This City Has the Most UNESCO Sites in the World — How to Visit

Córdoba, the capital of the Córdoba province in Andalusia, is one of Spain’s most fascinating destinations. Occupied by the Romans in the 2nd century B.C.E., the city maintains a deep connection to its history as well as a vibrancy stemming from its multi-cultural connections to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. “When visiting, you can’t help but learn and experience how different civilizations and cultures have lived together for many centuries,” says Noelia Pais, general manager of NH Collection Amistad Córdoba.

Some of the best places to discover this side of Córdoba are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In fact, with three total sites — plus one UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Event — Córdoba has more World Heritage Sites than any other city in the world. While the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Medina Azahara, the city’s historic center, and the Courtyards Festival of Córdoba are some of the most famous sights, there’s a whole host of other things for travelers to see in Córdoba — including a magnificent Roman bridge, equestrian shows, and traditional Arabic baths. “In Córdoba, there is always something different to do and celebrate,” says Pais. “From the International Flower Festival to the Córdoba horse show and the holiday celebrations, there is always good reason to gather together in Córdoba.”

Read on to discover everything you need to know to plan a trip to Córdoba.

Related: The Ultimate Spain Packing List

UNESCO Sites

Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba

Pais calls a guided tour of the Mosque-Cathedra of Córdoba an “essential” activity. “Imagine an original mosque converted into a Catholic cathedral within the original Muslim building. A guide will show you how it has changed over the centuries and how it reflects the culture and people during each era,” she says. Be sure to buy tickets online ahead of your trip to ensure you don’t miss your chance to see this unique compilation of history and culture.

Historic Center of Córdoba

Pais describes the historic center of Córdoba as a place that’s “full of little streets to be explored: courtyards full of flowers, inviting squares, and great bars and restaurants.” The Mosque-Cathedral is certainly the most well-known structure in this part of the city, but UNESCO notes that there are also “hundreds of buildings of cultural and historical significance” — places like a synagogue in the Judería (Jewish Quarter), traditional houses built around courtyards, and the Roman bridge that crosses over the Guadalquivir River.

Medina Azahara

Built in the mid-10th century by the Umayyad dynasty, Medina Azahara is a magnificent city that was discovered in the early 20th century after having been forgotten for nearly 1,000 years. Today, it’s an archaeological site and an incredible example of ancient urban infrastructure — roads, water systems, and buildings — and the Western Islamic civilization of Al-Andalus. It’s located about five miles outside of the city center and can be accessed by bus or car.

Courtyards Festival of Córdoba

Every May, the Courtyards Festival of Córdoba (Fiesta de los Patios) brings what Pais describes as “flowers, vibrant colors, and enticing aromas” to the historic city center. Deemed a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Event, the 12-day festival encompasses a courtyard competition — where residents decorate their courtyards with flowerbeds and pots, some of which are hung on the walls — singing, dancing, wine, and food.  “We still preserve this old way of life, where neighbors share a place surrounded by a lot of plants that will help us to bear high temperatures,” she adds. 

Best Hotels & Resorts

Hospes Palacio del Bailío

Hospes Palacio del Bailío mixes modern comforts with a bit of Roman history right in the heart of the city. Though the rooms themselves are equal parts thoughtful and stunning (think hand-painted stucco walls and century-old frescoes), the real property highlights can be found in the common areas — the outdoor pool, the indoor Roman baths, and the spa.

NH Collection Amistad Córdoba

You’ll find NH Collection Amistad Córdoba, a 108-room hotel made up of two 18th-century palaces, in the Jewish Quarter. Armed with everything you need for a relaxing stay — well-decorated spaces, 24-hour room service, complimentary Wi-Fi — the property is also notable for its outdoor swimming pool, solarium, and courtyard, where you can lounge after a long day exploring the neighborhood.

Hotel Las Casas de la Judería Córdoba

Most of Córdoba’s main tourist attractions are within walking distance of Hotel Las Casas de la Judería Córdoba. Made up of five different buildings, all connected by patios and courtyards, it’s a slice of history and culture that offers a truly one-of-a-kind stay. 

Things to Do

Visit the Plaza de la Corredera.

The Plaza de la Corredera is a 17th-century square that’s seen the likes of bullfights and Inquisition burnings. Its modern-day chapter, however, is defined by its cafes and restaurants, and travelers can stop by for churros, ice cream, and other pick-me-up items.

