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.

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.

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.

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.

Look inside the most important monuments of Córdoba on a guided tour to learn more about the Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influence in the city. Skip the lines to the 8th-century Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba and marvel at its columns and double arches. Admire the mihrab (apse) of the former mosque, and stroll through the Jewish Quarter to see 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.

Meet your group and guide, skip the line, and enter the Alcázar de Los Reyes Cristianos. The Alcazar, or Moorish castle, was built in 1328 by Alfonso XI of Castilla. Go inside its ancient walls and marvel at its luscious gardens, medieval chambers, and Roman mosaics. Though originally a royal palace, this impressive architectural ensemble was later used as a jail and military base. Stand in the same tower that Christopher Columbus stood in when he first asked permission to traverse the Atlantic and find a route to India. Admire the Hall of Mosaics, which boasts a collection of pristine Roman mosaics that were uncovered in the Corredera Square in Cordoba. Take a walk through the “Patio de las Mujeres,” or “Women’s Courtyard,” which dates back to when the alcáza served as a women’s prison. Finish your tour in the alcázar's gardens. Full of flowers and fountains, this scenic and celebrated garden is the perfect place to conclude a tour that mixes beauty and history.

Explore the history of Cordoba on a guided walking tour of its main monuments. Starting from the historic heart of the city, discover the Córdoba Synagogue, Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, Judería de Cordoba, and more. Departing from the Monument to the Lovers, visit the Synagogue, where the main door is profusely decorated with Mudejar plasterwork, and three small balconies form a trefoil archway with inscriptions from the psalms.  Stroll through the complex network of small streets that make up the historic Jewish Quarter, enjoying the typical Andalusian flavor, and stop in decorative squares and streets to take in the sights. Round of your tour at the Great Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, where the mixture of architectural styles reveals nine centuries of Cordoba history. Go inside to see the labyrinth of beautiful columns, double arcades, and horseshoe arches. Discover how a Catholic cathedral was constructed inside the Islamic mosque, with Byzantine mosaics crafted from marble. At the end of the trip, your guide will be happy to point you in the direction of local restaurants and taverns if you want to sample some authentic Andalusian tapas (cost not included).

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.

Either travel with the group from Cordoba or meet the group directly at the Medina Azahara, depending on what option you have chosen. At the archaeological site, you will learn about the historical context of the city and see every corner and nook that can be visited. This unique place full of legends will help you understand why Medina Azahara was called the Shining City. After this visit, continue to the visitor center where you can see the museum with more than 160 original pieces of Medina Azahara. Your guide will accompany you and show you the most important elements. The visit will end with a video in which the city is represented as it would be in the 10th century.