Tower of Calahorra

The Calahorra Tower, despite its exceptional location at the foot of the Roman Bridge, on the opposite bank from the historic center of the city, is one of the least known and publicized monuments of Córdoba.

Origin and History

Many studies have addressed the history of our building; however, a theory recognized and accepted by scholars of our past has yet to be found. That said, it is most likely that the tower was built during the Islamic period and later repurposed and transformed in Christian times.

The Calahorra Tower is one of the least known monuments in Córdoba.

Defensive Function

The original function of the Calahorra Tower was purely defensive, as ongoing military conflicts made the bridge a quick and easy access point to the city, thus requiring a defensive mechanism to protect it. At first glance, it may appear too small for such a task, but due to its characteristics, it was more than sufficient.

Originally, it is believed that there were two towers, joined by a semicircular arch through which one entered the bridge. But around the year 1369, during the reign of King Henry II of Trastámara, it was decided to build a third tower, creating a three-armed cross layout, with two cylinders located at the southeast and southwest corners of the mentioned cross. At this time, another measure was taken—slightly diverting the last arch of the bridge to the west, so that instead of passing through the tower, it bordered it on one side.

The original function of the Calahorra Tower was defensive, as can be seen in its thick walls and moat.

Defensive System

The defensive system of the building is remarkable, starting with its solid walls and deep moat, followed by numerous narrow loopholes used to house cannons and other artillery, and culminating in pyramidal battlements, showing the enemy its character as an unbreachable fortress.

Interior Layout

The interior of the Calahorra Tower consists of fourteen rooms distributed over three floors, plus the terrace. The larger, rectangular-shaped rooms are located in the center, while the smaller, square-shaped rooms are in the arms of the cross. As with the exterior, the tower has hardly any decoration inside, except for the architectural elements themselves.

Uses Over Time

We already know the function for which our building was originally intended, but the truth is that it has had several others throughout its long history. For much of the 18th century, for example, it was used as a prison, housing foreign soldiers brought mostly from the port of Cádiz. At the end of the same century, during the typhus epidemic that struck the city, it was decided to quarantine the affected here. In the mid-19th century, the tower housed a school for girls from the Campo de la Verdad neighborhood.

The Calahorra Tower Today

Today, the Calahorra Tower houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to the three cultures that inhabited our city: Christian, Muslim, and Jewish. Managed by the Paradigm Córdoba Foundation, which continues the work of the Roger Garaudy Foundation founded in 1987 by philosopher Roger Garaudy (until 2010), it aims to show the world the importance of the coexistence of these three cultures, which occurred in Córdoba during the Caliphate era. You can find more information about the exhibition in the section “Calahorra Tower – Living Museum of al-Andalus” under Museums of Córdoba.

Visit the Calahorra Tower

If you’re unsure what to do in Córdoba, we recommend visiting the Calahorra Tower by booking one of our guided tours. Choose quality tourism with qualified staff—don’t hesitate, ArtenCórdoba is the best option.

Text: J.A.S.C.