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CórdobaCulture & history

Our most recommended Córdoba Culture & history

Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

1. Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Learn more about the 8th-century caliphate of Abd al-Rahman I on a guided tour the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba with an art historian guide. Hear about the monument's different stages of construction, from the old Basilica of San Vicente, built during the Spanish Visigoth empire through the primitive mosque built by Abd al-Rahman I to rival the great mosques of the East. Explore successive extensions through to the time of Almanzor, ruler of Muslim Iberia under the Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba. Hear about the Reconquista of Cordoba by the Christian armies of Fernando III, when the mosque was converted into a cathedral. Admire architectural motifs, such as the double arches that gave the building height and were considered revolutionary for their time.

Córdoba: Jewish Quarter, Synagogue, Mosque, and Alcázar Tour

2. Córdoba: Jewish Quarter, Synagogue, Mosque, and Alcázar Tour

Discover the most important monuments of Córdoba on a guided tour. Visit the Great Mosque-Cathedral, the famous Jewish Quarter with one of the best preserved synagogues in Spain, and the Alcazar of the Christian Kings with its impressive gardens. First, visit the Great Mosque-Cathedral. Its two-colored arches will take you back to this Islamic period of Córdoba. Learn about its architecture and how the cathedral was added inside the mosque. Next, visit the Jewish Quarter, the most famous historical area of the medieval quarter. Discover Calleja de la Hoguera, a street where your guide will share the origins of Jewish culture in Spain and its significance to Córdoba. Then, visit the souk, the synagogue, and the statue of Maimónides. Conclude the tour with a visit to the Alcazar of the Christian Kings. Discover the importance of this monument in the history of Córdoba and the different roles it's played.

Cordoba: Mosque-Cathedral E-Ticket with Audio Tour

3. Cordoba: Mosque-Cathedral E-Ticket with Audio Tour

Experience the Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral at your own pace with a skip-the-line e-ticket and a fascinating self-guided audio tour on your smartphone. Receive your ticket by email, download the app and the audio tour on your phone, prior to your visit, and travel back in time to experience the glory of the Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral. Put on your headphones and discover the breathtaking Outside of the Mezquita’s entrance and continue on to discover Puerta del Perdón before going in to get fascinated by its amazing treasures through the power of storytelling and learn historical information and uncommon stories and anecdotes regarding this construction jewel. Tour’s content is the result of in-depth research, squeezed into brief original stories that will make your visit both engaging and informative. The audio tour can be used repeatedly and anytime, before or after your visit. This is an unmissable opportunity to gain valuable insights into the breathtaking Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral and relate to your surroundings in an entirely original way.

Cordoba Mosque, Synagogue & Jewish Quarter Tour with Tickets

4. Cordoba Mosque, Synagogue & Jewish Quarter Tour with Tickets

Explore Cordoba’s Mosque-Cathedral, one of the most visited monuments in Spain. Its construction Began in the 8th century and it became the second-largest mosque in the world. On this 2.5-hour guided tour you’ll discover the interior that features a forest of columns along with double arches, the Maqsura, the Mihrab and the impressive chorus located close to the Mayor Chapel. In the 13th century, under Ferdinand III, the mosque was converted into a Catholic cathedral. In addition, you’ll tour the city’s historic Jewish Quarter. Located near the Mosque-Cathedral, it is one the most visited areas in Cordoba. See the Synagogue, the Jewish Street, the Arabic market (Zoco) and the bronze statue of Maimonides.

Córdoba: Skip-the-Ticket-Line Mosque-Cathedral Guided Tour

5. Córdoba: Skip-the-Ticket-Line Mosque-Cathedral Guided Tour

Meet your experienced guide who will have a profound knowledge of both the Mosque-Cathedral itself and its contents. After being provided with a headset, start your tour by listening to an introduction to the history of the mosque. Explore the courtyard of the complex, called the Patio de los Naranjos. Soak up the atmosphere of this peaceful space with lots of greenery, and marvel at the beautiful Bell Tower. Then skip the ticket line to enter the monument without any hassle. Follow your guide as they take you around the mosque. Hear about its design, and why the monument is one of the most important buildings in Islamic architecture. Admire the Prayer Hall, the Mihrab, and the famous red and white arches. Learn about the construction of the Mosque-Cathedral in the 8th century. Find out from your guide about the different expansions of the building, and all the hidden details of the architecture.

