Medina Azahara

Explore the vast medieval palace of the Medina Azahara de Córdoba on a 3-hour guided tour, and travel back in time to the days of the Caliphate and Al-Andalus. Choose from a tour with or without roundtrip transportation to and from Córdoba in an airconditioned van.  Visit the most important parts of the complex, such as the large House of Ja’far built over the site of 3 earlier houses. Admire the remains of the Pórtico de Medina Azahara and visit the exterior of the Salón Rico, where the caliph Abd-ar-Rahman III would receive guests.  Learn more about the first Umayyad caliph of Al-Andalus, Abderraman III.Benefit from the expertise of an official guide who specializes on archaeological history.

Córdoba has historically attracted travelers and civilizations because of its location on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, as well as for its sunny climate and its natural resources. Romans, Arabs, Jews, and Christians have all left their mark on the city of Córdoba with monumental buildings, works of art, and advanced infrastructure. During your time in Córdoba, see the main highlights of the city with a 24 hour hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus pass. Enjoy a complete trip lasting 1 hour and 20 minutes, or get off and back on at places that interest you the most. With this pass, you can marvel at the masterpieces of the Mezquita, the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, the Torre de la Calahorra, the Palacio de la Merced, and the Roman Temple. Visit the city of Medina Azahara, built by the caliph Abd al-Rahman III, in the image of his greatness. See museums and learn about cultural festivals, and experience the city to its fullest at any of the tours 17 stops. Cordoba Panoramica Route- Panoramica del Rio Jardin Botanico - Zoologico Ciudad de los Ninos San Basilio Puerta de Almodovar Mercado de la Victoria Gran Capitan Estacion de trenes/ autobuses Palacio de la Merced - Diputacion Malmuerta - Santa Marina Plaza Corazon de Maria San Lorenzo Realejo - San Andres Ayuntamiento - Templo Romano Arco del Portillo Puente Romano Banos Califales - Alcazar Cordoba Intima Route- Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos Mezquita - Catedral San Pedro Realejo - San Andres Palacio de Viana Palacio de la Merced - Diputacion Ayuntamiento - Templo Romano Plaza de las Tendillas Arco del Portillo Panoramica del Rio

The Caliph of Umayyad Córdoba, Abd al- Rahman III, ordered the construction of palace-city of Madinat al-Zahra, meaning "brilliant city" in Arabic, in the early 10th century. Located about 5 miles (8 km) from the city of Córdoba, this amazing collection of ornate buildings and monuments was created as a symbol of the Caliphi's power against its enemies. They also served as official government buildings. On your visit to this breathtaking site, you can choose between two options: a guided tour with or without a tourist bus. Guided Tour (with bus): Hop aboard the site's tourist bus and make your way to the center of the palatial city. Once there, visit the impressive visitor center before heading north to explore the main sections of the city, one by one. Guided Tour (without bus): Start with a visit to the impressive visitor center, where you will explore Spain's fascinating Moorish history and enjoy a screening of a video that virtually recreates how this historic city was in the 10th century. Later, head north to explore the main sections of the city, one by one.

Either travel with the group from Cordoba or meet the group directly at the Medina Azahara, depending on what option you have chosen. At the archaeological site, you will learn about the historical context of the city and see every corner and nook that can be visited. This unique place full of legends will help you understand why Medina Azahara was called the Shining City. After this visit, continue to the visitor center where you can see the museum with more than 160 original pieces of Medina Azahara. Your guide will accompany you and show you the most important elements. The visit will end with a video in which the city is represented as it would be in the 10th century.

In 2018, the Archaeological Complex of Medina Azahara was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This is how Córdoba will become the only city in the world with 4 declarations. On this tour, you will travel back in time to learn about the exciting history and legends of the city ordered to be built by the first Caliph of al-Andalus Abderraman III and completed by his son Alhaken II. Great characters like the Jewish doctor Hasday Ibn Shaprut, the doctor Albucasis or the intellectual Lubna will live in it. The visit to the Archaeological Complex is divided into three parts: First, we will visit the Museum that keeps the different pieces that have been found in the excavations. Second, we will explore the Site. Third, entrance to the audiovisual where they project a 3D recreation of what the city was.

Medina Azahara is the archeological site of a vast, fortified medieval Muslim palace-city built by Abd-ar-Rahman III al-Nasir, Umayyad Caliph of Córdoba. It is located on the western outskirts of Córdoba, Spain. When you arrive at Medina Azahara on this 3.5-hour excursion, you’ll enjoy a 90-minute guided tour of the archaeological site. The palace-city was the de facto capital of Al-Andalus, or Muslim Spain, as the heart of the administration and government was within its walls. Built from 936-940, the palace-city comprised ceremonial reception halls, mosques, administrative and government offices, gardens, a mint, workshops, barracks, residences and baths. Water was supplied through aqueducts. You can also visit the museum and the visitor center, where you can watch a video about the city in the days when it was the capital of Al-Andalus. At around 1:30 PM, the bus will take you back to Cordoba.

Medina Azahara is an important archaeological site, situated 8 kilometers from the center of Cordoba. Throughout this experience you will be able to explore the history of this opulent city, which was built by Abderraman III in the 10th century. After you have arrived to this historic area, your guide will be waiting for you at the main door of the archaeological site to immerse you in the history of the 10th century. You will discover the remains of palaces, grand entrances, and gardens, whilst learning the stories, secrets, and marvels held within them. You will be able to enjoy your visit with the city illuminated, and discover one of the greatest jewels of Córdoba throughout a guided 2-hour tour.

Step into the majestic remains of Medina Azahara, an old fortified city on the outskirts of Cordoba. Join a professional guide on a tour of the site to learn about its ancient history and appreciate every detail closely. Visit the local museum to find out more about this unique location. Enjoy a convenient transfer from Cordoba's city center or meet the group directly at the site entrance, depending on the option you choose. Head inside with your guide to explore every corner of the area. Looking at the ruins from up close will help you understand why it was called the Shining City. Finally, continue to the visitor center, where you can see the museum with more than 160 original pieces from Medina Azahara's golden days. Your guide will accompany you and show you the most important elements.

Discover one of the greatest jewels of Córdoba on a 2-hour guided tour of the historic Medina Azahara at night. Choose from a tour without transportation or travel by bus to the archeological site that is 8 kilometers from the city of Cordoba. Begin your guided walk at the archeological ruins.Learn about caliphal or Islamic art of Al-Andalus and its role as an economic, social and cultural power. Since October 2017, the archaeological site has been equipped with a system of lights that allows for comfortable guided visits after dark.

The Medina Azahara Archaeological Complex was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2018 and It was at this time that Córdoba became the only City in the world with 4 Heritage declarations. This Palatine City was ordered to be built by the first Caliph of al-Andalus Abderraman III in the year 936 and completes by his son Alhaken II. Great people lived there , such as the Jewish doctor Hasday Ibn Shaprut, the doctor Albucasis and the intellectual Lubna. With this tour, guided by an official guide, you have a unique opportunity to tour the Medina Azahara Site on summer nights while discovering the exciting history and legends of the brilliant City.