Free walking tours in Córdoba and what to see

Must-sees

The Mosque-Cathedral is the main visit. Its forest of columns and two-coloured arches is like nothing else, and a Renaissance cathedral rises inside it. It’s quieter first thing in the morning. Afterwards, cross the Roman Bridge to the Calahorra Tower to see the city from the other bank of the Guadalquivir, especially in the late afternoon.

All around is the Jewish quarter, with the Calleja de las Flores, the synagogue and the statue of Maimonides. The Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs has gardens with ponds and views from its towers. If you travel in May, you’ll catch the Patios festival, when residents open their flower-filled courtyards. The rest of the year, the Viana Palace lets you see several patios. The Plaza de la Corredera rounds off the walk nicely.

Free tours and guided visits

Córdoba’s free tours cover the Jewish quarter, the area around the Mosque, the Roman Bridge and the Corredera, with the history of the three cultures and the caliphate. Some focus on legends or take place at dusk. The paid visit most worth it is the guided tour of the Mosque-Cathedral, which explains each period’s extensions. There are also patio routes and trips to Medina Azahara, the caliphate’s palace city, a few kilometres away and a World Heritage Site.

How long to spend

Two days are about right. Day one, the Mosque first thing, the Jewish quarter and the Roman Bridge at sunset. Day two, the Alcázar, the patios of the San Basilio quarter or the Viana Palace, and the Corredera. With an extra half day you can go to Medina Azahara. In summer the heat is fierce, so sightsee in the morning and rest at midday.

Where to stay

The Jewish quarter and the area around the Mosque are ideal for walking early in the morning and at night, although the streets are narrow and getting there by car is difficult. The San Pedro and Corredera area is more residential and a little quieter. If you arrive by train and don’t want to walk far with luggage, the area around the Jardines de la Victoria and Ronda de los Tejares is well located and a short walk from the old town.