Córdoba is a municipality and city in Andalusia, capital of the province of Córdoba. It is located on the banks of the Guadalquivir River and has a population of approximately 776,282 inhabitants, making it one of the largest cities in Andalusia.
The metropolis is known worldwide for its famous Mosque-Cathedral. It has a wonderful historical case that has been declared a World Heritage Site and is full of places you won’t want to miss. We have put together a guide to let you know the best places to see in Cordoba in 3 days.
Day 1
Roman Bridge of Cordoba
You can start your trip in the direction of the Guadalquivir river to experience your first contact with the city. This beautiful Roman Bridge is one of the iconic places to see in Cordoba in Cordoba in 3 days. The bridge crosses the river south of the Mosque, was built when the first Romans founded the city, back in the first century BC.
Calahorra Tower
In the historic center of the city is another of the historic places to see in Cordoba in 3 days, the Calahorra Tower. But, more than a tower, it is actually a fortified entrance that was erected to protect the Roman bridge. It houses a museum where you can learn a lot of things about the Cordovan community.
Alcazar of the Christian Kings
Another of the recommended places to see in Cordoba in 3 days is the Alcazar. It is a Gothic style fortress that has been used for years as a military building. Here you can stroll through the palace grounds, its interior gardens and walls. Despite its sober facade, this Alcazar is one of the most visited attractions in the city, and its origins date back to Roman Cordoba.
The Jewish quarter
You can better understand the history of Cordoba if you re-direct your way to the Jewish quarter. It is well known that the Muslims were of great relevance to this municipality, but the Jews left a great imprint on the capital’s heritage. They settled in this city during Roman and Visigothic times, but after the 7th century, both Jewish life and intellectualism flourished exponentially.
The best thing to do is to stroll street by street and be surprised by its many charms. Cordoba’s old Jewish quarter is made up of a fascinating network of narrow streets that have been little commercialized. One of its most outstanding places is the old synagogue of Cordoba; although nowadays this area is also known for its many jewelry and goldsmith shops. If you continue into its streets you will come to the Roman cylindrical mausoleum, dating from the 1st century.
Day 2
The Mosque of Cordoba
This is surely the most exciting point of your trip. The Mezquita, or Great Mosque of Cordoba is one of the most amazing mosques of Islam and, without a doubt, one of the must-see sites in Cordoba in 3 days. As you can imagine, it has been declared a World Heritage Site and, apart from being a mosque, it can also be described as a church that has been converted into a cathedral.
If you want to witness the various stages of history, you can pass through the property’s striped horseshoe arches and be impressed by its Renaissance-style central nave and gold-colored mihrab.
Viana Palace
Another interesting palace to see in Cordoba in 3 days is the Palacio de Viana. The palace has 12 courtyards that are loaded with the legacy of the Arab and Roman tradition. It also houses a noble house of different architectural styles and environments related to the aristocracy.
The Viana Palace houses many collections of paintings, mosaics, tapestries, tiles, crockery and even firearms. The fabulous works of art displayed in this enclosure make it one of the most constructive places in Cordoba.
The Axerquia Quarter
You cannot pass through the historic center of Cordoba and not visit the Barrio de la Axerquía. If you start your visit in the direction of the Town Hall, a few meters from it you will come across the Roman Temple, which locals say was built in honor of Augustus Caesar. The ruins were discovered in the 1950’s and it is in this same neighborhood where the iconic Cristo de los Faroles and the Plaza de las Tendillas stand.
The Patios of Cordoba
Another of the great attractions to see in Cordoba in 3 days are the famous courtyards of Cordoba, a real delight for tourists. In these fantastic open areas there is a water well that supplies the house. The patios are decorated with tiles typical of the Muslim culture, with numerous fruit trees and an infinity of pots with flowers of different types and colors. If you travel during the second and third week of May, you can enjoy the Fiesta de los Patios, named Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Day 3
St. Peter’s Basilica
It rises splendidly in the square of St. Peter’s neighborhood. It is said that the building was built over a previous one in which lay the remains of the Cordovan martyrs Januario, Marcial and Fausto.
After the conquest of the city by King Ferdinand III of Castile in 1236, it was decided to install a church here in honor of St. Peter to make a Christian appeal to a city that was mostly Muslim. Construction began at the end of the 13th century and was finally completed at the beginning of the 14th century. Over the years, Pope Benedict XVI elevated it to the status of a minor basilica. Today it is recognized as a monument of Cultural Interest.
Palace of La Merced
It is currently the headquarters-palace of the Provincial Council of Cordoba, although in the past it was the convent of La Merced. It was built in 1745 and has a spectacular facade of a typical Cordovan baroque style. Within its walls is a cloistered courtyard of the same style that has a beautiful staircase on its sides.
On the other hand, it has a second inner courtyard, but the latter has a Renaissance style. In the enclosure you can enjoy its idyllic gardens. A few years ago, an arson caused the destruction of many important paintings inside the church, as well as some sculptures by the master Gómez Sandoval.
Arab Baths
After a long day visiting the extensive attractions to see in Cordoba in 3 days, you can take some time to relax and enjoy its iconic Arab baths. These overflow with tranquility and you can feel all the Arab opulence in its terminal pools and steam room. You can enjoy a delicious fresh mint tea and if you are up for it, sign up for a massage.
