Once the capital of the Umayyad Empire, Cordoba city has witnessed growth upon growth since its very inception. Located in the Guadalquivir valley, the city has also played a great part in the history of Andalucia.
Wandering around the city will allow visitors to witness the many remnants left behind by former successful civilisations. If you’re planning on visiting Cordoba, be sure to take advantage of all that the city has to offer.
Read on to find out about five of the best sites to visit when in Cordoba.
The Great Mezquita of Cordoba
A visit to Cordoba is not complete without visiting The Great Mosque of Cordoba. Originally constructed as a church, it served as a Mosque for hundreds of years and fast transformed into an Islamic Wonder of The World. The Umayyads who constructed and transformed it into a Mosque were exceptionally gifted people which translated into their art projects such as this splendid mosque. Strolling through the mosque, you’ll notice the intricate aesthetic effort of the exterior as well as its serene and vast interior.
Roman Bridge
Built upon Roman foundations, this bridge still rests upon its early foundations. Whilst the presence of the Umayyad caliphate brought with its corrections and enhancements to the bridge, it has had to be rebuilt several times due to ongoing battles as well as natural deterioration. The Roman Bridge really is a fascinating place to walk, and once you reach the end, you’ll be rewarded with remarkable views of the Mezquita.
The Cordoba Citadel (Alcazar)
Constructed in the 14th century within close proximity to the Mezquita, this citadel had been specifically built for the Christian Kings to distinguish it from the castle nearby which had been used by Muslim Caliphs. Monarchs such as Ferdinand and Isabel lodged within this citadel at first, but later in the 20th century, it was transformed into a prison. Today, its gardens and fountains serve as beautiful sites to visit for tourists.
The Calahorra Tower
Located at the end of the Roman Bridge, this medieval tower once served as the primary fortress guarding the bridge. Today, visitors can enter and visit an interactive museum which showcases exhibitions on Islam, Judaism and Christianity. The museum also presents how Cordoba gained its high rank and prominence in the 10th century.
The Archeological Museum
If there’s one museum that experts recommend in Cordoba, it’s this one! The museum is famously known for housing unique and local archaeological findings from both the Visigothic and Islamic periods. Whatever you’re interested in and however long you spend here, one thing you’re sure to find is beautiful gardens. After all, Cordoba is renowned for its lush splendid gardens!
Main Image Credit: Saad Chaudhry (Unsplash)
Juber Ahmed is our Digital Editor and travel enthusiast with a keen interest in Islamic history and heritage. He travels with his wife to various places around the world and writes about his experiences.
Juber's favourite Quote...
"The World Is a Book and Those Who Do Not Travel Read Only One Page" [Saint Augustine]
