Córdoba is a city in Andalusia, southern Spain, and the capital of the province of Córdoba. The city combins ancient Roman and medieval Moorish architecture and history, Cordoba is home to the great Mosque-Cathedral, one of the most important tourist attractions in Spain.

Strategically located on the north bank of the Guadalquivir River, Cordoba was Spain’s capital during Roman and Moorish times. The typical Spanish white alleys, decorated with colorful flower pots, are surrounded by exquisite remnants of Islamic architecture such as its old quarter and famous Mezquita or mosque.

Short History of Córdoba

Roman and Visigoths town

Initially a Carthaginian township, Córdoba was captured by the Romans in 206 BC, and soon becoming the capital of Hispania Citerior. It had fine buildings and imposing fortifications. In the 6th century, with the crumbling of the Roman Empire, the city fell to the Visigoths until the beginning of the 8th century when it was conquered by the Moors.

Capital of al-Andalus

In 716, Córdoba became a provincial capital and, in 766, capital of the Muslim emirate of al-Andalus. By the 10th century, as the Caliphate of Córdoba it had become one of the most advanced cities in the world, recognized for its culture, learning and religious tolerance. It addition to a huge library, the city enclosed over 300 mosques and a multitude of palaces and administrative buildings.

In 1236, King Ferdinand III took the city, built new defenses and converted the Grand Mosque into a cathedral. The Christian city grew up around the cathedral with palaces, churches, and a fortress. Although the city lost its political significance under Christian rule, it continued to play an important role in commerce thanks to the nearby Sierra Morena copper mines.