Off the Beaten Path - Córdoba Travel Guide

On the foothills of the Morena Sierra, only 8 kilometres outside of the city of Cordoba you can find the remains of what once was one of the most beautiful cities in the world and also the capital of al-Andalus: the Madinat al-Zahra (or in English also referred to as Medina Azahara).

Now it seems a forgotten place, which only attracted a handful of visitors during our visit on this gorgeous sunny afternoon in March 2008. The number of archaeologists, working constantly to discover more and more of this lost city, easily outnumbered the number of visitors. Only 10%, approx 112 hectares, of this once Islamic city in Southern Spain has been excavated and restored so far and one can only imagine what lost splendour is still hidden underneath the ground.

Madinat al-Zahra dates back to the 10th century, built by Abd ar-Rahman III, the Caliph of Córdoba. Its heydays were only short-lived as the city only flourished for approximately 80 years. The building started around 940, and between 1010 and 1013 its period of glory came to an abrupt end. A civil war put an end to the Ummayad Caliphate and the city was plundered and abandoned. Lots of it remains were used to build other constructions. But despite all that, walking through these 'newly' discovered and restored piles of stones, walls and arches, one can still imagine what this place must have been like in the 10th century. If you are in Andalucía, and especially if you are in the area of Cordoba, a visit to Madinat al-Zahra is something you shouldn't miss. Especially if you have an interest in history, archaeology and/or architecture you will without a doubt be fascinated by Madinat al-Zahra.

Opening hours:
16 September to 30 April:
Tuesday-Saturday: 10.00 to 18.30.

1 May to 15 September:
Tuesday-Saturday: 10.00 to 20.30, Sundays: 10.00 to 14.00.

During public holidays: 10.00 to 14.00

Closed on Mondays and on the 1st and 6th January, 1st of May, 24th, 25th and 31st of December.

Admittance:
EU citizens with proof of nationality: free (although no one asked or checked during our visit). Other nationalities: €1.50.

You can read more about this fascinating archaeological site on my Medina Azahàra Page

Off the Beaten Path in Córdoba

Córdoba Hotels

Córdoba Off the Beaten Path

Visiting Córdoba?

Visiting Córdoba?

Córdoba Hotels