Guided Tour Mosque and Medina Azahara

3h + 1,5 h. approx.

ESP / ENG

FROM

€54

3h + 1,5 h. approx.

ESP / ENG

3h + 1,5 h. approx.

ESP / ENG

Visit Medina Azahara with historians and archaeologists who will take you back to the greatest splendour of Al-Andalus.

Finally, get to know the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba in depth, with the help of historians, who will take you to the heart of Al-Andalus by visiting its most important and representative monument.

Guided tour dedicated to Cordoba’s flagship monument, the Mosque-Cathedral, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In this visit, always conducted by a historian, you will have the opportunity to get to know a living temple, which has witnessed numerous historical events and which, for sure, will not leave you indifferent.

We will explain the different stages of construction, starting with the ancient Visigothic Basilica of San Vicente, of which remains are still preserved, followed by the Primitive Mosque built by Emir Abderramán I and its successive extensions until the time of Almanzor.

After the reconquest of the city by the Christian armies, the Mosque became the Cathedral, occupying several naves of the extension of Caliph al-Hakam II for liturgical celebrations. Later on, the current Cathedral Cross was built.

Enjoy a unique building in the world and an unforgettable experience.

Discover with historians and archaeologists one of the greatest jewels of Cordoba, the city that the first Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Rahman III ordered to be built, moving his entire court there. This is an essential visit to learn not only about Caliphate art, but also about the importance of Al-Andalus as an economic, social and cultural power in the society of the time.

Details

Prices

Adults: Without bus €54 – With bus €60
Children (5-12): Without bus €27 – With bus €30
Children (>5): Free

Duration

3h + 1,5 h. approx.

Schedule

Tuesday to Sunday:
Medina Azahara with bus: 10:45 // Mosque of Córdoba: 16:00
Medina Azahara without bus: 11:00 // Mosque of Córdoba: 16:00
Unavailable days: Mondays, and days when the Cabildo has scheduled an event in the Cathedral (we will notify you as soon as they inform us).

Languages

ESP / ENG

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible

Pets

Not permitted

Meeting point

Mornings:

  • Medina with bus: Bus stop at the Cruz Roja roundabout in front of the Eurostars Palace hotel at 10:45 (Google Maps)
  • Medina without bus: Medina Azahara parking lot, next to the shuttle bus, at 11:00 (Google Maps)

Afternoons:

  • Mosque of Córdoba: Door of the Conference Centre (Google Maps) at 16:00.

Frequently asked questions

Are there any dress code rules that must be followed?+

Mainly, men are not allowed to enter with their heads covered, but this is not a problem for women. In general, the temple asks us to avoid clothing that is not appropriate for a cathedral.

For the visit to Medina Azahara, wear comfortable footwear and, in case of heat, a cap or hat. Feel free to bring water to stay refreshed.

If I drive directly to the archaeological site, do I need to enter the interpretation center?+

No, the meeting point with the guide is in the parking lot. Once the group is gathered, the guide will register everyone.

Can you enter the monument with food? Is there a café?+

In the Mosque, you cannot eat or drink inside the temple. However, carrying water is not a problem.

In Medina Azahara, the café is currently not operating; we recommend bringing water as there are no vending machines either.

In the booking (with bus), I see two meeting points — what should I do?+

Don’t worry, the site bus stops at both indicated points, so you can choose whichever is most convenient for you. In addition, on the return trip, the bus will drop you off on the same avenue where these two meeting points are located.

Once the guide’s explanation is over, can I remain inside the temple?+

Due to the temple’s regulations, the group must remain with the guide. Depending on the circumstances, there may occasionally be some free time to explore the monument on your own. But in general, the guide must always accompany the group.

Do I have to pay for the shuttle bus that takes you from the interpretation center to the archaeological site?+

No, if you arrived by bus from Córdoba, it’s included in the price. If you came by car, the guide will take care of the payment.

If I arrive late, can you send me my ticket so I can join the tour?+

By regulation, the guide cannot hand out audio devices to clients inside the monument, so it’s impossible to fulfill that request. We emphasize the importance of punctuality. The guide may allow a maximum courtesy time of 5 minutes, but must then begin, as the rest of the group expects to start on time.

If I’m bringing a stroller/wheelchair or have difficulty walking, is it advisable to visit the site?+

In those cases, it is not advisable, as there are many slopes and several stairways.

Book quickly and easily!

