logo
ic_menu

Medina Azahara, Córdoba

Carretera Palma del Río, Córdoba, Andalucía

Description

Medina Azahara was a fortified palace city built in the 10th century by Abd-ar-Rahman III, the first caliph of Al-Andalus. It is only a few kilometres from the then seat of power at the Alcazar de Cordoba, so the rationale was mainly to demonstrate his power. The new city included offices, residences, a mosque (heavily inspired by the Mezquita of Cordoba), etc. with water supplied by aqueducts. His successor, however, stopped making use of the complex and it was left abandoned after being sacked in the early 11th century. There is an archaeological museum at the edge of the site and works are undergoing to continue unearthing more areas.

Access & Transport

Address: Carretera Palma del Río Km 5,5., 14005 Córdoba It is located 7km west of the centre of the city. There is parking at the museum Bus 01 stops nearby at 'Cruce Medina Azahara'

Instructions & Recommendations

A shuttle bus (fee applies) is available at regular intervals between the museum and the site

Meta review

Some mixed opinions in online reviews. Many visitors aren't too happy with the shuttle bus system (it costs money and one need to wait each way) and those without a strong interest in archaeological sites tend to find Medina Azahara underwhelming. Everybody agrees that it is much preferable to start with the museum, including the introduction video, to get one's bearings, historical data and some info to make sense of the ruins - for that purpose, many reviewers also suggest hiring the services of a guide.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral (besides some electricity for the museum). Socially positive as it helps preserve the architectural and historical heritage of the region

Conclusion

Still plenty to unearth and few upright structures so, although there is certainly potential (especially with the enlightened comments of a guide), this is one for the history and archaeology buffs, or those with a spare half-day in Cordoba

Key positive

Interesting background history

Key negative

Bus shuttle is a little time consuming

Not that many structures standing up

Suitability

Suitable for all ages but children under 13-14 may not find it very interesting. The museum is accessible for visitors with reduced mobility but the archaeological site itself is only partially accessible

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed on 24/25 Dec, 31 Dec/01 Jan, 06 Jan, 01 May. From 21/03 to 20/06 open until 21h on Fri & Sat

av. transport time:0h 40m

est. visit time:2h 30m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Jun, 21

Season 1 / Period 1

MONDAY -

TUESDAY09:00 - 15:00

WEDNESDAY09:00 - 15:00

THURSDAY09:00 - 15:00

FRIDAY09:00 - 15:00

SATURDAY09:00 - 15:00

SUNDAY09:00 - 15:00

Season 1 / Period 2

MONDAY -

TUESDAY20:00 - 24:00

WEDNESDAY20:00 - 24:00

THURSDAY20:00 - 24:00

FRIDAY20:00 - 24:00

SATURDAY20:00 - 24:00

SUNDAY -

Start of Season 2:Sep, 21

Season 2 / Period 1

MONDAY -

TUESDAY09:00 - 18:00

WEDNESDAY09:00 - 18:00

THURSDAY09:00 - 18:00

FRIDAY09:00 - 18:00

SATURDAY09:00 - 18:00

SUNDAY09:00 - 15:00

Season 2 / Period 2

MONDAY -

TUESDAY -

WEDNESDAY -

THURSDAY -

FRIDAY -

SATURDAY -

SUNDAY -

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€1.5
Adult
18 - 64
€1.5
Child
3 - 17
€0
Infant
0 - 2
€0
Free for EU citizens

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. For a complete overview of all cookies used, please see MORE INFORMATION.