Car Hire Cordoba - Mini guide to Cordoba

Cordóba, once the heart of the western Islamic empire, is today an atmospheric city with fascinating sites, intriguing small streets and shops, and a fabulous choice of restaurants and bars.

Cordoba is renowned as a centre of Muslim and Jewish culture and admired for its architectural glories - notably, The Great Mosque which is one of the finest of all Muslim monuments. Today the Mezquita, as it is known, can be visited throughout the year for 750 pesetas entrance fee.

Cordoba’s old Jewish quarter "La Judería" consists of a labyrinth of winding, narrow streets, shady flower-filled courtyards and picturesque squares such as La Plaza del Potro. The ancient Jewish Synagogue, one of only three in Spain and now a museum, lies in the middle. The recently created Diocesan Museum of Fine Arts is a beautiful building with a chapel, a hall dedicated to artists from Cordoba and a gallery dedicated to mediaeval art, as well as tapestries and collections of psalm books from the Cathedral.

Along with the Diego de Rivas Gardens, popularly known as the 'Duck Gardens' and the Gardens of Vallellano, the Paseo de la Victoria is the main city park and is popular for promenading, especially on the weekends. The Alcazar Gardens are also enchanting and typically Moorish in design with ponds, fountains and aromatic plants. The main square in town is the Corredere and was formerly used for bullfights and other public performances. Now you can stroll through the square and sample the ambience of one of the tapas bars, restaurants or flea markets.

The southern part of the province of Cordoba is a mountainous region scattered with tiny villages and towns, a great day trip by car to learn about the history and culture in the area and experience the beautiful landscapes. There is also an extensive natural park.

Cordoba Airport, the local airport to the west, is only a small airstrip suitable for light aircraft.