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Mezquita of Cordoba

  • Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain

Last updated: 11 March, 2024

Begun in the year 785, when Abd ar Rahman I made Cordoba the capital of al-Andalus, the Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral). is a breathtaking tour de force designed to show that this western outpost of Islam was equal to anything in the east.

Its seemingly endless columns, horseshoe arches and beautiful double arches melt into distant shadows. Originally open on the sides, with light pouring in, it was walled-in when the Christians built a cathedral in the centre, itself a treasure-filled masterpiece although it seems intrusive in this magical forest of 580 columns, this pure meditation in stone.

Don’t miss

For a couple of euros more, you can also visit the recently restored Campanario Tower, the highest point in the city with breathtaking views over the Mezquita and Cordoba.

Go (back) at night: the Soul of Cordoba tour (with audio guide) costs a bit more, but includes a film, and uses sound and light that emphasise the Mezquita’s hypnotic beauty.

Logistics

Price from: £8
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Buy tickets online before you go, and pick up the audio or multimedia guide in English to get the most out of your visit, although there are also many excellent guided tours with priority entrance.

When to do it

The mosque and bell tower are open all year round, seven days a week (with a break for lunchtime prayer). The Soul of Cordoba tours run nightly.

Who to go with: organised tours

18

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Cordoba

Visit the most important monuments of Córdoba on a 4-hour guided tour to learn more about the Christian, Muslim and Jewish influence in the city. Skip the long lines to the 8th-century Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba and marvel at its forest of columns and double arches. Admire the mihrab (apse) of the former mosque, and then take a stroll through the Jewish Quarter to visit the Synagogue, Arabic market and bronze statue of the medieval Sephardic philosopher, Maimonides. End with a tour inside the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, one of the primary residences of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon. Entrance Tickets to all the monuments included. Please review the dress considerations outlined in the cathedral's access policy. No tank tops, shorts or flip-flops may be worn indoors.

Price €48

Min age 0

Rating 4.65 / 5 [541 ratings]

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  • Cordoba

Be awed by the spectacular beauty of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba on a guided tour of one of the most visited monuments in Spain. Conserving the decorative style of an Islamic mosque, construction of the magnificent monument began in the 8th century. Later extensions vastly increased its size, turning it into the second biggest mosque in the world before it became a Catholic cathedral. Venture inside to discover a forest of columns and elegant double arches, and admire the ornate maqsuramihrab (apse) along with other decorative highlights. Be led by an official guide to build a full picture of this landmark building. Your tour includes Tickets, audio guide and taxes. Please review the dress considerations outlined in the cathedral's access policy. No tank tops, shorts or flip-flops may be worn indoors.

Price €28

Min age 0

Rating 4.40 / 5 [317 ratings]

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  • Cordoba

Visit the most important monuments of Córdoba on a 2.5-hour guided tour to learn more about the Christian, Muslim and Jewish influence in the city. Skip the long lines to the 8th-century Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba and marvel at its forest of columns and double arches. Admire the mihrab (apse) of the former mosque, and then take a stroll through the Jewish Quarter to see the synagogue, Arabic market and bronze statue of the medieval Sephardic philosopher, Maimonides. Entrance tickets included to Mosque-Cathedral and Synagogue. **This Synagogue will be visited every day except Mondays and holidays due to staff rest. Please review the dress considerations outlined in the cathedral's access policy. No tank tops, shorts or flip-flops may be worn indoors.

Price €33

Min age 0

Rating 4.42 / 5 [236 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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