Guided Visit to Azahara Medina in Córdoba

6. Guided Visit to Azahara Medina in Córdoba

The Caliph of Umayyad Córdoba, Abd al- Rahman III, ordered the construction of palace-city of Madinat al-Zahra, meaning "brilliant city" in Arabic, in the early 10th century. Located about 5 miles (8 km) from the city of Córdoba, this amazing collection of ornate buildings and monuments was created as a symbol of the Caliphi's power against its enemies. They also served as official government buildings. On your visit to this breathtaking site, you can choose between two options: a guided tour with or without a tourist bus. Guided Tour (with bus): Hop aboard the site's tourist bus and make your way to the center of the palatial city. Once there, visit the impressive visitor center before heading north to explore the main sections of the city, one by one. Guided Tour (without bus): Start with a visit to the impressive visitor center, where you will explore Spain's fascinating Moorish history and enjoy a screening of a video that virtually recreates how this historic city was in the 10th century. Later, head north to explore the main sections of the city, one by one.

Córdoba: Medina Azahara 3-Hour Guided Tour

7. Córdoba: Medina Azahara 3-Hour Guided Tour

Explore the vast medieval palace of the Medina Azahara de Córdoba on a 3-hour guided tour, and travel back in time to the days of the Caliphate and Al-Andalus. Choose from a tour with or without roundtrip transportation to and from Córdoba in an airconditioned van.  Visit the most important parts of the complex, such as the large House of Ja’far built over the site of 3 earlier houses. Admire the remains of the Pórtico de Medina Azahara and visit the Salón Rico, where the caliph Abd-ar-Rahman III would receive guests.  Learn more about the first Umayyad caliph of Al-Andalus, Abderraman III.Benefit from the expertise of an official guide who specializes on archaeological history.

Córdoba: Mosque-Cathedral, Synagogue and Alcázar Guided Tour

8. Córdoba: Mosque-Cathedral, Synagogue and Alcázar Guided Tour

Look inside the most important monuments of Córdoba on a guided tour to learn more about the Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influence in the city. Skip the lines to the 8th-century Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba and marvel at its columns and double arches. Admire the mihrab (apse) of the former mosque, and stroll through the Jewish Quarter to see the synagogue, Arabic market, and bronze statue of the medieval Sephardic philosopher, Maimonides. End with a tour inside the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, one of the primary residences of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon.

Cordoba: Alcazar Guided Tour and Skip-the-Line Ticket

9. Cordoba: Alcazar Guided Tour and Skip-the-Line Ticket

Discover the fort-cum-palace of the Catholic kings on a guided tour of Cordoba’s Alcazar. Built on the remains of Moorish palace, the Alcazar has been witness to dozens of historical events of great importance. Follow in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus, who met Fernando and Isabel here in 1486. Learn about its time as the headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition. Stroll through remarkable rooms, such as the Salón de los Mosaicos (Hall of Mosaics). See the crenellated towers, and the Patio Morisco baths with their Moorish motifs. Climb the tower for panoramic views of the gardens. Then, take a stroll through the landscaped gardens to see features such as pools, fish ponds, fountains and orange trees.

Cordoba: Jewish Quarter and Mosque-Cathedral Guided Tour

10. Cordoba: Jewish Quarter and Mosque-Cathedral Guided Tour

Explore the history of Cordoba on a guided walking tour of its main monuments. Starting from the historic heart of the city, discover the Córdoba Synagogue, Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, Judería de Cordoba, and more. Departing from the Monument to the Lovers, visit the Synagogue, where the main door is profusely decorated with Mudejar plasterwork, and three small balconies form a trefoil archway with inscriptions from the psalms.  Stroll through the complex network of small streets that make up the historic Jewish Quarter, enjoying the typical Andalusian flavor, and stop in decorative squares and streets to take in the sights. Round of your tour at the Great Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, where the mixture of architectural styles reveals nine centuries of Cordoba history. Go inside to see the labyrinth of beautiful columns, double arcades, and horseshoe arches. Discover how a Catholic cathedral was constructed inside the Islamic mosque, with Byzantine mosaics crafted from marble. At the end of the trip, your guide will be happy to point you in the direction of local restaurants and taverns if you want to sample some authentic Andalusian tapas (cost not included).

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What people are saying about Córdoba

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 7,689 reviews

What a stunning place to see! We had a wonderful Tour Guide, Maria, who gave us a lot of information, answered our questions and was very funny. She wasn't in a hurry, was patient with our hundreds of pictures and also took pictures of my husband and I. Definitely recommend seeing the Alcázar, worth your time and money. We went in January and even though it was cold, we had the sun shining and were able to enjoy the place more as it wasn't packed.

Exceptional local historical knowledge mixed with some light hearted moments. Well thought out chronological tour through the stunning Mosque-Cathedral - truly awesome. Thoughtful and sensitive recounting of Jewish-Muslim-Catholic history.

We enjoyed our day trip to Cordoba. It’s a long day with about 3 hours in a van or bus, however it’s worth it and highly recommend it. Our tour guide, Luca was very knowledgeable and friendly. He made our trip more pleasant and memorable.

The tour guide Susan was very knowledgeable. My two teenagers were very interested if thought it was a very intense 3-hour session. Highly recommend!

Jesus the tour guide was great! Loved his style. Very interesting place to visit and thankful for the opportunity!!!