Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba)

Most city tours make a stop at the popular Mosque–Cathedral of Cordoba. Guided tour options range from an hourlong history tour focused on the cathedral and former mosque to a half-day walking tour with stops at other Cordoba monuments such as the Castle of Catholic Monarchs (Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos) and the ancient synagogue of the Jewish Quarter. Others visit the Mezquita on a day trip from Seville, Granada, or Costa del Sol.

• The Mezquita is a must-see for history buffs, architecture lovers, and all first-time visitors to Cordoba.

• Choose a daytime tour, night visit, or entrance to the bell tower.

• Audio guides are available in several languages, including English, for an extra fee.

• The cathedral is wheelchair accessible; disabled toilets and wheelchairs are both available.

• As a functioning holy site, hats and head coverings are not permitted within the cathedral, and visitors should dress appropriately.

Located in the heart of Cordoba, you can access the Mezquita via its Orange Tree Courtyard (Patio de los Naranjos), which is free to enter. The easiest way to get there is by taking bus lines 3 or 12 to the Puerta del Puente stop.

The Mosque–Cathedral is open daily, and bell tower tours depart every 30 minutes. If you’d like to attend a mass, plan to visit in the morning Monday to Saturday or in the early afternoon Sunday.

Night visits, officially called The Soul of Cordoba, include an hourlong light and sound show detailing the history and religious significance of the building and its religious art, as well as a tour of the monumental site.

You can buy tickets for the Mezquita online on the official Mezquita website. Admission tickets cost €13 for adults and grant you entry to the 10 churches on the Fernandine Churches Route. When you book online, you can select a time slot. You can also buy them in person.

No. There is no strict dress code for the Mezquita; however, you’re expected to wear clothing appropriate for a holy site. Covering your shoulders and knees is a good idea. You’re also asked to keep noise to a minimum and can’t enter carrying large luggage.

To visit the Mezquita independently, you must buy an admission ticket (online or in person). The Mezquita doesn’t host official tours, but the mosque is included in most Cordoba sightseeing tours, which typically delve deeper into the rich combination of architecture and the building’s history.

The busiest time of day at the Mezquita is from late morning until mid-afternoon, while the busiest day is Sunday. The best times of day to visit to avoid crowds are early in the morning, as soon as it opens, or late afternoon once the day trip crowds have departed.

Other Cordoba attractions near the Mezquita include the UNESCO-listed Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs (Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos) and the Roman Bridge (Puente Romano), which dates back to the first century BC. It’s also a short walk from the Cordoba Jewish Quarter (Judería de Córdoba).

Yes, you can take personal pictures inside the Mezquita using cellphones and cameras. Try not to distract other visitors by using the flash. However, you aren’t allowed to use a tripod for filming or taking pictures. Professional camera crews must contact the attraction in advance.