Statue of Maimónides, Córdoba

Statue in Córdoba

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Jerzy Kociatkiewicz

The Statue of Maimónides is one of Córdoba's most meaningful and quietly atmospheric landmarks, standing in the small square of Plaza de Tiberíades in the heart of the Jewish Quarter. This bronze sculpture, erected in 1964, honours Moses ben Maimon - known as Maimónides - the celebrated 12th-century philosopher, physician, and Torah scholar who was born and raised in Córdoba during its golden age of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim coexistence. With its calm posture and thoughtful expression, the monument feels like a contemplative pause amid the winding streets, and remains one of the must-see places in Córdoba for anyone drawn to its intellectual and spiritual history.

The square around the sculpture is one of the most atmospheric corners of La Judería, surrounded by whitewashed walls, old stone doorways, and quiet lanes lined with potted plants. Visitors often come here to reflect on the life of Maimónides, whose influence stretched from Córdoba to Fez, Fustat, and far beyond. The spot is often visited on walking tours of Córdoba, giving travellers a chance to connect with the city's role as a medieval centre of learning.

History and Significance of the Statue of Maimónides
Things to See and Do at the Statue of Maimónides
How to Get to the Statue of Maimónides
Practical Tips on Visiting the Statue of Maimónides
Where to Stay close to Statue of Maimónides
Is the Statue of Maimónides Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Statue of Maimónides
Nearby Attractions to Statue of Maimónides

History and Significance of the Statue of Maimónides

The statue honours Moshe ben Maimon, born in Córdoba in 1135 or 1138, who became one of the greatest Jewish scholars and thinkers of the Middle Ages. Philosopher, theologian, astronomer, legal authority, and physician, Maimónides produced profound works including the Mishneh Torah and The Guide for the Perplexed, shaping Jewish thought across centuries.

Life changed dramatically for Córdoba’s Jewish community after the Almohad conquest in 1148, when forced conversions and persecution prompted Maimónides and his family to leave the city. Their long period of exile took them through southern Spain and into North Africa, eventually reaching Fustat (Old Cairo) in Egypt. There, Maimónides became a respected court physician to the Sultan and a towering intellectual figure of the Islamic world. He died in 1204, and according to tradition, was buried in Tiberias, in present-day Israel.

The statue, created by sculptor Amadeo Ruiz Olmos in 1964, symbolises Córdoba’s recognition of its most illustrious medieval thinker. It was placed in Plaza de Tiberíades - named after the town where Maimónides is buried - forming a symbolic link between his birthplace and his final resting place.

Things to See and Do at the Statue of Maimónides

The statue depicts Maimónides seated, dressed in scholarly robes, with a book resting on his lap. Visitors often note the calm, contemplative expression that captures his life as a thinker and writer. It is customary for visitors to touch the statue’s bronze foot - a gesture believed to bring good luck.

The surrounding square, intimate and enclosed, offers a quiet place to reflect. The white façades, arched doorways, and Andalusian details make this a photogenic corner of the Jewish Quarter. Informational plaques nearby provide background on the philosopher and the significance of the location.

From the square, narrow lanes lead to other landmarks such as the Synagogue, Casa de Sefarad, and the city's network of flower-lined alleys. The area is ideal for exploring on foot, taking in the atmosphere of a district shaped by centuries of intellectual, religious, and artistic exchange.

How to Get to the Statue of Maimónides

Córdoba Airport is the nearest air connection, though most visitors arrive via Málaga or Seville airports before travelling onward by rail or road. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Córdoba on Booking.com.

From Córdoba's main train station, the Jewish Quarter is about a 25-30 minute walk, and several local bus routes connect to nearby stops. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If arriving by car, park in one of the public garages near the historic centre and continue on foot through the pedestrianised 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 the Statue of Maimónides

Best time to visit Statue of Maimónides: Early morning or late afternoon for quieter moments and softer light.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free to visit.
Opening hours: Accessible at all hours; it is located in a public square.
Official website: Check the Córdoba Tourism site for additional information.
How long to spend: 10-15 minutes, or longer if exploring the nearby Jewish Quarter.
Accessibility: The narrow cobbled lanes can be uneven; wheelchair access may be challenging.
Facilities: No facilities on-site; cafés and shops are within a short walk.
Photography tip: Capture the statue framed by the white walls and foliage of the surrounding square.
Guided tours: Many Jewish Quarter tours stop here to discuss Maimónides' life and legacy.
Nearby food options: Tapas bars and cafés around Calle Judíos and the Synagogue area.

