Medinat Al-zahara

• These are the ruins of a city built by the Caliphate of Cordoba just eight miles from the city.

• It is said he built the city for his favourite wife, Azahara.


• It was built between 936-940 AD.

• Excavations began in the 1910s and it is believed that only 10% of the original city has been uncovered.

• At the time, it was the largest city built from scratch in Western Europe, demonstrating the power of the Caliphate of Cordoba.

• It has fantastic examples of Moorish architecture.

• Entrance to the site and interpretive centre is free. Due to the fact that it’s outside Cordoba, there is a tourist bus which provides transport to and from the ruins.

On Tuesdays – Saturdays: The bus leaves the city at 10.15am and arrives back at 1.45pm and then again at 5pm until 8.30pm

On Sundays: 9.30 am until 1pm and 10.15am until 1.45pm

The bus costs €7 for adults and €3.50 for children between the ages of 5 and 12 but there are discounts for booking online.