Medieval Córdoba: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

In the early Middle Ages, Córdoba UNESCO-listed historic centre thronged with Muslims, Christians, and Jews. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll follow the same little-changed streets and maze-like alleyways that those three cultures walked in Medieval times. The tour starts outside the magnificent Mosque-Cathedral‘s bell tower. You‘ll skirt around the walls of the Patio de los Naranjos and pass through Puerta del Puente on your way to Puente Romano. Along the way, I‘ll tell you about Abd al-Rahman I, the remarkable man who ordered the construction of the Great Mosque. You‘ll also explore the old Jewish quarter‘s labyrinthine streets, and learn about some of the fascinating figures who lived there, including Sephardic rabbi and philosopher, Maimonides, and the Andalusian jurist, Averroes. By the end of this tour in the beautiful Calleja de las Flores, you‘ll have seen the city‘s highlights and found out about the three communities who lived there in the Middle Ages.

1. 1

   Torre Campanario

   Pass by

   This self-guided audio tour starts by the Cathedral's bell tower, which was originally built as the minaret of the mosque. Entry to the tower is not included in the tour.

2. 2

   Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba

   Pass by

   We'll pass by the beautiful mosque-cathedral of Córdoba, one of the great symbols of Spain's rich Islamic heritage. However, entry to the mosque is not included in the tour.

3. 3

   Patio de los Naranjos

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   We'll peek into the famous Orange Tree Courtyard, where the faithful used to perform their ritual washing before entering the mosque. Entry to the courtyard is free of charge, so you can go in if you want to.

4. 4

   La Juderia

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   We'll explore the charming maze of alleyways in the Judería, Cordoba's old Jewish quarter. You'll get a flavour of what the medieval city would have been like.

5. 5

   Centro Historico de Cordoba

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   We'll walk around the historic centre of Córdoba, where shops and lively bars and restaurants occupy many of the elegant old buildings. You'll learn how the various cultures who have lived here helped to shape the city you see today.

6. 6

   Roman Bridge

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   We'll pass the Roman Bridge, which in spite of its name wasn't built by the Romans! You'll get great views of the River Guadalquivir and see where the city's port once was.

7. 7

   Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos

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   We'll skirt around the mighty Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, the Gothic castle built by Alfonso XI on the site of a former Muslim palace. Entry to the castle is not included in the tour.

8. 8

   Banos del Alcazar Califal de Cordoba

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   We'll pass by the Caliphal Baths, which as well as being a place to relax and socialise were the venue of some dramatic events. Entry to the baths in not included in the tour.

9. 9

   Cordoba Synagogue

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   We'll pass Córdoba's beautiful old synagogue, which is the best-preserved synagogue in Andalucía. Entry to the synagogue is free for EU citizens.

10. 10

    The House of Sepharad

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    We'll pass by the Casa de Sefarad, a small museum which tells the story of Córdoba's Jewish community in the Middle Ages. Entry to the museum is not included in the tour.

11. 11

    Capilla Mudejar de San Bartolome

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    We'll pass the lovely Chapel of San Bartolomé, which is one of the finest examples of Mudejar architecture in Cordoba. Entry to the chapel is not included in the tour.

12. 12

    Casa-Museo del Guadameci Omeya

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    We'll pass the Casa del Guadameci Omeya, which showcases the decorative leatherwork of the artist Ramón García Romero. Entry to the museum is free, but a donation is appreciated.

13. 13

    Casa Arabe

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    We'll go up to the Casa Arabe, which consists of five beautifully restored houses from the Muslim period. Depending on the time of day, you can go in and explore the patios and some of the rooms.

14. 14

    Calleja de las Flores

    Pass by

    We'll end our tour in Calleja de las Flores, one of the most-photographed spots in Córdoba. You'll get a great view of the bell tower where we started our tour and learn about the history of using flowers to decorate the patios and alleyways of Córdoba.

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.