Surroundings, Córdoba

Numerous parks and scenic routes are to be found beyond Córdoba's boundaries.

Picture - Modern bridge in Guadalquivir.

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Related Attractions

Medina Azahara

10km/6mi west of Córdoba, reached by way of C 431 and a secondary road which in 8km/5mi goes off on the right, stands Medina Azahara, a palace-town built by Abderrahman III from 936 onwards and named after his favorite wife Zahara which is said to have been large enough to house 30,000 people. In 1010 it was destroyed by the Almoravids and thereafter used as a quarry of building material; as a result it is now largely in ruins.

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Palace of Abd ar-Rahman

The Medina Azahara, situated on a hill, was surrounded by terraced gardens. Some impression of its splendor can be gained from the partly rebuilt Palace of Abd ar-Rahman with its arched columns and its walls covered with reliefs, as well as the town-gate facing Córdoba. Finds from Medina Azahara can be seen in the site museum and in the Archeological Museum in Córdoba.

San Jerónimo

A short distance away from Medina Azahara, above the Moorish town can be found the ruins of the monastery of San Jerónimo, situated at the foot of the Sierra de Córdoba. Built in 1408 the monastery was often visited by Isabella the Catholic. In 1492, after the Moors had been driven out of Granada she left captured standards to the monastery for safe keeping.

Almodovar del Rio, Medina Azahara

15km/9mi beyond Medina Azahara on C 431 is Almodóvar del Río, in the valley of the Guadalquivir, with an imposing castle on a hill above the town. The castle is reached by driving around the town and climbing a steep footpath.

Las Ermitas

From the Plaza de Colón in Córdoba, at the northeast end of the Ronda de los Tejares, the Carretera del Brillante runs north to the slopes of the Sierra de Córdoba (7km/4.5mi) and Las Ermitas. This is a group of hermitages belonging to the Congregation of the Brethren of Our Lady of Bethlehem. From the mirador below the 18th century church there is a fine panorama.

Santa María de Trassierra

On the northwestern slopes of the Sierra at Las Ermitas is the church of Santa María de Trassierra, built in the period of the Reconquista on the site of an earlier mosque in the grounds of the ruined castle.

Parque Natural Sierra de Cardeña-Montoro

The Mediterranean forest of Cardeña-Montoro is located in the district of Los Pedroches. It contains a rich wildlife, including such animals as lynxes, wolves and even some royal eagles and imperial eagles.

A large portion of the natural park is given over to raising sheep and cattle.

Lucena, Spain

Lucena, the second largest city in Córdoba province features some beautiful architecture and has some nearby nature parks. Of particular interest are the castle and palace in Lucena.

Montilla, Spain

Montilla has a beautiful historic center with buildings dating back to the 16th C. The town is home to palaces, castles, churches, and other holy sites. Montilla is also known for olives and even has an Olive Oil Museum.

Palacio La Moratalla

The Palacio La Moratalla is known for its beautiful gardens. Formal gardens and natural areas are both present and include, ponds, pleasant sitting areas, and tree lined walking paths. The palace itself dates to the 15th C.

Parque Natural de las Sierra de Hornachuelos

The Mediterranean forest of Sierra de Hornachuelos is rich with local flora and fauna. Several colonies of imperial eagles, lynx and black vultures are found in its boundaries.

Aguilar, Spain

The village of Aguilar is notable for its unusual central square and for the fine olive oils that it produces.

Hermitages of Andalusia

The Hermitages of Andalusia have been occupied by monks since the 4th C AD through to present day. Visiting these sights requires a full day.

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Parque Natural de las Sierras Subbéticas

The southerly Parque Natural de las Sierras Subbéticas contains a few small towns in its rugged landscape, which is comprised primarily of limestone mountains.

Cave of Bats

Guided groups may visit the Cave of Bats, which has both archeological and speleological points of interest.

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Puente Genil, Spain

The small town of Puente Genil is located south of Córdoba and west of Granada. The town is known for the annaul Fosforito Flamenco Song Festival.

The Colonies

Charles III created the Colonies, a collection of several towns, in the 18th C. to repopulate deserted areas.

Guadalquivir

Numerous villages and towns are to be found in the river valley of Guadalquivir.

Montoro

The village of Montoro is situated along the Guadalquivir River. An old bridge spans the river and is one of the towns tourist attractions. Montor has also been given the designation Historic-Artistic Site.