Places of Interest

The Cueva de los Murciélagos or the Cave of the Bats is to be found on the perimeter of the Sierras Subbéticas Natural Park. The said park has up to five dozens of registered caverns, the most important one being the Cueva de los Murciélagos. The said cave is famous among archaeological aficionados worldwide due to its graphic representations, exceptional artworks on rocks, and significant relics dating from Neolithic times.

The Roman Bridge or Puente Romano is a two way passage over the Guadalquivir river that consists of 16 arcs with asymmetrical molds. The town’s patron saint is San Rafael, and a statue of his is visible in the middle component of the bridge. At present, the bridge shows little likeness to its Roman beginnings. However, the view of this historical bridge can be more appreciated during the night, when illumination lends a romantic feel over the area.

The Puerto del Puente or Bridge Gate is to be found at the north end of the Roman bridge. The construction of the gate was concluded during the reign of Philip II, first official King of Spain from 1556 until 1598.

La Mezquita is a colossal, tenth century bastion in Córdoba, which is said to be the third largest place of worship in the world. La Mezquita was formerly a mosque consisting of several arches and over a hundred columns. Gerald Brenan, a well acclaimed, Malta-born writer of the early 20th century, dubbed this fortification as the most beautiful and original building in the whole of Spain. The architectural design of this bastion is a mixture of Roman, Gothic, Byzantine, Syrian, and Persian fundamentals. La Mezquita was sanctified as a cathedral when the Christians took over the Moorish empire in Córdoba in 1236.

Legend has it that the holy image of Mother Mary appeared in the underground cavern during the construction of this church, and hence explains its name. The the Santa Maria del Soterrano parish church is affluent with architectural accomplishments. The Gothic building was designed by the first Hernan Luiz in 1530 and there are two chapels of Baroque design inside the church. First is the El Sagrario chapel erected in 1639, and the Jesus Nazareno, built in 1730.

The outstanding clock tower of the town of Aguilar was completed in the year 1671. The view of this very high clock has been a prominent symbol of the town.

The Almodovar Castle stands 252 meters and crowns the modest Cerro de la Floresta. The castle was built by the Arabs in the year 720. It belonged to the Caliphate of Córdoba and throughout the passing of time, has housed several monarchs. This royal fortress is truly worth a visit due to its historical value and magnificent architecture. Furthermore, the panoramic views of nature that can be seen from the castle is truly spectacular.

This cloister with Baroque architecture was erected in the year 1671,and is bedecked with imposing works of art, plasterwork, and carvings.

Legend has it that the holy image of Mother Mary appeared in the underground cavern during the construction of this church, and hence explains its name. The the Santa Maria del Soterrano parish church is affluent with architectural accomplishments. The Gothic building was designed by the first Hernan Luiz in 1530 and there are two chapels of Baroque design inside the church. First is the El Sagrario chapel erected in 1639, and the Jesus Nazareno, built in 1730.

Plaza de San José is an octagonal concourse that started in the year 1813. The famous architect from Salamanca, Vincente Guttierez, designed this plaza, expertly incorporating the Baroque and Neo-classical style.

This abbey is one of the religious attractions in Córdoba, and is famous for the nuns that sell the traditional biscuits. This nunnery dates back to the year 1512 and the nuns are not allowed to show their faces to the public. The front wall of this convent is a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Mudejar architecture.

Situated on Montilla's highest peak is a castle that dates back to the fifteenth century. The original stronghold was made up of a partition in between towers that included a vast area. This citadel is so huge that it houses a strikingly notable palace within and a vast patio, vast enough to give around 400 horses a standing area. At present, the ruins of the castle may still be seen amid the fortifications and towers.

When Córdoba was again overpowered by the Christians in the year 1236, the rulers beatified the mosque to be a Christian cathedral. Within the building, King Alfonso X, the ruler of Castile and León during the middle ages, built the charming Villaviciosa Chapel. Furthermore, the Capilla Real (Royal Chapel) was also constructed as a synagogue for Christian Kings. In the subsequent centuries, the structure had several transformations under the tutelage of royalties from different generations. That explains the fascinating mélange of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architectural designs.

