Plaza del Potro, Córdoba

Square in Córdoba

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Américo Toledano

Plaza del Potro is one of the best places to visit in Córdoba for travellers who enjoy quiet historic squares filled with symbolism, charm, and stories. Dating back to the 14th century, this neighbour's courtyard-style plaza sits near the river in one of the city's oldest districts. Its two emblematic monuments - the Fountain of the Colt and the Triumph of the Archangel Raphael - give the square a distinctive character that blends Renaissance elegance with local devotion.

Often visited on walking tours of Córdoba, Plaza del Potro is also home to cultural landmarks such as the Fine Arts Museum and the Julio Romero de Torres Museum. Its leafy corners, stone benches, and unmistakable fountain make it one of the top attractions in Córdoba for those who appreciate atmospheric, historically layered urban spaces.

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

History and Significance of Plaza del Potro

Plaza del Potro emerged in the 14th century as a neighbour's courtyard - a shared public space framed by houses, workshops, and travellers' lodgings. Its strategic placement near the Guadalquivir River made it an important hub in medieval Córdoba, especially for merchants and artisans who lived and worked nearby.

The plaza's identity is closely tied to the Fountain of the Potro, a Renaissance-style fountain installed in 1577 and topped a century later with the statue of a rearing colt carrying the city's coat of arms. This sculpted colt - el potro - gave the square its name, becoming a beloved symbol of Córdoba.

At the opposite end, the 1924 monument known as the Triumph of the Archangel Raphael reflects Córdoba’s spiritual heritage. The archangel is regarded as the city’s protector, and triumph monuments in his honour appear throughout the city. Together, these monuments frame a square that has remained culturally meaningful for centuries.

Things to See and Do in Plaza del Potro

Start your visit at the Fountain of the Potro, one of Córdoba’s most recognisable Renaissance fountains. The rearing colt, poised on its hind legs and holding a shield, makes for memorable photographs and serves as an elegant reminder of the city’s crest and medieval identity.

Cross the square to the monument dedicated to the Archangel Raphael. Part of Córdoba’s long tradition of triumphs, this sculpture honours the celestial guardian believed to watch over the city. The contrast between the lively colt and the serene archangel adds visual and symbolic balance to the plaza.

Around the square, visitors will also notice two important museums: the Museo Julio Romero de Torres and the Museo de Bellas Artes de Córdoba. Their presence reinforces Plaza del Potro's role as a cultural hub, making it a great place to rest between museum visits.

The square’s peaceful atmosphere and rectangular layout make it a pleasant place to sit, reflect, or simply enjoy Córdoba’s timeless charm.

How to Get to Plaza del Potro

Córdoba is easily accessible via Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport and Seville Airport, both of which offer domestic and international flights. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Córdoba on Booking.com.

Visitors arriving by train can take a pleasant 20-25 minute walk from Córdoba's AVE high-speed railway station to Plaza del Potro, following signs towards the historic centre and the Guadalquivir River. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If travelling by car, park in one of the public garages around the old town and walk to the plaza, as its surrounding streets are mostly pedestrian or narrow historic lanes. 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 del Potro

Best time to visit Plaza del Potro: Early morning or late afternoon for soft lighting on the fountain and statues.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free to enjoy the square.
Opening hours: Open at all times.
Official website: Refer to Córdoba tourism resources.
How long to spend: 15-30 minutes.
Accessibility: Flat, open, and accessible for all visitors.
Facilities: Benches and shaded spots; museums nearby have restrooms.
Photography tip: Capture the colt fountain with nearby historic façades for a classic Córdoba scene.
Guided tours: Included in many old-town walking tours.
Nearby food options: Tapas bars and cafés along Paseo de la Ribera.

Where to Stay close to Plaza del Potro

The area around Plaza del Potro is ideal for those who prefer staying in historic surroundings. A charming choice is Hotel Posada de Vallina, offering traditional Andalusian décor. For comfort and proximity, Eurostars Conquistador sits near the Mezquita and within walking distance of the plaza. A modern riverside option is Hesperia Córdoba, just across the Roman Bridge.

Is Plaza del Potro Worth Visiting?

Yes, Plaza del Potro is definitely worth visiting. Its combination of Renaissance art, local devotion, quiet ambience, and proximity to major museums makes it an enjoyable cultural stop. Whether you are exploring Córdoba's medieval streets or visiting the museums nearby, the square offers a memorable glimpse into the city's urban and artistic heritage.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (1,677)

Plaza del Potro is a small historic square in Córdoba's Centro, centered on a Renaissance-style fountain topped with a colt statue and surrounded by old buildings and a couple of notable museums (Museo de Bellas Artes de Córdoba and Museo Julio Romero de Torres); visitors say it's a quick, atmospheric stop—especially appealing if you know its literary mention in Don Quixote—but expect only a brief visit to take it in.

Seokjin Ham

2 months ago

"This is a small historic square surrounded by old buildings and museums. Its name comes from the colt-shaped fountain, installed in 1577 at itscenter. The square is also mentioned in Cervantes’s Don Quixote, where the Hostal del Potro appears as part of the story’s setting...."

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Dave T

a year ago

"I had to go here because its mentioned in one of My Favourite books Don Quixote. Its a nice little square surrounded by the same kind of houses andbuildings you find around the Jewish quarter. For me it was a must see but If you have not read the book its not going to mean much..."

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Georges Younes

3 years ago

"Plaza del Potro is a beautiful square in the middle of Old Cordoba that has a memorable fountain which features a small horse on a pedestal. ThePlaza also has a couple of famous museums, namely the Museo de Bellas Artes de Córdoba and Museo Julio Romero de Torres...."

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FAQs for Visiting Plaza del Potro

The 16th-century Fountain of the Potro topped with a rearing colt.

The Triumph of the Archangel Raphael from 1924.

Yes, it dates back to the 14th century.

Near the Guadalquivir River in Córdoba’s old town.

Yes, the Fine Arts Museum and the Julio Romero de Torres Museum border the square.

Nearby Attractions to Plaza del Potro

Museo de Bellas Artes de Córdoba: Fine art from the medieval to modern eras.
Museo Julio Romero de Torres: Paintings by Córdoba's most iconic artist.
Posada del Potro: A medieval inn mentioned in Don Quixote.
Roman Bridge of Córdoba: Historic crossing with river views.
Archaeological Museum of Córdoba: Extensive displays of ancient Córdoba.

The Plaza del Potro 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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