Family City Guide: Córdoba

Cordoba is perhaps Spain’s most famous historic city. Located in the heart of Andalusia, it’s easy to access by car and train and well worth a visit for the entire family. Nothing beats teaching your children about history than by travelling to historic sights, and Cordoba, with all its ancient buildings and monuments, is the perfect city for a fun and educational trip.

Located in Andalusia, Cordoba is one of Europe’s oldest cities, and the ancient inland city offers amazing culture, and history in a unique blend of Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Roman traditions. The best months of the year to visit are April and May.

If you only have one day to explore, ensure you focus on the historic district surrounding the mosque-cathedral, the Madinat al-Zahra archaeological site, the Festival of the Patios (Courtyards), and the Mosque-Cathedral itself which have all been designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Fun fact – your kids will love to learn that Cordoba was used as a filming location for ‘Game of Thrones’ featuring the Roman bridge in particular. Here’s our City Guide Cordoba, where we’ve rounded up five sights worth visiting with your children.

The Mezquita-Catedral

Arguably the most important monument in the whole of the Western Muslim world, the Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral is also one of the most magnificent structures in the world. It has been recognised as a World Heritage Site since 1984. There are guided tours in several different languages for those wanting to learn more about the history, however, it’s fascinating to explore the mosque on your own as well.

For more information and bookings visit https://www.mezquitadecordoba-entradas.org/en/

Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

The rich history of Cordoba extends beyond the Cathedral; the 14th-century mediaeval castle known as Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos was the residence of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic rulers, and was once home to Christian rulers.

Its striking towers, elaborate mosaics, and vast gardens filled with statues and fountains are all open for exploration. The Alcázar is a must-visit location for history buffs since it provides a singularly exquisite window into Córdoba’s past.

Roman Bridge and Calahorra Tower

This is hands-down one of the most beautiful bridges in all of Spain!

The Roman Bridge, which was built in the first century BC, is a great place to stroll and see breathtaking views of the city and the Guadalquivir River. The Calahorra Tower, located at the southernmost point of the bridge, is home to a museum that offers tourists an immersive tour of Córdoba’s past while exhibiting some of the most stunning aerial views of the city.

Viana Palace and Gardens (Patios of Córdoba)

Córdoba is well known for its magnificent patios, and while the Patio Festival draws crowds each May, the vibrant courtyards are a sight to behold all year long. You can tour the 12 magnificent courtyards of Viana Palace or organise your own scavenger hunt throughout all of Córdoba’s patios.

Where To Stay – Family-Friendly Hotel

Hospes Palacio del Bailíois is a beautiful 5-star hotel conveniently located 1 km from the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba and the main attractions are walking distance from the hotel.

The rooms feature a décor combining past and present, some feature original wall paintings. All have a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi, and the bathrooms are particularly luxurious. For the warmer months, there’s an outdoor pool surrounded by a Roman garden with orange trees, and the on-site Arbequina restaurant serves a mix of Spanish and Asian cuisine.

Baby cots are available and children of any age are welcome although children from 7 years old will be charged adult fees. Pets are welcomed as well and there are food bowls available upon request.

Rates start at 180 euros/night.

For more information and bookings visit https://www.hospes.com/en/palacio-bailio/

Tips When Travelling To Cordoba With Children

As previously mentioned, April and May are the optimal months to visit Cordoba. May especially, when the patios are brimming of beautiful flowers. During the summer it gets very hot, August can sometimes see the temperatures shooting up to 50 degrees Celsius which is when the Cordobians escape to the coast (Costa Del Sol) to cool down. The winters on the other hand can get very cold which is why most people prefer to visit the city during either spring or autumn.

Cordoba, as in all Spanish cities, is child-friendly. If your children are older and walking, ensure they wear comfortable shoes since the cobblestoned streets require a proper grip. Prams can of course be used in the city centre and restaurants provide high chairs and are accommodating towards families.

The most famous sights can have long queues so ensure you’ve pre-purchased tickets or be ready to wait. Ensure your hotel is providing parking to avoid spending precious time looking for a car park (which is next to impossible to find during the spring months in/and close to the historical centre).

How To Get To Cordoba

The closest airports are Seville, Malaga and Madrid.

The city, due to its exceptional geographical location, is very well connected not only with Andalusia but also with the rest of Spain, through the A-4. Drive time from Madrid is 3h 30min, Seville 1h, Malaga 1h 30min and Valencia about 5h. Cordoba is also easy to travel to by train and high-speed train (AVE) and is the junction for connecting Madrid with Malaga, Seville, Cadiz, Granada and Huelva. Tickets can be booked via www.renfe.com/es/en