Reviews

nuestra guía Elena fenomenal
Hemos hecho los patios con Elena. Muy bien.
Con Elena un tour Fanttastico
Una visita complerta.
La guía (María), una excel.lent professional
Rafa encantador y muy profesional
Nos ha gustado mucho lo bien que se explican, muy interesante y ameno. Vale mucho la pena! Mari Carmen es una crack
Elena Martín una especialista y muy profesional
This was a wonderful tour with Emilio being an excellent guide. The information he provided regarding the patio festival, rules for the participants and history of the Patios visited was greatly appreciated!!! We're sorry we had to leave a little early to catch our train because we enjoyed every minute of what we experienced!
Big thanks for our guide José for the incredible and insightful information he provided us today at Cordoba cathedral and historical mosque. We really enjoyed the experience and we are glad that we manged to join!
Mi marido y yo acabamos de terminar una visita a la Judería y la Mezquita Catedral guiada por Álvaro Salamanca. Habíamos venido en otras ocasiones y pensábamos que conocíamos estos lugares tan hermosos.
Pero no.
Hoy los hemos descubierto de otra manera y los hemos disfrutado como nunca, gracias a a Álvaro. Un 10 como guía.
Very interesting trip. Our guide, Maria was very knowledgeable, warm and funny.
Muy buena visita alrededor de Córdoba y la guía muy amable y simpática
Muy contentos la guia muy profesional y unas explicaciones de 10 todo muy entendible divertida y cultural lo recomendamos
Magnífica vista nocturna amb en David
Muy muy contenta con arte Córdoba, los guías de ayer y hoy, Miguel
Angel (mayor) y un chico joven hoy han sido excelentes guías, profesionales y megacompetentes. Me ha encantado que son historiadores y de forma amena nos han dado horas y horas de información para no solo ver los monumentos sino saber la historia que atesoran. Súper bien organizado todo puntual y gestionado
os recomiendo la visita guiada con ellos ,todo fue genial,el guia David fenomenal un saludo
Una visita maravillosa con nuestra guía Rebeca
Response from the owner:¡Muchas gracias por tu reseña! Esperamos verte de nuevo en Córdoba.
Hemos estado encantados con la guía, Blanca, que nos ha tocado en nuestra visita a Medina Azahara. Buena profesional y un trato muy agradable.
Totalmente recomendable a amigos.
Visita guiada a Medina al Zarah. Nuestra guía Blanca muy bien documentada muy amena y agradable. No se nos ha hecho nada largo. Gracias
La guia, Blanca, excepcional

Visit Medina Azahara with historians and archaeologists who will take you back to the greatest splendour of Al-Andalus.

Finally, get to know the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba in depth, with the help of historians, who will take you to the heart of Al-Andalus by visiting its most important and representative monument.

Guided tour dedicated to Cordoba’s flagship monument, the Mosque-Cathedral, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In this visit, always conducted by a historian, you will have the opportunity to get to know a living temple, which has witnessed numerous historical events and which, for sure, will not leave you indifferent.

We will explain the different stages of construction, starting with the ancient Visigothic Basilica of San Vicente, of which remains are still preserved, followed by the Primitive Mosque built by Emir Abderramán I and its successive extensions until the time of Almanzor.

After the reconquest of the city by the Christian armies, the Mosque became the Cathedral, occupying several naves of the extension of Caliph al-Hakam II for liturgical celebrations. Later on, the current Cathedral Cross was built.

Enjoy a unique building in the world and an unforgettable experience.

Discover with historians and archaeologists one of the greatest jewels of Cordoba, the city that the first Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Rahman III ordered to be built, moving his entire court there. This is an essential visit to learn not only about Caliphate art, but also about the importance of Al-Andalus as an economic, social and cultural power in the society of the time.

Prices

Adults: Without bus €54 – With bus €60
Children (5-12): Without bus €27 – With bus €30
Children (>5): Free

Duration

3h + 1,5 h. approx.

Schedule

Tuesday to Sunday:
Medina Azahara with bus: 10:45 // Mosque of Córdoba: 16:00
Medina Azahara without bus: 11:00 // Mosque of Córdoba: 16:00
Unavailable days: Mondays, and days when the Cabildo has scheduled an event in the Cathedral (we will notify you as soon as they inform us).

Languages

ESP / ENG

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible

Pets

Not permitted

Meeting point

Mornings:

  • Medina with bus: Bus stop at the Cruz Roja roundabout in front of the Eurostars Palace hotel at 10:45 (Google Maps)
  • Medina without bus: Medina Azahara parking lot, next to the shuttle bus, at 11:00 (Google Maps)

Afternoons:

  • Mosque of Córdoba: Door of the Conference Centre (Google Maps) at 16:00.
Are there any dress code rules that must be followed?+

Mainly, men are not allowed to enter with their heads covered, but this is not a problem for women. In general, the temple asks us to avoid clothing that is not appropriate for a cathedral.

