The beautiful city of Cordoba, one of the oldest in the Iberian Peninsula, stands out as one of the largest historical centres in Europe and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1994 by UNESCO. Everywhere in the city you can find several famous monuments known worldwide, like the great Mosque – Cathedral, the Roman Bridge of Córdoba, the Alcazar of the Christian kings and, of course, the old jewish neighbourhood. All of these sites are a must-see while visiting Córdoba, but the city is also full of less well known and hidden places full of magic that also represent the soul of the old capital of Al-Ándalus.
In this article we will discover ten corners of this charming historic centre that you should not miss on your visit to this unique city.
1. PUERTA DE ALMODÓVAR
This fourteenth-century gate of the old wall of Córdoba is the best preserved in the entire old town. It stands out, in addition to its conservation, for its imposing size. Puerta de Almodóvar was originally one of the entrances of the city that directly connected with the old jewish neighbourhood, still one of the most important areas of Córdoba still today, where we can find unique monuments such as the old synagogue of Córdoba, one of the three ancient synagogues that are still preserved in the country of Spain.
2. CUESTA DEL BAILÍO
It is a staircase that is located in the historic neighbourhood of Santa Marina and is typically photographed with the stairway in the foreground, with the Casa del Bailío in the background. The Casa is a 16th century house with a beautiful Renaissance door. Visiting this place is highly recommended, especially if you enjoy physical activity, as it is a good walk just to reach the stairway from town!
3. CRISTO DE LOS FAROLES
Behind the staircase of Bailío is hidden one of the most charming squares in Córdoba. It is famous for the figure of Christ surrounded by eight lanterns. It is very much revered in Córdoba.
4. CALLE DE LAS FLORES
Considered the most beautiful street in Córdoba, this alley located near the Mosque – Cathedral is decorated with flower pots and leads to a lovely little square that was an old Cordoban courtyard. It still maintains that essence today.
5. PUERTA DEL PARDON, MOSQUE - CATHEDRAL
The 'Door of Forgiveness' is the door that is located just below the bell tower of the Mosque - Cathedral. From inside you can see unique views of the “Patio de los Naranajos”, the courtyard of the Mosque. Also, in the background the wall provides access to the Mosque via its typical Caliphal arches in red and white. You shouldn’t leave the city without taking in this lovely view!
6. THE MIHRAB OF THE MOSQUE
It is the most sacred space of the old mosque which is located by the qibla wall. A simple room, but on its ceiling you can see an amazing vault decorated with tiles. It is an authentic jewel of Muslim art in the time of the Caliphate. While visiting the inside of the Mosque – Cathedral, you must look for this wonderful place, you will probably be speechless upon discovering the beauty of the Mihrab.
7. POSADA DEL POTRO
This old inn in the Plaza del Potro has been intact since the 16th century. Among its most famous guests was Miguel de Cervantes, who stopped in this place of Córdoba and actually included it in some of his most important work, like Don Quijote. It is currently a museum dedicated to flamenco, and during summer nights some shows and other activities take place.
8. CALLE DEL PAÑUELO
This alley is famous throughout the city for being its narrowest and it was popularly believed that the narrowness of the street measured the same as a handkerchief stretched from end to end. At its end, there is a small square decorated with a fountain.
9. CALAHORRA TOWER
it is placed across the Guadalquivir river. From the old tower that gives access to the famous Roman bridge, now converted into a museum, you can see the most famous views of Córdoba, with the Roman bridge and the Mosque-Cathedral in the background. The most beautiful view in the city.
10. TENDILLAS SQUARE
It is the busiest square in the city and represents the image of modern Cordoba with its stately buildings from the early 20th century flanking it and the famous equestrian statue of the “Gran Captain” in the middle. A perfect place to have a drink and see the idiosyncrasies of Cordoba. It is also a special place because of the water feature on the surface of the square, which little children use during the summer to get fresh during the hot weather. It is a fun place for them!
Do you want to know more about the most charming corners of Córdoba? Don't hesitate to book our tours:
FREE MONUMENTAL TOUR
-Meeting point: Puerta de Almodóvar (Spanish / English)
FREE TOUR LEGENDS OF THE JEWISH NEIGHBOURHOOD
- Meeting point: Puerta de Almodóvar (Spanish / English)
We remind you that to guarantee your place on a tour, a reservation is required.
Look for the yellow umbrella!
