Cities Tourism Guide - Cordoba

Cordoba Mezquita, History of Cordoba

Cordoba's period of greatness was under Abd ar-Rah-man II from 912 to 961 when he'd declared himself Caliph and established the independence of Al-Andalus outside of the centre of power in Baghdad. During this period Cordoba was known around the world as a city of intellect and learning, multicultural mix, great architecture and producer of numerous craft products including tiles and textiles. Cordoba's peak began its decline towards the end of the 10th century when a general attacked Christian centre Santiago de Compostela in the north. Berber troops subsequently took revenge on Cordoba and it was finally taken over by the Castilian Christians in 1236.

Cordoba's great mosque, the Mesquita, with its distinctive red and white striped arches and intricate tile mosaics, was extended and added to by Abd ar Rahman during the 9th century and by Al Mansour later in the 10th century. Today out of 1293 columns, 856 can still be viewed. The Mezquita's two distinct areas are the courtyard/sahn and the prayer hall. For opening times and more history on Cordoba's Mesquita see the Cordoba tourist guide right.

Mezquita de Cordoba, Calle Cardenal Herrero 1-14003 Cordoba. Tel. (00 34) 957 470512.

Cordoba Tourist Information Attractions

Cordoba's many attractions range from a host of arts and crafts stalls and shops around the city's old town quarter to botanic gardens, surrounding Andalucian natural parks perfect for walking holidays and a wide selection of museums including a Bullfighting Museum, Fine Arts Museum and Archaelogical Museum. A positive feast for all year round Cordoba city breaks. Nearest Airports include Seville and Granada, with direct access by rail from both these Airports into Cordoba. Alternatively car hire from either Granada or Seville Airports will get you swiftly to Cordoba via fast Andalucian motorway networks.

For more information on Cordoba's numerous monuments and attractions see the City's excellent webguide right.

Cordoba Tourist Infomation Office, Calle Caballerizas Reales, 1 -14004 Cordoba. Tel. (0034) 957201774.