Córdoba and the Mezquita from Málaga

About this experience

Abd al-Rahman I began the Great Mosque in 785. After Córdoba fell in 1236 it became a cathedral, and from 1523 a Renaissance nave was built into the middle of it. UNESCO listed it in 1984 and extended the listing to the historic centre of Córdoba in 1994. Inside you walk among hundreds of columns of jasper, marble and granite under red and white arches.

The day starts with a guided walk through the historic centre and the Jewish Quarter: the synagogue, the Artisans' Souk, the monument to Maimonides and Calle de las Flores. Then comes the guided visit of the Mosque-Cathedral with your entrance ticket and headphones. Free time follows for lunch and the craft shops, where Córdoba's silver filigree is the local speciality.

Córdoba is far from Málaga by road, and the day lasts ten hours. If you'd rather go alone, fast trains link Málaga and Córdoba in under an hour, so check renfe.com. The tour's value is the guide and the ticket in one package. The listing says it does not suit people with limited mobility, and the bus will not wait for latecomers.

• Guided visit of the Mosque-Cathedral, entrance ticket included
• A guided walk in the Jewish Quarter and the historic centre
• The synagogue, the Artisans' Souk and Calle de las Flores
• Free time for lunch and Córdoba's silver filigree shops
• Headphones to hear the guide in the crowds

How the day runs

1. 15 min earlyMeet at the NH Hotel Málaga

   Next to the hotel door. The listing asks you to arrive 15 minutes early, as the bus won't wait.

2. DriveBus to Córdoba

   North through the hills and olive country of Andalucía.

3. Late morningThe Jewish Quarter

   A guided walk past the synagogue, the Artisans' Souk, Maimonides and Calle de las Flores.

4. GuidedThe Mosque-Cathedral

   Inside the Mezquita with your guide: the prayer hall, the mihrab and the cathedral in its centre.

5. Free timeLunch and crafts

   Eat in the old town and browse the filigree silver shops.

6. AfternoonBack to Málaga

   Bus back to the meeting point.

What's included

Who it suits

What guests say

Tips before you book

• Arrive 15 minutes early. The listing says the bus won't wait.
• Dress modestly for the Mezquita. It is a working cathedral.
• Visiting in May? Córdoba's patio festival makes the old town busy and colourful.

Read next:

• Day trips from Málaga

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