A 2-day trip to Córdoba is perfect for seeing the old quarters, the temples and plazas, and the flower-decked patios that make this prettiest city in Spain.
Enjoy a river walk, then visit the palaces and museums, discover the historic legacy left by the rulers who once lived here – the Moors, Romans, Jews and Christians of an era gone-by. Dine leisurely on local cuisine, original recipes passed down through the centuries. Luxuriate in the hamman, atmospheric Arabian baths fragrant with essential oils.
Yes, 2 days in Córdoba is definitely an experience you will remember…
The receptionist at our hostel recommends a place for breakfast which overlooks the Guadalquivir. Sojo Ribera is on the top floor of a multistory carpark -visions of the Hot Spot, a huge eatery atop a multistory in Kuching (Borneo) comes to mind, but this place is altogether different- smart suave deco, fantastic river views, several different ambiences, chill-outs and patios, it’s a café during the day and a popular nightclub in the evening!
Stroll along the river boulevard to Plaza del Potro, an emblematic little square mentioned in Don Quijote de la Mancha, which has an ancient fountain with a horse statue (1577). Walk further away from the Guadalquivir, towards Calle San Fernando with the massive Roman city walls on the left.
Córdoba has a wealth of very old churches and secreted plazas at every turn. Venture back to the Middle Ages, explore the alleyways, peek into the courtyards and discover half-concealed gems like XIII century San Francisco church and the quaint little square at the rear.
Plaza Corredera is the city’s original main square, a grand rectangular plaza enclosed by elegant 17th century buildings with balconies and porticos, a fountain and statue in the centre. Sited over the ruins of a Roman Circus, this has been the gory scene of chariot races, burnings at the stake and bullfights over the ages!
Nowadays it’s the venue of concerts and cultural events. Under the arcades there are several café terraces and on one side Corredera indoor fresh food market.
The remains of a Roman Temple are impressive too. The classic 1st century columns and the foundations are, by pure coincidence, right beside the City Hall and were only discovered during extension work in the 1950s.
Next head towards Plaza de Tendillas, which has become the city’s large central Main Square and the hub of the busy shopping district. I hadn’t seen this part of Córdoba before, the smart avenues of ornate buildings revamped inside by the latest stores, side streets full of trendy pubs and eateries.
The name ‘Tendillas’ refers to the little stalls that were first set up in the plaza in the XIV century! The square was remodelled during the early 1900s and the surrounding buildings designed in modernist style. Distinguishing features include the symbolic Town Clock and the large fountain with a bronze statue of ‘The Great Captain’ on horseback.
I love Hammams, those delicious Arab baths immersed in history which have been lovingly restored to their former glory…
Hammam Al Ándalus is my favourite place to relax, to be pampered and enjoy a scented oil massage ritual!
Last year we went to the fabulous Hamman in Granada for our anniversary and the Córdoba spa with its striped horseshoe arches is just as romantic… and apart from the complimentary mint tea, there were bowls of chocolates!
There are so many of historical sites in Córdoba, the palaces, museums, churches, plazas and gardens.
So, if you want to visit them all, consider staying longer than 2 days.
The ruins of Medina Azahara, an important archaeological site on the outskirts of Córdoba city merit a day trip on their own.
Medina Azahara
Take some last photos of Córdoba, pick up your bags and set off for the next part of a journey through Andalusia…
Granada, here we come!!!
Getting to Córdoba
By road:
A4 motorway
By rail:
AVE high speed train: Seville, Málaga, Valencia, Alicante, Barcelona
By air
Nearest airports: Seville, Málaga, Madrid
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