Plaza de las Tendillas, Córdoba

Square in Córdoba

Plaza de las Tendillas is one of the things to do in Córdoba for anyone who wants to experience the city's urban energy blended with Andalusian charm. Positioned perfectly between the old town and the modern commercial district, it's a spacious pedestrian square filled with cafés, fountains, and relaxed seating — the kind of place where locals gather for a coffee, families wander in the evenings, and events fill the space throughout the year.

Its lively atmosphere means it's often visited on walking tours of Córdoba, offering a refreshing contrast to the narrow lanes of the historic centre. Whether you come for people-watching, shopping, or history, Tendillas Square feels like the city's living room.

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

History and Significance of Plaza de las Tendillas

The origins of the square stretch back to the fifteenth century, when this area was a modest plaza housing a small hospital and a convent belonging to the Order of Calatrava. During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries it shifted into a bustling marketplace filled with tiny stalls — the “tendillas” that ultimately gave the square its name.

The transformation into the large plaza seen today began in 1908 with major widening works. The demolition of the Hotel Suizo (Hotel Swiss) in 1923 and additional redesigns under Mayor José Cruz Conde shaped its modern form. Architect Félix Hernández oversaw the redevelopment, creating a balanced, elegant civic centre that soon became one of Córdoba’s most recognisable spaces.

Across the decades, Tendillas evolved into a meeting point, a celebration space, and home to festivals and public events — including Córdoba’s New Year’s Eve countdown, famous for its guitar-chimed clock.

Things to See and Do in Plaza de las Tendillas

The most striking feature of the square is the Monument to the Great Captain, an equestrian bronze statue dating from 1927. Only the head is carved in white marble, giving it a distinctive appearance. It honours Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba, the Great Captain, a celebrated military leader known for his campaigns in Italy.

At one corner of the square stands the Tendillas Clock, which has marked time since 1961. Unlike traditional chimes, this clock plays its quarters and hours with the recorded sound of a classical guitar crafted by Manuel Reyes Maldonado. Each New Year’s Eve, locals gather to listen to these guitar chimes as they welcome the new year.

Tendillas also hosts seasonal events, most notably the Christmas Market, which fills the square with lights, stalls, and festive music. Around the perimeter are notable buildings, including the Casa Colomera, built in 1928 for the counts of Colomera and now home to the Palacio Colomera hotel. Another architectural highlight is the Building of La Unión y el Fénix, designed between 1926 and 1927; during the Civil War it housed a siren that warned the city of incoming air raids.

How to Get to Plaza de las Tendillas

Córdoba is easily reached from nearby airports such as Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport and Seville Airport, which serve numerous international and domestic routes. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Córdoba on Booking.com.

From elsewhere in Spain, high-speed AVE trains connect Córdoba with major cities like Madrid, Málaga, and Seville. The square is around a 15–20 minute walk from the railway station. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If travelling by car, you can reach the city centre via Córdoba’s ring roads and park in one of the nearby public garages 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 Plaza de las Tendillas

Best time to visit Plaza de las Tendillas: Early evening when the square is lively but not crowded.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free.
Opening hours: Open at all times.
Official website: Refer to Córdoba tourism portals for event details.
How long to spend: 20–30 minutes, longer if stopping at cafés.
Accessibility: Flat, fully pedestrian, and wheelchair-friendly.
Facilities: Numerous cafés, restaurants, shops, benches, and shaded areas.
Photography tip: Capture the fountain with the Great Captain statue rising behind it.
Guided tours: Included in many general city walking tours.
Nearby food options: Plenty of tapas bars and cafés around the perimeter.

Where to Stay close to Plaza de las Tendillas

Staying near Tendillas offers easy access to both the old town and the modern shopping district. A stylish nearby choice is Palacio Colomera, located directly in the square. Another comfortable option is Eurostars Conquistador, close to both the plaza and the Mosque–Cathedral. For boutique charm, consider Soho Boutique Capuchinos.

Is Plaza de las Tendillas Worth Visiting?

Yes, Plaza de las Tendillas is absolutely worth visiting. It offers a vibrant slice of everyday Córdoba life, from elegant architecture to buzzing cafés and iconic landmarks. Whether you are shopping, relaxing, or passing through on your way to the historic centre, the square provides an enjoyable and authentic urban experience.