Southern central Spain is home to Cordoba, an ancient city that seamlessly combines its European worldliness with Islamic influence. From April to June, the streets of the Jewish Quarter and the city center host citywide fiestas, while the Mezquita mosque brings countless visitors throughout the year. When you're traveling to Cordoba, you'll find plenty of attractions to occupy your time.
Mezquita is on Calle Cardenal Herrero and requires an entry fee during its open hours -- from morning to early evening every day. Besides being a stunning mosque in its own right, Mezquita is a living monument to Spain's history of alternating Christian and Muslim rule. From the outside, the mosque appears mostly Islamic in its architecture, save for the bell tower in place of the minaret and the cathedral right in the middle of the grounds. Superficial structural changes have accumulated over the mosque's 10-century lifespan, reflecting changes of city leadership. Always dress conservatively and maintain a respectful demeanor when entering the site.
Only a few miles west of Cordoba on the Carretera Palma del Rio, you'll find the remains of a palace city older than Mezquita. Follow the visitor path winding through the abandoned Madinat al-Zahra streets to see the ruins of what was once a grand city in the late 10th century. Crumbling courtyards and caved-in palatial domes are common sights. Learn more about the area's history by visiting the museum attached to the grounds where you can read exhibit information translated into English. You can easily reach Madinat al-Zahra by bus from downtown Cordoba; buses leave every day but Monday in the mid-morning and return in the early afternoon. You'll have to pay a small entry fee to enter the historic grounds.
Just northwest of Mezquita is the Jewish Quarter. Winding, narrow streets characterize this history-lover's haven -- several museums detailing Cordoba's medieval history sit right off the neighborhood's side streets, including the Casa de Sefarad, which focuses on Jewish cultural traditions. Head to the center of the quarter on Calle de los Judios to see one of the three remaining synagogues from Spain's medieval period. Small jewelry and silver shops are scattered throughout the neighborhood.
May is the ideal time to visit Cordoba if you want to participate in the Concurso de Patios Cordobeses, an annual pastime-turned-competition to see who has the most beautifully decorated patio. In Cordoba, homes are typically centered around a central courtyard -- or patio -- which locals decorate with flowers, fountains and other design pieces. A sign outside a home reading "Patio" indicates that you're invited in to see the courtyard. If you fear knocking on the wrong door, pick up a detailed map of open patios from Cordoba's tourist office. Patios are typically open from the afternoon to the late evening all week, with an earlier start on the weekends.
The Archaeological Museum of Cordoba, on Plaza de Jerónimo Paez, gives you a chance to look deep into Cordoba's history, from pre-Roman settlements to the modern era. Artifacts and exhibits focus on influences exchanged by various cultures that have called the city home. At time of publication, the museum was open Wednesday through Saturday, from morning to early evening; in the afternoon and early evening on Tuesdays; and Sundays mornings only. There's a small fee for entrance.
