Alminar de San Juan, Córdoba

Minaret in Córdoba

Alminar De San Juan De Los Caballeros Cordoba 4
Alminar de San Juan de los Caballeros Cordoba 4
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Turol Jones

The Alminar de San Juan is one of the top attractions in Córdoba for travellers interested in Islamic architecture and early medieval history. Standing quietly in Plaza de San Juan, this 9th-century minaret is one of the few remaining in Spain that has preserved its original structure. Built during the Emiral-Caliphal era, it once called the faithful to prayer in one of the many neighbourhood mosques that filled Córdoba during its Islamic golden age.

Despite later alterations - including its conversion into a bell tower after the Christian conquest - the minaret still retains its essential form, making it one of the best places to visit in Córdoba for anyone seeking an authentic link to the city's Muslim past. It is often visited on walking tours of Córdoba that explore the lesser-known monuments of the historic centre.

History and Significance of Alminar de San Juan

The minaret was constructed in the late 9th or early 10th century and originally belonged to a small mosque serving the surrounding neighbourhood. As with other minarets of the period, its purpose was practical and spiritual: from the top, the muezzin announced the call to prayer five times a day, marking the rhythm of daily life in Islamic Córdoba.

A plaque discovered at the site - now displayed in the Archaeological Museum - records that the mosque may have been founded by the Cadí Umar ben Hadabas during the rule of Emir Abderramán II. The tower would once have been taller than its current height and crowned with a crenellated terrace, in keeping with contemporary Islamic design.

Following the Christian conquest of Córdoba in 1236, the mosque was handed over to the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, also known as San Juan de los Caballeros. The mosque was converted into a church, and the minaret became a bell tower with the addition of an upper body for bells. Remarkably, unlike the minarets at the Great Mosque, San Lorenzo, and Santa Clara - all of which were heavily modified - the Alminar de San Juan survived largely intact.

Today, the minaret and the adjoining church are owned by the religious order Esclavas de Jesús.

Things to See and Do in Alminar de San Juan

The Alminar de San Juan is notable for its simplicity and authenticity. The tower is square in plan, measuring 3.70 metres per side and rising to a height of 10.92 metres. Constructed from limestone ashlars, it preserves the clean, austere lines typical of early Islamic architecture.

One of its most striking features is the pair of caliphal horseshoe arches, framed as twin openings supported by Visigothic marble columns. These arches, with their elegant curvature and detailed stonework, reveal the artistic refinement of the Caliphate period and offer a clear visual link between Córdoba’s Islamic and Visigothic heritage.

Although visitors cannot typically enter the tower, its exterior can be admired from the small plaza around it. The setting - quiet, residential, and rich in history - adds to the tower’s atmosphere, and it remains a rewarding stop for photographers and history enthusiasts.

How to Get to Alminar de San Juan

Córdoba is accessible from nearby airports, including Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport and Seville Airport, both offering numerous domestic and international routes. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Córdoba on Booking.com.

The city is well connected by train, with high-speed AVE services linking Córdoba to Madrid, Málaga, and Seville. The minaret is approximately a 20-minute walk from the railway station through the historic centre. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If travelling by car, the area around Plaza de San Juan can be reached via Córdoba’s central roads, with public parking available nearby before continuing on foot. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Alminar de San Juan

  • Best time to visit Alminar de San Juan: Early morning or late afternoon for gentle light.
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Free to view from outside.
  • Opening hours: Exterior accessible at all times.
  • Official website: Consult Córdoba’s municipal heritage pages.
  • How long to spend: 10-15 minutes.
  • Accessibility: The plaza is accessible; the tower itself cannot be entered.
  • Facilities: Limited in the immediate area; cafés nearby in the historic centre.
  • Photography tip: Frame the twin arches from an angle to highlight the Visigothic columns.
  • Guided tours: Included in some architectural or Islamic Córdoba walking routes.
  • Nearby food options: Tapas bars and cafés around the San Agustín and San Andrés districts.

Where to Stay close to Alminar de San Juan

Staying in Córdoba’s historic centre ensures easy access to the minaret and surrounding Islamic-era landmarks. Consider Eurostars Patios de Córdoba, a comfortable option set around traditional courtyards. For a more boutique experience, Balcón de Córdoba offers charm and superb rooftop views. Another reliable choice is NH Collection Amistad Córdoba, close to many historic sites.

Is Alminar de San Juan Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Alminar de San Juan is worth visiting, especially for travellers who appreciate Islamic architecture and smaller, often-overlooked historical monuments. As one of the only intact minarets from Muslim Córdoba, it offers a rare glimpse into the city's Emiral-Caliphal heritage and enriches any exploration of the historic centre.

FAQs for Visiting Alminar de San Juan

What is the Alminar de San Juan?
A 9th-century minaret from an Emiral-Caliphal mosque, later converted into a bell tower.

Can you enter the tower?
No, it is generally only viewed from the outside.

Why is it significant?
It is one of the few surviving Islamic minarets in Spain and a declared Site of Cultural Interest.

Where is it located?
In Plaza de San Juan, within Córdoba’s UNESCO-listed historic centre.

What architectural features stand out?
Twin caliphal horseshoe arches supported by Visigothic marble columns.

Nearby Attractions to Alminar de San Juan

  • Iglesia de San Lorenzo: A church with a former minaret as its bell tower.
  • Plaza de San Agustín: A peaceful local square surrounded by historic buildings.
  • Archaeological Museum of Córdoba: Home to the plaque linked to the mosque's founder.
  • Palacio de Viana: A stately home with twelve beautiful courtyards.
  • Roman Temple of Córdoba: Striking ancient columns in the city centre.

The Alminar de San Juan appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Córdoba!

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Visiting Alminar de San Juan

Address: Alminar de San Juan Plaza de San Juan, 4 14003 Córdoba Spain
Córdoba: 1 km
Telephone: +34 683 35 47 04

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