See a show at the Royal Stables.

The Royal Stables were founded in the 1570s to begin an Andalusian horse breeding program, which continues to this day. The building’s cobbled floors, vaulted ceilings, stone columns, and brick arches also set the scene for the “Passion and the Spirit of the Andalusian Horse,” a nightly equestrian show that fuses the “Art of Flamenco and the dedication of [the] riders.”

Tour the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos.

While exploring the historic city center, don’t miss the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a fortress and palace located near the Guadalquivir River. Once the primary residence of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon (the monarchs who funded Christopher Columbus’ first voyage across the Atlantic), the alcázar is made up of stone walls, towers, gardens, Arab baths, courtyards, and more — and it’s recommended for visitors to reserve tickets online.

Spend a couple of hours at the Archaeological Museum of Córdoba.

“If you love history and learning about different cultures and civilizations, I highly recommend the Archaeological Museum,” says Pais. “This museum is not as touristy as others… and it houses authentic treasures to help visitors understand the beautiful and colorful history of our town.”

Relax in a traditional hammam.

Travelers who want to combine history with a self-care experience should look no further than Hammam Al Andalus. Along with soaking in the Andalusian Arab baths, travelers can opt to add on a massage, a stretching series, or a body purification treatment.

Best Shopping

Jewish Quarter

Craftwork — including leather goods, pottery, jewelry, and gold and silverwork – is an important aspect of Córdoban culture. The Córdoba Crafts Association has a map outlining different craftwork shops within the historic center, but you can also narrow your route down to just the Jewish Quarter. Here, you’ll find various boutiques and family-owned shops — like Ana Martina, a silversmith with a commitment to sustainability — as well as Zoco Municipal de Artesanía. An artisan market held in a flower-filled traditional patio, “El Zoco” houses amazing examples of craftwork — everything from ceramics and paper mache sculptures to wooden puppets and leather handbags.

Best Restaurants

Casa Pepe de La Judería

Pais says Casa Pepe is “such a classic option in the Jewish Quarter” as they “ serve traditional plates with modern touches,” and “their staff is always warm and welcoming to complement the perfect ambiance.” While the menu includes a range of delicacies, you can’t leave Córdoba without trying salmorejo — and this version is served with Iberian ham.

La Montillana Taberna

If you’re looking for an aperitif or lunch, Pais recommends La Montillana Taberna’s “wonderful menu and fantastic wine selection.” The restaurant has been around since 1948, serving up a variety of traditional Córdoban and Andalusian food, like salmorejo, Iberian ham croquettes, and fried eggplant.

Noor

The Michelin-starred Noor is a must-visit for those searching for a fine dining experience — or for anyone curious about the cuisine of centuries past. Since 2016, Chef Paco Morales has been focused on creating historically accurate menus and bringing “the most refined aromas and flavors of Al-Andalus closer to our times.” This year, his menus are dedicated to the 18th century.

Best Time to Visit

Most travelers visit Córdoba in the spring and align their travels with either the Córdoba Fair or the Courtyards International Festival of Córdoba. “From April to June is our highest and busiest season, and the city looks extremely beautiful,” says Pais, but notes she prefers the latter part of the year, from September onwards. “You will enjoy very good temperatures and lots of different and interesting plans. The FLORA International Flower Festival, for example, in October, is the world’s largest event for floral and botanical arts. This event has become an important part of the city’s cultural and festive calendar,” she says.

If you’re considering traveling to Córdoba in the off-season, either in the summer or winter, be sure to consider the weather. “We also like to make sure guests are aware that our temperatures are very different than many other Spanish cities throughout the year. For instance, our summers are often short, hot, and arid (up to 98 degrees Fahrenheit) while our winters are often colder (from 39 degrees) and partly cloudy,” she explains.

How to Get There

“Córdoba is very easy to commute to, thanks to the AVE train from Madrid,” says Pais; the high-speed train journey takes just under two hours. If you’re coming from Seville, Córdoba is just 45 minutes away by train, making it the perfect day trip for those using the capital of Andalusia as their base camp.

How to Get Around

Walking is the best way to get around Córdoba, particularly if you’re spending most of your time in the historic center. Public transportation is also an option if you’re exploring outer areas; the bus network has more than a dozen lines that traverse the city. You can check the routes online and purchase fare from the bus driver (just have smaller notes or coins to cover the €1.30 ticket).