Córdoba is one of those cities where history is everywhere you look. We took a day trip from Seville, arriving by train around 10 AM, giving us a solid eight hours to explore. Even with an unexpected two-hour delay at the station on the way back, we managed to see a lot—without feeling rushed.
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The Mezquita: An Architectural Wonder
The highlight of our visit was, without a doubt, the Mezquita (Great Mosque of Córdoba). It’s one of the most fascinating buildings we’ve ever seen, and booking tickets in advance was definitely worth it. With an audio guide in hand, we were able to understand how the mosque-turned-cathedral has evolved over centuries.
Walking through the vast prayer hall, with its endless rows of red-and-white striped arches, felt like stepping into another world. The blend of Islamic and Christian architecture is striking—some parts feel completely different from one another, yet somehow work together in the same space. It’s massive, and even though we’d seen plenty of pictures beforehand, nothing prepared us for the scale of it in person.
One of the standout features is the bell tower, which Elliot climbed while Kirsty (being pregnant) sat this one out. The climb is steep and narrow, but the views over the Orange Garden and the city beyond were worth it.
The Orange Garden, just outside the Mezquita, was a great spot to take a break. It’s peaceful, the scent of the citrus trees lingers in the air, and even though it’s right by one of Córdoba’s busiest attractions, it still felt like a quiet escape.
Wandering Through the Streets
From the Mezquita, we made our way to Calleja de las Flores, one of Córdoba’s most famous streets. It’s a narrow alley lined with whitewashed buildings and colourful flower pots, leading to a picture-perfect view of the Mezquita’s bell tower in the distance. It was busy, but worth the stop for a quick photo.
By this point, we were ready for lunch, so we found a tapas spot called Patio de la Judería. The food was good, though not particularly memorable—except for the crispy aubergine with honey, which was the clear standout. Definitely something to try if you’re in Córdoba.
The Roman Bridge & City Views
After lunch, we walked to the Roman Bridge, which stretches across the Guadalquivir River and has been standing for nearly 2,000 years. It’s one of Córdoba’s most iconic landmarks, and from the far end, you get a great view looking back at the city skyline. The bridge leads to the Calahorra Tower, a small fortress that adds to the historic feel of the area. We had some time before our next stop, so we lingered here for a bit, taking in the views and watching the life of the city unfold around us.
The Alcázar of the Christian Kings
When we arrived at the Alcázar, we weren’t immediately impressed. The entrance looked a little run-down, and at first, we weren’t sure if we were even in the right place. But once inside, the gardens completely changed our minds.
Perfectly manicured hedges, fountains, and bright flowers made it one of the most scenic spots in the city. There’s also a tower with great views over Córdoba, and unlike the Mezquita’s bell tower, the steps here were manageable enough that Kirsty could climb up too. Inside the Alcázar itself, there wasn’t much to see—if there was more to explore, we must have missed it—but the gardens and views more than made up for it.
A Few More Stops
Before heading back towards the station, we made a quick stop at the Roman Temple of Córdoba. Unfortunately, it was under excavation, with cranes and scaffolding everywhere, which made it difficult to appreciate. From there, we walked to Cristo de los Faroles (Christ of the Lanterns), a unique crucifix surrounded by lanterns in a quiet square. It was a short but interesting stop before wrapping up the day.
Ending the Day with Dessert
Before catching our train, we grabbed a final drink and dessert at Taberna Caballerizas Reales, which turned out to be a great find. Elliot tried a local cheese and beer pairing, while Kirsty went for Pastel Cordobés, a puff pastry filled with cabello de ángel (a pumpkin-based jam) and dusted with cinnamon and sugar. It was the perfect sweet note to end the day.
Final Thoughts
Córdoba is a fantastic city for a day trip—compact, walkable, and packed with history. The Mezquita is an absolute must-see, and booking tickets in advance with an audio guide made a huge difference in understanding its history. The Roman Bridge, Alcázar gardens, and little side streets like Calleja de las Flores add to the charm. We felt like one day was enough to see the highlights, but there’s definitely more to discover on a return visit.
Even with the train delay, Córdoba lived up to expectations. It’s a city where different cultures and histories blend together seamlessly, and we’re so glad we made the trip.