Where to Stay close to Statue of Maimónides

Staying in the Jewish Quarter places you close to the statue and many of Córdoba's most iconic sites. Nearby options include Las Casas de la Judería de Córdoba, a beautiful hotel built around historic courtyards, and NH Collection Amistad Córdoba, located directly beside the square and ideally positioned for exploring La Judería.

Is the Statue of Maimónides Worth Visiting?

Yes - the Statue of Maimónides is absolutely worth visiting, offering a moment of quiet reflection in one of Córdoba's most historic districts. It commemorates one of the city's greatest thinkers and serves as a gentle reminder of the intellectual flourishing that once defined medieval Córdoba. Whether you're interested in philosophy, Jewish history, or simply seeking a peaceful corner of the city, this is one of the top sights in Córdoba.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (507)

The Statue of Maimonides stands in Plaza de Tiberíades in Córdoba's Jewish quarter as a bronze seated depiction of the Cordoban philosopher, theologian and physician Moshe ben Maimon (Maimónides), shown in traditional Arab dress and holding a book; erected in 1964, it commemorates his role as a leading medieval Torah scholar and influential thinker and is located near a preserved synagogue and the historic Judería.

Seokjin Ham

2 months ago

"This statue honors Maimonides (Moses ben Maimon), the great medieval Jewish philosopher, physician, and rabbi born in Córdoba. His writings deeplyinfluenced both Islamic and European thought. Depicted in traditional Arab dress and holding a book, the sculpture reflects his identity as a scholar and bridge between cultures...."

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Tomi Valny

8 months ago

"on Tiberiades square in Jewish quarter of Cordoba, Juderia, one can find a statue of sitting Maimonides, Moshe ben Maimon, or also known as Rambam,probably the most important and influential Torah scholars of the Middle Ages. Born in Cordoba on Passover eve 1138 or 1135. I visited the place almost 900 years after, Passover eve 2025...."

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samer radi

a year ago

"Bronze sculpture of philosopher, theologian & doctor, Cordovan Ben Maimónides, erected in 1964. The Arab philosopher Maimonides was born and lived inCórdoba in the 12th century. He was a famous and culturally influential in the thriving Medieval Cordoba. Moshe ben Maimon, was his name in Hebrew, but he became known as “Maimónides”, not only was he an important philosopher and astronomer he was also the most prolific and influential Torah scholars and physician of the middle ages. After Cordoba was conquered by the Almohads (Berber dynasty) in 1148 Maimodes moved about present day Andalucia for the next ten years, residing in Fez, Morocco before settling in Fustat or Egypt in 1168. He died in Egypt in 1204 and was burried in Tiberas , Galilee..."

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FAQs for Visiting Statue of Maimónides

He was a 12th-century philosopher, physician, astronomer, and one of the most influential Jewish scholars of the Middle Ages.

It stands in Plaza de Tiberíades, in the heart of Córdoba’s Jewish Quarter.

Maimónides was born in Córdoba and spent his early life here before exile, becoming one of the city’s most important historical figures.

Yes, it is located in a public square with open access.

Yes, the location is ideal for quiet, atmospheric photography.

Nearby Attractions to Statue of Maimónides

Córdoba Synagogue: One of the best-preserved medieval synagogues in Spain, just steps away.
Casa de Sefarad: Museum dedicated to Sephardic history and culture.
Calleja de las Flores: A famous flower-filled alley with views of the Mezquita tower.
Mezquita-Catedral: Córdoba's world-renowned mosque-cathedral.
Casa Andalusí: A charming house-museum showing everyday life in medieval Al-Andalus.

The Statue of Maimónides appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Córdoba!

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