious! I need to pin this for later 🙂

  14. I love your comprehensive travel guide. I have been to Cordoba twice and probably the main I went there is Moorish architecture. I can spend hours roaming around the city and enjoying it. Food is delicious there, I can’t recommend it highly enough! Thanks for this great reading!

  15. Museums, theaters, cool pubs and mouth watering cuisine. Seems like Cordoba have everything. I would love to explore this city someday 🙂 i think it is also a great photo-walking destination.

  16. Cordoba looks lovely. I was especially fascinated by the Mosque-Cathedral. Such a beautiful blend of architectural styles. The Plaza de la Corredera looks so vast and peaceful. It reminds me of the Piazza San Marco in Venice. Only thing is this one is minus the people!

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