Dating back to the 10th century, the Gate of Seville is of substantial historical significance. The hedges of this gate were put up by Christians in the 14th and 15th century. An interesting site to view just adjacent to this gate is the sculpture of “los enamorados” that depicts lovers who are reaching for each other’s hands. It was actually a statue of the famed Moorish poet, Ibn Zaydun and his beloved Princess Wallada, who was also a poetess herself.

Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos or The Palace of the Christian Kings was re-erected in the year 1328 by King Alfonso XI, the Spanish King of Castile and Leon. The entire castle covers over 4,000 square meters and in its interiors are impressive Arabian baths, Roman mosaics and a sarcophagus of marble from the 3rd century. Even if this structure was built during the Christian period, its gardens are characteristically Moorish in design comprising of ponds, water cascades and sweet ambrosial plants. At the eastern perimeter of the gardens are the walls and the Door of Seville, situated alongside a shrine of the renowned poet Ibn Zaydun. Originally, there were four towers at the corners of the Alcazar, three of which can be seen up to today: the Torre de Los Leones, the oldest, which forms the entrance to the palace, the octagonal Torre del Homenajeand the round Torre del Rio. The fourth tower, Torre de la Vela, was unfortunately destroyed in the 19th century.

Plaza de la Corredera is a wide cobble stoned square that is bursting with activity as it has always been in the past centuries. During the 17th century, this quadrangle was a much loved spot for the ever popular bullfights.

This square was featured as Posada del Potro in Miguel de Cervantes’s literary masterpiece Don Quixote. The renowned author and playwright, who was born in Henares de Alcala, had lived in the premises of this quaint quadrangle for a long time. The surroundings of Plaza del Potro are somehow subdued, making it a great place to conjure up such literary works. Nowadays, this plaza frequently hosts earthenware and arts exhibits.

This manor was brought to life out of unique Ashlar marbles. Essential information regarding the olden days of Córdoba are echoed in the rooms and the huge patio. Today, Casa de la Inca serves as quarters for the Biblioteca Americanista.

This place of worship was put up at the start of the 16th century. At present, the Cathedral of Santiago serves as domicile for the carvings and sculpture works of different artists.

Montilla is best known for its world-class wines. The making of Montilla wine is special: It initially goes through the process of fermentation in stainless steel storage bins. t is then matured further in upright tinajas r terracotta pots after which the wine is then placed in conventional wooden barrels. The wine cellars are open for visitors on weekdays and only by appointment.

Torre de Calahorra is an Arabian edifice to be found at the southern conclusion of Puente Romano. At the zenith of this tower awaits a magnificent view of the Mosque and the rest of Córdoba.

During the days of the Romans and the Goths, this Jewish area served a purpose of imperative cultural and scholarly value. Several shrines are found here to pay homage to the prominent people of Córdoba from past generations such as the Roman philosopher Séneca, Arabian philosopher Averroes and Jewish philosopher Maimonides. At present, a few tabernacles from the ancient times still exist in the Juderia. This is also an ideal spot to find outlets of jewelers and silversmiths.

There are more than a few plazas in Córdoba that are surely worth a visit. In particular, the Plaza de las Tendillas is the central square in town that exhibits intricate concrete carvings and charmingly lined with little trees on the side.

Palacio de Viana of Córdoba is visited by over seventy thousand people every year. It covers an area of over 6,000 square meters, of which, more than fifty percent is a grand oasis of bright flowers and greens. The visitors of this outstanding palace are always mesmerized by the well-designed courtyards and the welcoming aura of the fortress with its colorful, aromatic rooms. The attractive field is even said to be a virtual museum of patios. Conceivably, the Palacio de Viana was acknowledged as a National Monument and important Artistic Garden.