For the visit to Medina Azahara, wear comfortable footwear and, in case of heat, a cap or hat. Feel free to bring water to stay refreshed.

If I drive directly to the archaeological site, do I need to enter the interpretation center?+

No, the meeting point with the guide is in the parking lot. Once the group is gathered, the guide will register everyone.

Can you enter the monument with food? Is there a café?+

In the Mosque, you cannot eat or drink inside the temple. However, carrying water is not a problem.

In Medina Azahara, the café is currently not operating; we recommend bringing water as there are no vending machines either.

In the booking (with bus), I see two meeting points — what should I do?+

Don’t worry, the site bus stops at both indicated points, so you can choose whichever is most convenient for you. In addition, on the return trip, the bus will drop you off on the same avenue where these two meeting points are located.

Once the guide’s explanation is over, can I remain inside the temple?+

Due to the temple’s regulations, the group must remain with the guide. Depending on the circumstances, there may occasionally be some free time to explore the monument on your own. But in general, the guide must always accompany the group.

Do I have to pay for the shuttle bus that takes you from the interpretation center to the archaeological site?+

No, if you arrived by bus from Córdoba, it’s included in the price. If you came by car, the guide will take care of the payment.

If I arrive late, can you send me my ticket so I can join the tour?+

By regulation, the guide cannot hand out audio devices to clients inside the monument, so it’s impossible to fulfill that request. We emphasize the importance of punctuality. The guide may allow a maximum courtesy time of 5 minutes, but must then begin, as the rest of the group expects to start on time.

If I’m bringing a stroller/wheelchair or have difficulty walking, is it advisable to visit the site?+

In those cases, it is not advisable, as there are many slopes and several stairways.

nuestra guía Elena fenomenal
Hemos hecho los patios con Elena. Muy bien.
Con Elena un tour Fanttastico
Una visita complerta.
La guía (María), una excel.lent professional
Rafa encantador y muy profesional
Nos ha gustado mucho lo bien que se explican, muy interesante y ameno. Vale mucho la pena! Mari Carmen es una crack
Elena Martín una especialista y muy profesional
This was a wonderful tour with Emilio being an excellent guide. The information he provided regarding the patio festival, rules for the participants and history of the Patios visited was greatly appreciated!!! We're sorry we had to leave a little early to catch our train because we enjoyed every minute of what we experienced!
Big thanks for our guide José for the incredible and insightful information he provided us today at Cordoba cathedral and historical mosque. We really enjoyed the experience and we are glad that we manged to join!
Mi marido y yo acabamos de terminar una visita a la Judería y la Mezquita Catedral guiada por Álvaro Salamanca. Habíamos venido en otras ocasiones y pensábamos que conocíamos estos lugares tan hermosos.
Pero no.
Hoy los hemos descubierto de otra manera y los hemos disfrutado como nunca, gracias a a Álvaro. Un 10 como guía.
Very interesting trip. Our guide, Maria was very knowledgeable, warm and funny.
Muy buena visita alrededor de Córdoba y la guía muy amable y simpática
Muy contentos la guia muy profesional y unas explicaciones de 10 todo muy entendible divertida y cultural lo recomendamos
Magnífica vista nocturna amb en David
Muy muy contenta con arte Córdoba, los guías de ayer y hoy, Miguel
Angel (mayor) y un chico joven hoy han sido excelentes guías, profesionales y megacompetentes. Me ha encantado que son historiadores y de forma amena nos han dado horas y horas de información para no solo ver los monumentos sino saber la historia que atesoran. Súper bien organizado todo puntual y gestionado
os recomiendo la visita guiada con ellos ,todo fue genial,el guia David fenomenal un saludo
Una visita maravillosa con nuestra guía Rebeca
Response from the owner:¡Muchas gracias por tu reseña! Esperamos verte de nuevo en Córdoba.
Hemos estado encantados con la guía, Blanca, que nos ha tocado en nuestra visita a Medina Azahara. Buena profesional y un trato muy agradable.
Totalmente recomendable a amigos.
Visita guiada a Medina al Zarah. Nuestra guía Blanca muy bien documentada muy amena y agradable. No se nos ha hecho nada largo. Gracias
La guia, Blanca, excepcional