Medina Azahara

Medina Azahara tickets and tours

Spain

Things to do in Medina Azahara

4.6/5 (65)

The Medina Azahara (the Shining City) of Córdoba is the ruins of a fortified palace and city found at the base of the Sierra Morena mountains around 5 miles from the city center of Córdoba. Considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Spain, it is also a popular tourist attraction for those visiting Córdoba.

Construction of the new city began in 936 as an assertion of power by Caliph Abd-al Rahman III. Originally constructed as the Caliph’s residence and headquarters of the Caliphate, the city quickly became one of the most powerful and influential medieval kingdoms in all of Europe.

The city was built on three terraces surrounded by a city wall and consisted of the royal palace, mosques, government offices, residences, gardens and baths. The existence of the city was short-lived after it was destroyed in 1010 during a civil war, which brought about the end of the Caliphate. The city was left in ruins, untouched and forgotten until it’s rediscovery in the early 20th century.

A large portion of the site remains unexcavated but the ruins of the Caliph’s palace, the mosque and other areas have been excavated and restored. Visit the Medina Azahara and feel the magnificence of this former city, take in the beauty of the precious stone and appreciate the distinct Andalusian Islamic architecture.

There is a museum also on site, which is located just over a mile away from the archaeological site, next to the visitor reception. It features artifacts from the site and historic information about the history of Córdoba and the Caliphate. In addition to the museum, there is an auditorium where you can watch a short video on the history of the Medina Azahara.

The Medina Azahara is accessible by car and there is parking situated beside the visitor reception and museum. There is also a public bus which leaves the center of Córdoba during the summer but a guided tour with transportation included from Córdoba is the most convenient way to visit the Medina Azahara. To arrive at the actual archaeological site, you have to take the shuttle bus from the visitor reception as it is the only authorized vehicle allowed on the site.

Read more

Price (per adult)

$
$

Pickup at Hotel

Tickets option

Categories

10 Experiences
Sort by:
Guided tour of the Azahara Medina
Excursions & day trips

Guided tour of the Azahara Medina

Don't miss this incredible tour of the Azahara Medina. Let your guide amaze you with all the stories about the mythical Shining City.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, es 

Medina Azahara of Córdoba tickets and guided visit
Activities

Medina Azahara of Córdoba tickets and guided visit

Enjoy a guided visit of the Medina Azahara and learn more about the Umayyad Caliphate of Córdoba. Explore the most important parts of the complex with an official guide who specializes on archaeological history.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, es 

Guided tour of the Medina Azahara
Attractions & guided tours

Guided tour of the Medina Azahara

Book now your ticket for a guided tour of the Medina Azahara. Choose between a ticket with or without bus transfer to reach the archeological site

free cancellation
Available in:

es 

Guided tour of the Medina Azahara archeological site
Attractions & guided tours

Guided tour of the Medina Azahara archeological site

Book now your ticket for an exclusive tour of the Medina Azahara. Learn more about its history and admire its wonderful buildings

free cancellation
Available in:

es 

Medina Azahara guided tour at night
Culture & history

Medina Azahara guided tour at night

free cancellation
Available in:

es 

Medina Azahara night tour with transfer from Cordoba
Activities

Medina Azahara night tour with transfer from Cordoba

Experience a unique visit to Medina Azahara at night. Accompanied by with an expert guide, you'll discover the curiosities and legends of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

free cancellation
Available in:

es 

Discovery tour of Medina Azahara and Almodovar Castle
Activities

Discovery tour of Medina Azahara and Almodovar Castle

Have an awesome day-trip to Medina Azahar and Almodovar Castle from Cordoba.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, es 

Historical guided tour of Medina Azahara
Excursions & day trips

Historical guided tour of Medina Azahara

Discover the Medina Azahara palace-city and learn more about the Al-Andalus Caliphate on this 3-hour guided tour

free cancellation
Available in:

en, es 

Guided night visit to Medina Azahara
Attractions & guided tours

Guided night visit to Medina Azahara

Join a guided night tour to one of the most incredible monuments in Córdoba and discover more about the history of the city.

free cancellation
Available in:

es 

Guided tour of the Medina Azahara
Activities

Guided tour of the Medina Azahara

Visit the Medina Azahara of Córdoba with a guide in Spanish and discover the exciting history of the Brilliant City, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2018.

free cancellation
Available in:

es 

How to get there

Medina Azahara

Medina Azahara

Cordoba

Spain

Reviews Medina Azahara

5/5
Alejandro, Mar 25, 2024

“Elena es una guía con un gran conocimiento, buena capacidad de comunicación y es muy didáctica. Ameno,entretenido con anécdotas y análisis de la historia muy interesantes. La recomiendo sin duda”

5/5
Cristina, Mar 20, 2024

“Elena fue genial”

5/5
Javier, Feb 24, 2024
5/5
Jorgelina, Jan 21, 2024

“Fue algo muy novedoso en la ciudad de Cordoba, hicimos la visita con un dia mas que lluvioso cosa atipica en estos lugares.La guia hizo todo lo que estaba a su alcance para hacer la visita lo mas normalizada posible.”

Cordoba