The Best of Cordoba in 36 Hours

Cordoba old city, world heritage site, fabulous monuments, tradition and history. Centuries unfold and merge together uniquely but if your time to visit is short what should you experience, where should you stay and what should you eat? My recent overnight stay included the best of Cordoba, I’d been before and planned well.

The Alcazar

The Royal Palace with lovely gardens and water features, especially if you visit at night when the water features are lit with a colouful display. A day time visit is also good, climb the top tower for the city views across the River Guadalquivir, once navigable from the Atlantic Ocean in Cadiz. The gardens are charming and relaxing but what amazed me most was the Roman mosaics in the palace discovered in and moved from the Plaza Corredera.

The Royal Stables Show – Espectaculo Ecuestre

The enormous Royal Stable next to The Alcazar, the king’s palace is not only an incredible bit of architecture but hosts a fascinating display of carriages through the ages and once or twice weekly horse shows. On this visit to Cordoba this was the highlight. An hour of horse exhibits showing the incredible mastery of both man and beast. I would have been sitting on the edge of my seat except that being on the front row the horses came within reach so I was leaning as far back as possible. Check the dates at certain times of the year there is only one show a week.

The Mezquita

An absolute must-visit and probably the main reason you’re planning a trip to Cordoba. Try and go early in the day or at the end of the opening hours so it’s not so busy and the awesomeness and enormity really impact your experience. No amount of photos or videos prepared me, it is (especially when empty) overwhelming and was the best bit of a previous stay.

Bodegas Campo

A wonderful traditional olde worlde traditional wine cellar, bar and many different roomed restaurants with top-notch service and a blend of old and new mainly Spanish but also Mediterranean dishes.