Reviews of eight of the prestigious hotels of Córdoba. The city has its fair share of historic hotels, as well as some excellent modern ones, and in all sizes, so there’s something to suit everyone tastes and needs, all within easy reach of the star attraction – the mosque-within-a-church.
Cordoba city makes up part of Andalucia's Golden Triangle due to its' world heritage status and stunning Moorish architecture, beautifully demonstrated through the spectacular Islamic Mezquita (mosque) of Cordoba. Most accommodation is conveniently located in the city centre with quick and easy access on foot to the Mezquita, Alcazar or one of the many great museums.
Renting apartments in Cordoba could not be easier as there are a large range of apartments available to visitors for all budgets and needs. Most will be situated near the the City's main attractions and would therefore be perfect for a city break.
When first built in the 10th century, the Mezquita was (and still remains) one of the largest mosques in the world - at 24,000m2, it accommodated 10,000 worshippers, being second only to Mecca as a pilgrimage site.
Cordoba is one of Andalucia’s most atmospheric cities, with its low-rise white-washed buildings, famous flower-filled patios and multicultural heritage – a melting pot of Islam, Judaism and Christianity. As well as the famous Mezquita, once the largest mosque in the world, you can wander the maze of streets in the Juderia.
The Mezquita (Mosque) dates back to the 10th century when Córdoba reached its zenith under a new emir, Abd ar-Rahman III who was one of the great rulers of Islamic history. At this time Córdoba was the largest, most prosperous cities of Europe, outshining Byzantium and Baghdad in science, culture and the arts. The development of the Great Mosque paralleled these new heights of splendour.
Cordoba was founded by the Romans and due to its strategic importance as the highest navigable point of the Guadalquivir River, it became a port city of great importance, used for shipping Spanish olive oil, wine and wheat back to Ancient Rome. The Romans built the mighty bridge crossing the river, now called "El Puente Romano".
There are plenty of ideas to choose from, including local pottery, to decorate your home, the most fabulous silver jewellery, hand crafted leather work, Cordobese hats or you could even invest in your very own Spanish classical Guitar.
When visiting Córdoba, one cannot miss the city’s remarkable tradition of filigree silver jewellery, known locally as filigrana cordobesa. This delicate craft has been practised in the city for centuries and represents a unique blend of history, skill, and Andalucian culture. Filigree jewellery is created by twisting and weaving fine threads of silver into intricate lace-like patterns, producing earrings, pendants, bracelets, and rings that appear almost too delicate to touch.
Cordoba’s Low Emission Zone (ZBE) was introduced on 18 February 2023 and covers most of the city’s historic centre. It is effective all day, every day. Only vehicles with 0 and Eco stickers can enter, as well as residents, hotel guests, vehicles with PMR (disabled) permits, delivery drivers etc.
Battle of the Flowers (Batalla de las Flores) isn't usually in May but end of April. The "battle'' consists of a procession of floats making its way along the city`s Paseo de la Victoria
Kisko Garcia's restaurant Choco in Cordoba city offers authentic Andalusian cuisine with the chef's own unique style and twist. There is a clear focus on creativity by the head chef and his team, reflected in the dishes which are a combination of traditional and modern elemnts of well known plates in the region.
Chef Paco Morales conjures up dishes in Noor in Cordoba from Andalucia's long multicultural history - cocina andalusi. He was awarded a Michelin star in 2016, followed by a second star in 2019. His passion is the region's forgotten gastronomic heritage, focusing on the Arab period in the 10th century when Cordoban caliphate was at the peak of its power.
Enjoy 1.5 hours of ultimate relaxation at Cordoba’s alluring Arabian baths, Hammam Al Ándalus! The tranquil haven exudes understated Arabian opulence at its finest, with features like candle-lit walkways, thermal plunge pools and a steam room.
Andalucia is justifiably famous for its excellent gastronomic scene. Using first-class ingredients grown throughout the region and caught along its extensive coastline, such as jamon iberico, tomatoes and prawns, cutting-edge dishes are prepared and presented with typically Spanish flair and innovation, although the simple produce - cheese, olives, almonds - are delicious enough to provide superb simple snacks too.
In Cordoba you can enjoy doing many activities: tapas, gardens, parks, golf, water parks, shopping, zoo, guided tours, arab baths, art galleries and more.
Cordoba Central train station (now officially called simply ‘Cordoba' ) is the train station that was inaugurated in 1994 replacing the old Cordoba Central station that was opened on the edge of the city in 1859 and can still be seen 500m to the north west (where the railway lines were placed in an underpass not to divide the city and reclaim land).
Cordoba´s Mezquita, once the largest mosque in the world, is the most well-known and outstanding monument in Cordoba. In order to truly experience the mezquita and its surroundings, we think that the best thing to do is to stay in a hotel nearby, possibly with spectacular views of this terrific building.
There is not usually much difficulty in finding a taxi when you need it. They are always white and have a logo on the door which displays their official number. Learn enough Spanish to explain where you are going as most drivers won't speak English. The meter marks up the basic fare, however a supplement may be added after midnight and during fiestas or public holidays.
Madinat al-Zahra was declared a UNESCO world heratige site on 1st July 2018. We are in the year 400 of the Hegira, 1010 AD of our era. On the southern slopes of Jebel al-Arus, the Bride's Mountain, the marble, jasper and precious metals of the city of Madinat al-Zahra gleam in the morning sun among silver-leafed olive groves.
The options are a tour of the famous Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral, a tour of the Juderia, the old Jewish Quarter in Cordoba, a tour around Roman Cordoba, a Sephardic tour of Jewish Heritage in Cordoba, and a cool night time Cordoba walking tour.
