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All you need to know about taking a Cordoba Mosque tour
Mezquita CórdobaGuided Tours
Why book a guided tour of Cordoba Mosque?
- Learn about its transformations under different rulers : A guided tour provides in-depth knowledge about the mosque’s rich history and architectural evolution. You'll learn about its various transformations under different rulers, from its origins as a Visigothic church to its conversion into a mosque by the Umayyad Caliphate and its later incorporation into a Catholic cathedral.
- Skip-the-Line Convenience: Guided tours allow you to skip the lines at entry. You won’t need to wait in long lines to enter Cordoba Mosque. With a guided tour you can just walk straight in and start exploring!
- Architectural Highlights: The Mosque-Cathedral is huge and complex, with hidden details that could be easily missed without an expert guide. A guide can point out and explain the significance of architectural elements such as the mihrab (prayer niche), the intricate arches, the forest of columns and many more!
- Interactive Experience: Explore the Mosque-Cathedral with a small group of people for a more complete and interactive experience. You can even hear about people’s experiences and stories which bring the place to life!
All Your Cordoba Mosque Tour Options
Cordoba Mosque tour highlights
The Bell Tower
Originally built as a minaret, the iconic 54-meter tall Bell Tower offers breathtaking views of Córdoba. Transformed after the Christian takeover in 1236, it was rebuilt following earthquake damage in 1589, using bells from Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. Each of the bells has its own name! These bells also gesture inscriptions with unique engravings. Make sure you don’t miss this highlight!
The Court of Oranges
The mosque's entrance, known as the Court of Oranges (Patio de los Naranjos), is surrounded by palm, olive, cypress, and 98 orange trees planted by Abd al-Rahman I in the 10th century. It was originally designed for gatherings and washing rituals and has beautiful fountains. As one of Europe's oldest gardens, it's the perfect place to unwind!
Mihrab
One of the mosque-cathedral's most beautiful attractions, the Mihrab, marks the wall facing Mecca. It features a stunning horseshoe arch, Byzantine-inspired mosaics, and Quranic inscriptions. Decorated with plants, marble, plaster, ceramics, and paint, this small octagonal room topped with a dome is a true reflection of Islamic art and architecture.
Prayer Hall
The Prayer Hall is an important stop on the Cordoba Mosque tour. It features 856 columns made from granite, marble, jasper, onyx, and porphyry, repurposed from a Roman temple! It is known for its beautiful symmetrical double arches. It also has horseshoe and semi-circular arches made of stone and red brick that are equally beautiful. The hall was previously used for teaching, Sharia law cases, special Friday prayers, and more.
Frequently asked questions about Cordoba Mosque tours
What does the Cordoba Mosque guided tour cover?
The Cordoba Mosque guided tour covers all the major points of interest inside the Great Mosque of Cordoba like the Prayer Hall, Court of Oranges, the Mihrab and the Bell Tower!
How many people can go on a Cordoba Mosque tour?
It depends on the type of Cordoba Mosque tour you book. Guided tours usually have a maximum capacity of 25 guests.
Can I cancel a booked Cordoba Mosque tour?
Yes. You can get a full refund on canceling your Cordoba Mosque tour up to 48 hours before the scheduled date.
How long is the Cordoba Mosque tour?
It depends on the ticket chosen but the Cordoba Mosque guided tours are usually between 1 to 3.5 hours long.
Are there audio guides available for self-guided tours of the Cordoba Mosque?
Yes, audio guides are available at the Cordoba Mosque for self guided tours. They provide informative commentary in up to 4 languages.
Are children allowed on tours of the Cordoba Mosque?
Yes, children are welcome to join guided or self guided tours of the Cordoba Mosque, but we recommend considering the duration and content of the tour to ensure it's suitable for your child’s age and interests.
Are there facilities for visitors with mobility challenges at the Cordoba Mosque?
Yes. The Cordoba Mosque is equipped with facilities to accommodate visitors with mobility challenges, including disabled toilets, wheelchair loans and ramps.
