Casa de Sefarad, Córdoba
Museum in Córdoba
Casa de Sefarad - also called Casa de la Memoria - is one of the most meaningful museums in Córdoba, a place created to honour the city's Sephardic past and preserve the memory of the Jewish community expelled during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs. Opened in 2006 and housed in a restored 14th-century home in the Judería, the museum is small, intimate, and deeply evocative. Its rooms bring visitors close to the everyday lives, traditions, and legacy of Sephardic culture, making it one of the top attractions in Córdoba for those seeking a more personal understanding of its layered history.
The museum is privately owned, born from a desire to settle a “historical debt” with the Jewish community. Inside, nine rooms surround a central courtyard, each focusing on a different aspect of Sephardic life-from music and language to domestic habits, festive rituals, and the stories of remarkable women from Al-Andalus. Visiting Casa de Sefarad is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Córdoba, especially paired with the nearby Synagogue directly opposite.
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History and Significance of Casa de Sefarad
Casa de Sefarad was established to reclaim and tell the stories of Córdoba's Sephardic heritage, a legacy that was nearly erased after the expulsion of 1492. The building itself dates to the 14th century and stands within the historic Judería, steps from the Sinagoga de Córdoba and streets once walked by Maimonides.
The museum's mission is to safeguard the memory of Sephardic traditions, showcasing artifacts, documents, cultural expressions, and personal histories often absent from larger institutions. It also serves as a cultural centre, hosting concerts, lectures, and workshops related to Jewish music, philosophy, and interfaith history. Its intimate scale allows for a contemplative visit, making it one of the must-see places in Córdoba for travellers interested in cultural identity and historical depth.
Things to See and Do in Casa de Sefarad
Casa de Sefarad is arranged around a peaceful central courtyard, with nine rooms that explore different dimensions of Sephardic life:
The Sala de la Vida Doméstica presents objects relating to daily chores such as cooking and crafts, giving insight into the rhythms of everyday home life. The Sala de Música Sefardí highlights the evolution of Sephardic music with 17th-century percussion and woodwind instruments, reminding visitors of the rich musical traditions that flourished in Al-Andalus.
In the Sala de la Judería de Córdoba, displays focus on Sephardic customs linked to the synagogue and the organisation of the medieval Jewish Quarter. The Sala de los Ciclos Festivos explores festivals and celebrations through traditional objects and stories. One of the most compelling rooms is the Sala de las Mujeres de Al-Ándalus, dedicated to Jewish, Muslim, and Christian women who shaped the cultural life of medieval Al-Andalus.
Further rooms include the Sala de la Sinagoga, the Sala de la Lengua focused on Ladino (Judeo-Spanish), the Sala de la Inquisición with documents and a replica 1510 sambenito, and finally the Sala de Maimónides, dedicated to the life and thought of the great philosopher. Together, these spaces create an enlightening and emotionally resonant experience.
How to Get to Casa de Sefarad
Travelling by air, most visitors arrive at Seville Airport or Málaga Airport before transferring to Córdoba by train or bus. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Córdoba on Booking.com.
If arriving by train, Casa de Sefarad is easily reached by several city bus lines serving the Judería, including lines 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 16, 01, and 02. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
If travelling by car, parking nearer the modern parts of the city is recommended before walking into the Judería’s narrow medieval streets. 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 Casa de Sefarad
- Best time to visit Casa de Sefarad: Late morning or early afternoon for a quieter atmosphere.
- Entrance fee in Euros: Small fee applies; check on arrival.
- Opening hours: Usually mornings and afternoons; closed Mondays.
- Official website: Search “Casa de Sefarad Córdoba” for current schedules.
- How long to spend: 45-60 minutes.
- Accessibility: Some narrow spaces; courtyard and ground-floor rooms accessible.
- Facilities: Small shop offering ceramics, music, and books.
- Photography tip: The central courtyard offers the best natural light.
- Guided tours: Many Jewish Quarter tours include or start near Casa de Sefarad.
- Nearby food options: Many cafés and tapas bars in Calle Judíos and around the Synagogue.
Where to Stay close to Casa de Sefarad
Staying in the Judería allows easy access to Casa de Sefarad and the surrounding monuments. For charm and atmosphere, consider Balcón de Córdoba. Another excellent option is NH Collection Amistad Córdoba, just steps from the museum. For comfort directly opposite the Mezquita, try Eurostars Conquistador.
Is Casa de Sefarad Worth Visiting?
Yes. Casa de Sefarad is one of the best places to visit in Córdoba for anyone interested in Sephardic culture, interfaith history, and the human stories that shaped the city. Its intimate rooms, thoughtful exhibits, and emotional depth leave a lasting impression, offering a perspective rarely found elsewhere.
What Other Travellers Say...
Casa de Sefarad, on C. Judíos in Córdoba's old Jewish quarter, is a small museum tracing local Sephardic heritage through compact, well-arranged exhibits; visitors note displays on banned books, silver ritual objects and chanukiyot, Jewish music, traditional Andalusian and Moroccan garments, a reconstructed synagogue area with materials on Maimonides and Inquisition-era documents, plus rotating temporary shows and live Sephardic song performances — the site is accessible via ramp and lift and offers an intimate, informative look at the community's history and diaspora.
FAQs for Visiting Casa de Sefarad
Nearby Attractions to Casa de Sefarad
- Sinagoga de Córdoba - A 14th-century synagogue across the street.
- Judería de Córdoba - The historic Jewish Quarter surrounding the museum.
- Plaza Maimónides - A charming square honouring philosopher Maimonides.
- Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba - The city's most iconic monument nearby.
- Zoco Municipal - An artisan market offering traditional crafts.
The Casa de Sefarad appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Córdoba!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Planning Your Visit
From September 16 to June 15.
Monday to Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
From June 16 to September 15.
Monday to Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Adults: € 4. Reduced: € 3.
Nearby Attractions
- Judería de Córdoba (0.0) km
Area - Sinagoga (0.0) km
Synagogue - Casa Andalusí (0.0) km
Historic Building and Museum - El Zoco (0.0) km
Market - Statue of Maimónides (0.1) km
Statue - Museo Taurino (0.1) km
Museum - Capilla de San Bartolomé (0.1) km
Church - Plaza Maimónides (0.1) km
Square and Statue - Almodóvar Gate (0.1) km
City Gate - Hospital del Cardenal Salazar (0.1) km
Historic Building
