Cordova, a city that has a great history behind it, years of conquests and reconquests, and vestiges of other cultures, such as the Arab, that can be seen in many of its most emblematic buildings. Without a doubt this is one of the most valued destinations in the southern area, along with Granada or Seville, because it is a city that has a lot to offer.
We show you a few things what to see in Córdoba if we only go a few days. The stays are usually short breaks, and therefore you have to make the most of the visit, being clear about what things we are going to see as essential. Here is a list with a few of them.
Mosque of Cordoba
La Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba It has been a World Heritage Site since 1984. If there is a monument that you should never miss if you go to Córdoba or pass near it, it is this mosque, since it is the most significant and important monument in the Islamic West, and represents the Umayyad style. In it you can also see other styles, from the Christian part of the cathedral, such as Baroque or Renaissance, so it is a legacy of great historical and artistic value. Even if you do not know anything about the styles we are talking about, the visit is something incredible, due to the great beauty of its spaces, from the facades and doors to the many chapels that are inside. Also interesting is the famous Patio de los Naranjos or the hypostyle room with the well-known columns, which have almost become a representative image of Córdoba.
Calahorra Tower
In the southern part of the roman bridge we find the Torre de la Calahorra, a defensive building, which already appears in texts from the thirteenth century. At present, this tower has the Living Museum of Al-Andalus, with visits that last one hour and in which the culture, history and way of life in Al-Andalus are discussed. Although it is an old monument, the truth is that it has many renovations and styles that have occurred over the centuries, hence it is still preserved so well.
Roman bridge
When we visit the Torre de la Calahorra we can also see the roman bridge of Córdoba. It is known as the 'Old Bridge', the only one that existed in the city in 20 centuries, even the most modern constructions. Its construction dates back to the XNUMXst century AD on the Guadalquivir. One of its curiosities is that the river is also located in a small protected natural area, called the Sotos de la Albolafia, due to the large number of bird species that live there, some in danger of extinction.
Roman temple
Although we think that in Córdoba we are only going to enjoy the vestiges of Al-Andalus, we must not forget that before that this area was conquered by the romans, and that there are still many signs of his passage through here. This Roman temple was not discovered until the 50s. This temple is on a podium and has six columns on the front and ten on the sides, being a Corinthian temple. This area of the city must have been established between the XNUMXst and XNUMXnd century AD. What we can see today has been the result of the reconstructions carried out with the remains found in the area. Apparently it was a temple dedicated to the imperial cult, that is to say to worship the deified emperors.
Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs
Although it may not seem like it, this is a building of military origin, built during the mandate of Alfonso XI of Castile, on the oldest Andalusian fortress. Was this the residence of the Catholic Monarchs for more than eight years. A place to visit calmly, with areas of great beauty inside and outside, and with a certain style of Mudejar inspiration. It is flanked by four towers, each with its own history, such as the Tower of the Inquisition, where the archives of the Holy Inquisition were kept. Inside we can visit several rooms and also interior courtyards, something very common in southern buildings. The Moorish Patio, the Patio de las Mujeres or the Sala de los Mosaicos are places to go. But if there is a place not to be missed in this fortress, it is the Gardens of the Alcazar, a huge and impressive space with cypresses, orange trees and other species, very well cared for.
Flower alley
Beyond the monuments, which are abundant in the city of Córdoba, there are also tourist and authentic places that reflect the current Andalusian culture. The flower alley It is one of the most popular and touristic places in the city. Located on Calle de Velázquez Bosco, it is a narrow place that leads to a square. It is difficult to find but it is definitely worth a walk around this beautiful place full of flowers outside.