Learn more about the 8th-century caliphate of Abd al-Rahman I on a guided tour the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba with an art historian guide. Hear about the monument's different stages of construction, from the old Basilica of San Vicente, built during the Spanish Visigoth empire through the primitive mosque built by Abd al-Rahman I to rival the great mosques of the East. Explore successive extensions through to the time of Almanzor, ruler of Muslim Iberia under the Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba. Hear about the Reconquista of Cordoba by the Christian armies of Fernando III, when the mosque was converted into a cathedral. Admire architectural motifs, such as the double arches that gave the building height and were considered revolutionary for their time.

Discover the most important monuments of Córdoba on a guided tour. Visit the Great Mosque-Cathedral, the famous Jewish Quarter with one of the best preserved synagogues in Spain, and the Alcazar of the Christian Kings with its impressive gardens. First, visit the Great Mosque-Cathedral. Its two-colored arches will take you back to this Islamic period of Córdoba. Learn about its architecture and how the cathedral was added inside the mosque. Next, visit the Jewish Quarter, the most famous historical area of the medieval quarter. Discover Calleja de la Hoguera, a street where your guide will share the origins of Jewish culture in Spain and its significance to Córdoba. Then, visit the souk, the synagogue, and the statue of Maimónides. Conclude the tour with a visit to the Alcazar of the Christian Kings. Discover the importance of this monument in the history of Córdoba and the different roles it's played.

Enter the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, the largest mosque in the Muslim West, and a unique temple in both the Islamic and Christian world. Admire the architectural styles of the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, and learn why this house of worship was named a heritage site in 1984. Explore the second largest mosque in the world, spanning 23,400 square meters. Notice the distinct shift in designs, as the Mosque was consecrated as a cathedral nearly 500 years after initial construction. Wander the inner courtyard, Patio de los Naranjos, and feel the serenity from the lovingly-kept greenery. Visit the prayer room, the mihrab, and the Rojiblancos arches.

Explore Cordoba’s Mosque-Cathedral, one of the most visited monuments in Spain. Its construction Began in the 8th century and it became the second-largest mosque in the world. On this 2.5-hour guided tour you’ll discover the interior that features a forest of columns along with double arches, the Maqsura, the Mihrab and the impressive chorus located close to the Mayor Chapel. In the 13th century, under Ferdinand III, the mosque was converted into a Catholic cathedral. In addition, you’ll tour the city’s historic Jewish Quarter. Located near the Mosque-Cathedral, it is one the most visited areas in Cordoba. See the Synagogue, the Jewish Street, the Arabic market (Zoco) and the bronze statue of Maimonides.

Discover the fort-cum-palace of the Catholic kings on a guided tour of Cordoba’s Alcazar. Built on the remains of Moorish palace, the Alcazar has been witness to dozens of historical events of great importance. Follow in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus, who met Fernando and Isabel here in 1486. Learn about its time as the headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition. Stroll through remarkable rooms, such as the Salón de los Mosaicos (Hall of Mosaics). See the crenellated towers, and the Patio Morisco baths with their Moorish motifs. Climb the tower for panoramic views of the gardens. Then, take a stroll through the landscaped gardens to see features such as pools, fish ponds, fountains and orange trees.

Meet your experienced guide who will have a profound knowledge of both the Mosque-Cathedral itself and its contents. After being provided with a headset, start your tour by listening to an introduction to the history of the mosque. Explore the courtyard of the complex, called the Patio de los Naranjos. Soak up the atmosphere of this peaceful space with lots of greenery, and marvel at the beautiful Bell Tower. Then skip the ticket line to enter the monument without any hassle. Follow your guide as they take you around the mosque. Hear about its design, and why the monument is one of the most important buildings in Islamic architecture. Admire the Prayer Hall, the Mihrab, and the famous red and white arches. Learn about the construction of the Mosque-Cathedral in the 8th century. Find out from your guide about the different expansions of the building, and all the hidden details of the architecture.

Explore the vast medieval palace of the Medina Azahara de Córdoba on a 3-hour guided tour, and travel back in time to the days of the Caliphate and Al-Andalus. Choose from a tour with or without roundtrip transportation to and from Córdoba in an airconditioned van.  Visit the most important parts of the complex, such as the large House of Ja’far built over the site of 3 earlier houses. Admire the remains of the Pórtico de Medina Azahara and visit the Salón Rico, where the caliph Abd-ar-Rahman III would receive guests.  Learn more about the first Umayyad caliph of Al-Andalus, Abderraman III.Benefit from the expertise of an official guide who specializes on archaeological history.

Discover the Cordovan Courtyards, known as patios in Spanish, a main attraction in Cordoba. Learn about the origin of the patios on this 2-hour tour around the Alcazar Viejo neighborhood, and visit the interior of well-preserved houses. Experience the local way of life in this area of the old city. Enter 5 private patios where the owners will tell you about the decorative detail and how they take care of the flowers. Find out more about the Courtyard Festival held in May of each year. The patios were declared a World Heritage tradition by UNESCO in 2012. Although they are beautiful throughout the year, the best time to visit is March, April or May.

Marvel at the beautiful patios of Córdoba and discover why UNESCO included them on their Intangible Heritage of Humanity list for the city's May celebrations of abundant flowers. See a selection of 7 or 8 courtyards and get an insight into how they evolved. Travel back to their origins when Córdoba was part of the Roman Empire as the capital of the province of Hispania Baetica. Marvel at the different types of patio and capture the scent of sweet-smelling flowers. Hear how the patios became a place of friendship where people would present plants and trees to help keep the homes cool and sheltered from the hot climate of Andalusia.

Walking through Córdoba's patios as the evening falls, taking in the scent of jasmine and the relaxed conversation among friends and locals, is a wonderful experience that is not to be missed on a visit to Andalucia. Córdoba's patios are part of a unique tradition in the world, with a variety of different kinds classified according to their usage and history. The city's Patios Populares (public patios) are usually shared by several families, who look after the patio throughout the year. You would be hard-pressed to find two patios that looked alike, with each one offering a different variety of climbing plants, jasmine, geraniums, roses, and many more stunning varieties of flowers. The month of May is the perfect time of year to explore Córdoba's patios, with about 50 of them spread out throughout the city and participating in the annual competition to find the most beautiful. Join this guided walking tour to discover the sights, sounds, and scents of Córdoba's charming neighborhoods of Santa Maria, San Lorenzo, and San Agustín, areas unknown to most visitors to Córdoba, and walk through 10 to 15 of the city's most picturesque patios. Many of them have won a first place prize in the annual competition, held each May since 1933. During the tour you will stop at a typical tavern and taste a Fino wine D.O. Montilla-Moriles with a savory tapa.