Interesting facts about Cordoba

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Located in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia, Córdoba is a beautiful ancient city and the capital of a province that shares its name. Córdoba is a wonderful location to visit during a trip to this part of the world and easy to get to from other Andalusia destinations, for example, it’s a less than 2-hour drive with a car rental from Malaga airport. To help you to become better acquainted with Córdoba and decide if you would like to add it to your to-do list, we have put together this guide of interesting facts.

Córdoba is the third most populous city in Andalusia

The population of Córdoba, Spain is around 325,000, and out of all the cities in Andalusia, Córdoba is the third biggest. Its population size places it behind Malaga in second with 571,000, and Seville in third with 688,700. While Córdoba is a populous city for Andalusia, it’s relatively small compared to other big cities in Spain. For example, Barcelona has a population of 1.6 million and Madrid has a population of 3.2 million. So, Córdoba is a rather small city in comparison! Situated on the river Guadalquivir, Córdoba boasts the highest summer temperatures in Europe, and is a beautifully picturesque city, displaying ancient architecture like churches, castles, and bridges.

Córdoba is home to one of the 12 Treasures of Spain

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In a similar way to the New Seven Wonders of the World, Spain has its own elite list of incredible attractions. Known as the 12 Treasures of Spain, this collection of locations features some astonishing entries and one of them is located in Córdoba: The Mezquita-Catedral. This stunning building is one of the very best things to do in Córdoba and the city’s most iconic attraction. It was once one of the biggest mosques in the world (constructed in A.D 785) before becoming a Catholic Cathedral in 1236. Its history is even older than that, however, as some believe that a Visigoth church once stood on the site before the mosque was built.

Jackie, from the travel blog, Jou Jou Travels, shared with us her reflections on visiting this important location: “The Mezquita-Cathedral is a stunning mosque, which the whole city is centred around. As I stepped inside, I was in awe by the numerous columns coloured with orangey-red stripes and enjoyed seeing the mix of Moorish and Christian architecture.”

The Mezquite-Catedral (or Mosque-Cathedral) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts some of the most stunning architecture you can ever hope to see. The columns and double-tiered arches of the original mosque building are iconic and the ceilings of the Renaissance nave and transept, along with the high altar are astonishing. And don’t forget to visit the popular bell tower for sublime views of Córdoba.

Caroline and Neil from the travel blog, CK Travels, have been to Córdoba and share that they believe “the Mezquita of Córdoba is one of the most wonderful and serene places we’ve ever encountered, even when you take into account the other tourists wandering around at the same time (it attracts over 1.5 million visitors every year). The outside courtyard leads you into the darkened inner sanctum and our descriptions just won’t do it justice so suffice to say you must just visit it for yourself.”

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Córdoba is famous for its leather work

The city of Córdoba is famous for its leather work, known for its historic technique known as guadameci. This leather work approach is unique to Córdoba, comprised of an intricate, embossed design that features gold, silver and coloured paint and dates back to the 10th century. You can learn about Córdoba’s leatherwork and see some beautiful, ornate examples at a museum located just a few metres from the Mezquita-Catedral. Entrance is free and there are some stunning items to see across the exhibitions.

Córdoba is renowned for its flower-filled patios

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Córdoba has so many treasures and virtues that it’s impossible to list them all, but out of everything, what is Córdoba famous for? Aside from the Mezquita-Catedral, Córdoba is probably most famous for its beautiful flower-filled patios. Due to the hot climate, many homes in Córdoba were built with a central patio and this is a tradition that goes all the way back to the Romans, continued on through the Moors, and carries on to this very day. Córdoba homes have loved decorating these patios with beautiful flowers and, as a result, have created a lovely, picturesque scene for visitors to enjoy.

These patios offer a visual feast of floral delights along with classic Córdoba scents such as jasmine and orange blossom. Once a year in May, the Festival de los Patios takes place when Córdoba bursts into spring – it even includes a patio contest. It’s not just homes that sport these lovely patios, as various buildings like convents and the Viana Palace boast their own spectacular displays. If you are in Córdoba during this time of year, the patios are a treat not to miss.

Mark and Kristen, from the travel blog, Where are those Morgans, have visited the patios of Córdoba themselves and shared with us their tips and what they enjoyed: “The flower-filled patios of Córdoba are a must-see when visiting this charming Andalusian town. We highly recommend taking a stroll down Calleja de las Flores to experience the famous narrow alleyway with whitewashed walls and blue terracotta pots showcasing vibrantly coloured flowers spilling out in every direction. Visit early in the morning to avoid large crowds and shadows forming on the patios to take home stunning photos.

“But for those who want even more flower-filled fun, visit Córdoba during the first week of May for the Festival de los Patios. This free festival celebrates Córdoba’s oldest houses featuring courtyards filled with radiant geraniums, carnations or hydrangeas everywhere you look. Be sure to use the Patio Festival map to find every stunning patio in the historic and picturesque town of Córdoba.”

Jackie, from Jou Jou Travels, is a big fan of Córdoba’s patios, and told us about what she enjoyed about them: “Córdoba, Spain is one of the most vibrant places I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. I’m a fan of architecture and colourful places, Córdoba blew me away with its beautiful, whitewashed streets and colourful potted flowers decking the streets. Visiting the patios of the homes of locals was the highlight of my trip.

“Tourists flock to visit during May when the famous patio festival occurs, and competitions are held to see the most beautifully decorated patios. Sadly, I did not visit during that time, but I was still able to enjoy seeing the green-filled patios as there was one that was open all year long located at Calle D San Basilio, 44. Nearby, if lucky, you will find locals opening their homes to visitors. Not only that, I saw the stunning Palacio de Viana, a palace open to the public featuring 12 historical patios. This was a photo lover’s dream as each courtyard was draped with greenery and pretty corners.”

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Córdoba has produced a number of famous people

Throughout its history, Córdoba has given the world a number of famous names, particularly in centuries past. From ancient philosophers and Roman poets to flamenco artists, notable people from Córdoba include:

– Averroes: An Islamic philosopher

– Luis de Góngora: A Renaissance era poet

– Paco Peña: One of the world’s foremost traditional flamenco players

– Lucan: A Roman poet

– Seneca: A Roman stoic philosopher

– Maimonides: One of history’s most influential Jewish philosophers

Córdoba was founded by the Romans

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Córdoba has a long, fascinating history, with ancient roots stretching all the way back to the Romans who founded the city. When was Córdoba founded? Romans started their settlement in the area in 152 BC and a Roman forum is known to have existed in the city in 113 BC. Córdoba played a role in the wars between Julius Caesar and Pompey and was later resettled by the first Roman Emperor, Augustus. The Byzantines were in power for a while, as were the Visigoths, before Muslim rule began in the mid-eighth century.

There are remains of Córdoba’s Roman past to this very day, including the beautiful Roman Bridge, constructed in the early first-century BC and renovated over the years. There is also a Roman temple, mausoleum, the colonial forum, the Forum Adiectum, an amphitheatre and the remains of the Palace of Emperor Maximian.

READ ALSO: Interesting facts about Malaga

Facts about Córdoba

– Córdoba is the third most populous city in Andalusia

– Córdoba is home to one of the 12 Treasures of Spain

– Córdoba is famous for its leather work

– Córdoba is renowned for its flower-filled patios

– Córdoba has produced a number of famous people

– Córdoba was founded by the Romans

We hope this guide to Córdoba has been informative and given you an insight into what the city is all about. There is lots to see and do in Córdoba and it’s a fascinating city to explore, whether on a day trip or longer visit.

For more tips, guides, and advice, make sure to visit our blog.