The Mezquita
A Roman Catholic cathedral, the Mezquita’s construction lasted over two centuries, starting in 784 AD under the supervision of the first Muslim Emir, Abd ar-Rahman I, on the site of the Visigoth Cathedral of St. Vincent. It was the most magnificent of over 1,000 mosques in the city, and at one time was the second-largest mosque in the Muslim world. Cordoba suffered frequent invasion, and each of them added their own mark to the building, which is most notable for its giant arches, with over 1,000 columns made of jasper, onyx, marble and granite, pieces of the Roman temple which had previously occupied the site. After Cordoba was recaptured from the Moors by King Ferdinand III, the mosque was re-consecrated as a Christian church. The most significant change was to the Renaissance cathedral nave, one of the greatest examples of Islamic art in all of Europe. Synagogue
This small synagogue in the Mudejar style is one of the few remaining intact in Spain from the late Middle Ages. Inside, you can admire Mudejar stucco plant and star motifs, Hebrew inscriptions and a women`s gallery. The synagogue is situated in the old Jewish Quarter. To reach it, you have to pass through a labyrinth of narrow streets. On the nearby square, you can see a statue of a 12th-Century philosopher born in the area named Maimonides. The Tower of Calahorra
The impressive Torre de la Calahorra, built in the 14th Century, was used to defend the bridge spanning the River Guadalquivir. Inside the tower, there’s a museum which traces the culture and philosophy of Islamic Cordoba. You can see models of the Mezquita and Granada`s Alhambra. The museum focuses on the Cordoba’s various cultures and influences from the past. It lies at the southern end of Puento Romano, an arched bridge built on Roman foundations. Alcazar of the Christian Kings
This tremendous fortified palace was built in the early 14th Century. Later, it was enlarged for Fernando and Isabel, and the Catholic monarchs lived here during their campaign to recapture Granada from the Moors. The fortress had great importance during the Inquisition. It has also been used as a prison. Inside, there’s a royal bathhouse, Roman mosaics and a sarcophagus. Outside, you can walk around gorgeous, tranquil gardens with pools and fountains.