Plaza de la Corredera, Córdoba

Square in Córdoba

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Michael Bryan

Plaza de la Corredera is one of the must-see places in Córdoba, a monumental rectangular square that brings Castilian plaza style into the heart of Andalusia. Measuring 113 metres long and 55 metres wide, it is one of the largest squares in southern Spain and a lively gathering point surrounded by cafés, terraces, and colourful façades. Its sweeping arcades and traditional balconies make it one of the top attractions in Córdoba for travellers who enjoy exploring historic public spaces.

Built over centuries and shaped by dramatic episodes of Córdoba's past, the square is often visited on walking tours of Córdoba and offers a wonderful place to rest between monuments. Beneath its paving, archaeologists discovered magnificent Roman mosaics - now preserved in the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos - adding another layer to its long story.

History and Significance of Plaza de la Corredera
Things to See and Do in Plaza de la Corredera
How to Get to Plaza de la Corredera
Practical Tips on Visiting Plaza de la Corredera
Where to Stay close to Plaza de la Corredera
Is Plaza de la Corredera Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Plaza de la Corredera
Nearby Attractions to Plaza de la Corredera

History and Significance of Plaza de la Corredera

Before it became a formal square, the Plaza de la Corredera existed as a wide esplanade outside the walls of the Medina, the upper city of Islamic Córdoba. By the 15th century, it had become a public gathering space used for everything from markets to official ceremonies. Over the centuries, the square hosted dramatic public events: executions until 1838 and bullfights until 1846, long before the city built its modern bullring.

Its current appearance dates to a major reconstruction carried out between 1683 and 1687, led by Chief Magistrate Francisco Ronquillo Briceño. During this ambitious project, the arcaded ground floors, regular bays, and stacked balconies were built, giving the square its uniform Castilian look, similar to Madrid’s Plaza Mayor. These works unified the surrounding facades while maintaining the square as Córdoba’s principal civic stage.

Not all buildings were altered during the 17th-century redesign. The Vivienda del Corregidor - the Chief Magistrate’s House - remained untouched. This Mannerist palace, built between 1583 and 1586, once contained a prison in its basement, later transformed into a hat factory powered by steam engines in the 19th century. The building eventually became a large indoor market in 1896. Another survivor of the reconstruction was the house of Ana Jacinto de Angulo, whose successful petition to King Carlos II preserved her property from demolition.

The plaza’s name, “Corredera,” comes from its long history of hosting bullfights, where bulls entered through the narrow Toril alley - a street that still preserves its name today.

Things to See and Do in Plaza de la Corredera

The spacious, rectangular plaza is perfect for slow exploration. Wander along its arcaded walkways, admire the colourful facades, and watch daily life unfold beneath the striped awnings and wrought-iron balconies. The symmetry of the square provides wonderful photographic angles at all times of day.

Have a coffee or a meal at one of the many cafés and restaurants lining the square. Their outdoor terraces make the Corredera one of Córdoba’s best places for people-watching, especially in the late afternoon when the square fills with families and locals meeting friends.

Look for the entrances through the Arco Alto and Arco Bajo, which offer atmospheric transitions from the narrow medieval streets into the wide expanse of the square. History lovers will appreciate the stories behind the Magistrate’s House and Ana Jacinto de Angulo’s preserved residence, both silent witnesses to centuries of civic life.

How to Get to Plaza de la Corredera

Córdoba is served by nearby airports such as Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport and Seville Airport, offering frequent international and domestic flights. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Córdoba on Booking.com.

Visitors arriving by train will find Córdoba easily accessible thanks to the high-speed AVE network linking the city with Madrid, Málaga, and Seville. Plaza de la Corredera is about a 20-25 minute walk from the station. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If travelling by car, Córdoba’s major highways lead to the city centre, where paid parking facilities allow easy access to the historic neighbourhoods surrounding the square. 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 Plaza de la Corredera

Best time to visit Plaza de la Corredera: Late afternoon or evening when the cafés fill with activity.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free to visit as a public square.
Opening hours: Open at all times.
Official website: Check local municipal tourism sources for event listings.
How long to spend: 20-40 minutes, longer if enjoying a meal or drink.
Accessibility: Spacious and flat, easy for all visitors to access.
Facilities: Numerous cafés, bars, and shops around the plaza.
Photography tip: Capture the square from one corner to highlight its full rectangular geometry.
Guided tours: Many city walking tours pass through or stop at the square.
Nearby food options: Excellent tapas bars and restaurants line the edges of the plaza.

Where to Stay close to Plaza de la Corredera

Staying near Plaza de la Corredera places you within walking distance of Córdoba's main sights and atmospheric old streets. A comfortable nearby option is Hotel Hospes Palacio del Bailío, set inside a historic palace. Another well-located choice is Eurostars Patios de Córdoba, known for its modern rooms within a historic setting. For boutique charm, consider Hotel Boutique Patio del Posadero, offering stylish accommodation close to the square.

Is Plaza de la Corredera Worth Visiting?

Yes, Plaza de la Corredera is absolutely worth visiting. Its grand proportions, colourful façades, and lively atmosphere make it a unique Andalusian square with Castilian character. Whether stopping for photographs, enjoying a drink on a terrace, or simply soaking up the ambience, the plaza is a memorable highlight of any visit to Córdoba.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (758)

Mercado de la Corredera, Plaza de las Cañas, is a small, quiet market in Córdoba known for very fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables; several stalls will even grill or pan-cook fish and seafood you buy, and visitors mention a friendly café inside that serves good coffee. Reviewers note the market has limited stalls so it isn't very lively compared with larger markets, but it features charming touches like recipe-decorated walls and clean facilities.

Elisa Winstanley

a year ago

"A quiet market with limited stalls. Wasn’t a great deal of food unless you want fresh seafood, in which case there’s plenty! Love the walls withrecipes of dishes. The toilets were clean!..."

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Ws R

3 years ago

"So unique, I love this place. Was searching for it at the Plaza and the only thing that lead me here was the smell of fish! So I followed it andwalked around, saw a sign saying we pan grill your food that a lovely lady sells beverage and food. So I brought 2 fresh squids and she cooked it for me. Per cooking plate she charged me around 3€. So worth it!!!..."

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S T

9 months ago

"If someone search for market place in Cordoba, probably will get on travel sites a description which states that this is the liveliest market inCordoba. Well, it is true that it is in Cordoba, but for the rest of statement just foget it...."

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FAQs for Visiting Plaza de la Corredera

It sits in central Córdoba, just north of the Mosque-Cathedral and close to many historic streets.

The name comes from the bullfights once held there; bulls entered through the Toril alley.

Arcaded façades, cafés, historic buildings, and the entrances known as Arco Alto and Arco Bajo.

No, they were moved to the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos.

Yes, especially in the evenings when the terraces fill with locals.

Nearby Attractions to Plaza de la Corredera

Roman Temple of Córdoba: Impressive columns from the city's ancient forum.
Plaza de las Tendillas: A popular central square with shops and cafés.
Palacio de Viana: A mansion with twelve courtyards and peaceful gardens.
Museo Julio Romero de Torres: Museum dedicated to the Cordoban painter.
Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos: A palace-fortress with gardens and towers.

The Plaza de la Corredera 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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