Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Mezquita-Cathedral of Cordoba
Córdoba, Spain
A great mosque of red-and-white arches that later had a cathedral built into its centre.
Ruins · Spain · Andalusia
Medina Azahara
The ruins of a tenth-century palace-city built by the caliphs of Cordoba.
UNESCO World Heritage about 2 h
For storytellers
Why Medina Azahara matters
Medina Azahara was a palace-city built by the caliphs of Cordoba in the tenth century, and abandoned not long after. Today, the excavated remains show a glimpse of the splendour of Islamic Spain, including the horseshoe arches of its great hall. A museum helps picture how it looked. It is a short drive from town.
Talking points
- It was built as a caliphal palace-city in the tenth century.
- Only a portion of the site has been excavated.
- A modern museum explains the site.
Free to read aloud or adapt in your video. Check facts that matter to you against an official source before you publish.
More in Córdoba
Neighbourhood
Jewish Quarter of Cordoba
Córdoba, Spain
A maze of whitewashed lanes with flower-filled patios beside the Mezquita.
Bridge
Roman Bridge of Cordoba
Córdoba, Spain
An ancient stone bridge over the Guadalquivir, with a fortified gate and views of the Mezquita.
Castle
Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs
Córdoba, Spain
A medieval fortress with beautiful gardens, where Columbus is said to have met the Catholic Monarchs.
Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.