Head from the city of Cordoba to the ancient ruins of Medina Azahara on a guided tour. Discover the remains of a former Arab Muslim city, built by Abd-ar-Rahman III, which was the heart of administration and government during 10th-century Spain.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today. Learn more
Duration 3.5 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide: Spanish, English, French
Private group

Highlights

Discover the beautiful Medina Azahara and explore its array of ruins
Stroll among the peaceful foothills of Sierra Morena
Take in the unique architecture that once housed aristocratic families

Full description

Discover the ruins of Medina Azahara on this guided tour through the "Brilliant Town." Explore the remains of a vast Arab Muslim city built by Abd-ar-Rahman III al-Nasir in the 10th-century. Located on the western outskirts of Cordoba, Medina Azahara was a medieval town and the de facto capital of al-Andalus, or Muslim Spain. Walk around the ancient palace and learn about how it once served as the heart of administration and government. Even though only around a tenth of Medina Azahara's 112 hectares have been excavated and restored, you can walk around the central area which houses 2 caliphal residences and 2 aristocratic residences with service quarters. Afterwards, stop by the new museum that lies on the edge of the site for a quick look at the impressive and fitting architecture. To be sure, this tour round one of Spain's most impressive archeological sites is not to be missed!

Includes

Transportation via van for small groups, and mircrobus or bus for large groups
All applicable taxes

Tickets to the monument
Shuttle at the archeological site

Not suitable for

People with mobility impairments

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Traveler requirements

You are required to bring and wear a mask

Meeting point

Bus stop near Red Cross Hospital in front of Hotel Eurostars Palace.

Open in Google Maps ⟶

Important information

What to bring

Comfortable shoes
Comfortable clothes

Not allowed

Luggage or large bags

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 18 reviews

Review summary

Value for money
4.4/5
Safety
4.6/5
Service
4.3/5
Organization
4/5

Sort by:

Medina Azahara place with great history

Enjoyed the tour and historic information by the tour guide. It was supposed to be English tour but ended up being Spanish and English because it was only two people on the tour who wanted English. Overall it was worth the price which included the visit of the remaing structures of the palace of Khalifa and surroundings, museum, transportation and a very good documentary film at the end.

August 22, 2016

Great experience - really brought the site to life

We took bus with rest of people who had ticket for the Medina but were then met by our guide, Maria, who was very friendly and knowledgeable about the site, as well as having a sense of humour and being attentive to our needs. The site itself is amazing and you can really imagine the people who lived there and visited - in awe of the power it represented. I think you get much more from it with the guide though, to help explain what the various areas of the site were used for, especially if you don't speak to read Spanish . Thoroughly recommend the trip - it's an amazing archeolgical and historic site which should be seen

September 10, 2015

Amazing - Highly recommended!

Guide was incredible! Born in the region with vast knowledge and incredible English. Highly recommend! After attending the tour, I now firmly believe having a guide is indispensable in order to truly understand the magnificence of Medina Azahara! Bus left and returned on time from Corboda so no problems there as well. Enough time for the guide visit to the Medina as well as the museum.

June 15, 2015

From Cordoba: Private Tour to Medina Azahara

From Cordoba: Private Tour to Medina Azahara

About this activity

Experience

Select participants and date

Overall rating

Review summary

Sort by:

Traveler type:

Star rating:

Medina Azahara place with great history

Great experience - really brought the site to life

Amazing - Highly recommended!