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Explore an Ancient Mosque-Cathedral on a Córdoba Mosque Tour

Mezquita CórdobaGuided Tours

The oldest mosque in Spain, Mezquita de Córdoba or the Córdoba Mosque, boasts stunning Moorish-style interiors and architecture influenced by Jewish, Muslim, and Christian elements. Featuring 856 columns made of granite and marble, the mosque-turned-cathedral dates back to the 8th century when Muslim rulers were in power in the city. 

After Córdoba was captured by the Christians in 1236, the mosque was turned into a cathedral, which means that it went through certain renovations and architectural modifications. As a result of this cultural blend, the Mosque-Cathedral boasts several elements of Islamic and Christian architectural and artistic styles. The attraction includes several points of interest like a bell tower, a courtyard of orange trees and fountains, a prayer hall, and the Mihrab. Here’s a comprehensive guide to your Córdoba Mosque tour options!

Why Take a Córdoba Mosque Tour?

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba is deeply rooted in history making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Spain. Here are a few reasons why you should take a Córdoba Mosque tour.

Córdoba mosque tours



All Your Córdoba Mosque Tour Options

Córdoba Cathedral-Mosque Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
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Mobile Ticket
1 hr. - 1 hr. 30 min.
Guided Tour
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from
€26.88
Córdoba Mosque & Jewish Quarter Guided Tour
Free Cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
2 hr. 30 min.
Guided Tour
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from
€29.76
Córdoba Cathedral-Mosque, Alcázar & Jewish Quarter Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
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Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
Guided Tour
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Combo (Save 3%): 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Córdoba + Córdoba Cathedral-Mosque Skip-the-Line Ticket
Instant Confirmation
Mobile Ticket
Flexible Duration
Audio Guide
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Guided Tours vs Non-Guided Tours

Córdoba Mosque guided tours
Córdoba Mosque tours

What to Expect on a Córdoba Mosque Tour?

The Mosque-Cathedral in Córdoba is huge. It’s possible that you might feel a little overwhelmed or find it difficult to navigate the attraction all by yourself. This is the reason why we recommend booking a Córdoba Mosque tour for yourself. Such tours include an expert guide who possesses in-depth knowledge of the attraction. They will be able to enhance your experience of the visit by telling you all that there is to know about the Córdoba Mosque.

Once you meet your tour guide and group at the meeting point, you’ll be taken inside the Mosque-Cathedral. The entrance is lined with orange trees and beautiful fountains. Marvel at the 856 columns made of granite and marble inside this iconic structure. The tour includes a visit to the Bell Tower, the Mihrab, and the Prayer Hall, all of which have a significance of their own. 

Highlights Covered On Your Córdoba Mosque Tour

Córdoba Mosque tours

The Bell Tower

Originally built as a minaret for the mosque-cathedral, this iconic 54m tall Bell Tower offers a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the city of Córdoba. The structure underwent a transformation after the Christians took over Córdoba in 1236. After an earthquake damaged the tower in 1589, it was decided that a new, stronger tower would be built and adorned with bells from the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. A unique fact about the bells is that each of them has a name as well as engravings mentioned in an inscription.

Córdoba Mosque tours

The Court of Oranges

The entrance of the mosque is lined with beautiful, flourishing trees of palm, olive, cypress, and oranges. The Court of Oranges, also called the Patio de los Naranjos, boasts beautiful fountains and a total of 98 orange trees, which were imported by Abd al-Rahman I and added to the courtyard in the 10th century. Initially used for social gatherings and ablutions, the Patio de los Naranjos is considered the oldest garden in Europe, a lush green and idyllic place where people can relax after their tour. 

Córdoba Mosque tours

Mihrab

One of the most beautiful attractions inside the mosque-cathedral, the Mihrab is a place that indicates or is used to identify the wall facing toward Mecca. It features a mesmerising horseshoe arch, a mosaic from the Byzantine tradition as well as inscriptions from the Quran. The Mihrab is decorated with plants, marble, plaster, ceramics, and paint. A small octagonal room covered by a dome, the Mihrab is a celebration and representation of Islamic art and architecture.

Córdoba mosque tours

Prayer Hall

Another major attraction of the Mezquita de Córdoba is the hypostyle Prayer Hall comprising 856 columns made of granite, marble, jasper, onyx, and porphyry. The pillars were built by recycling the remains of the Roman temple that existed before this mosque-cathedral was constructed. The hall is also known for its symmetrical double arches (featuring a horseshoe arch and a semi-circular arch on top of it) made of stone and red brick. The Prayer Hall was used for several purposes like teaching, Sharia law cases, special Friday prayers, and more.

Chapels

Córdoba mosque tours

The mosque-Cathedral consists of several chapels, the most notable being the Royal Chapel, Parroquia del Sagrario, and the Chapel of Villaviciosa.

While the Royal Chapel is currently closed for visitors, the Chapel of Villaviciosa is the main chapel and the first Christian construction to have taken place inside the mosque a couple of centuries after the Islamic structure was taken over in 1236. The Parroquia del Sagrario is adorned with paintings and murals, the most notable being the Holy Supper.

Visitor Tips

  • Book your Córdoba Mosque tickets online and well in advance.
  • You can take a bus or taxi to reach the Mosque-Cathedral.
  • The attraction is wheelchair friendly. Visually impaired guests can ask for material for at the ticket office. There are toilets as well for those with physical disabilities or reduced mobility.
  • The site allows access to guide dogs.
  • Wear proper clothing suitable for a place of worship. Your knees and shoulders must be covered at all times.
  • Photography is allowed but you cannot carry tripods or take videos of celebrations or religious services.
  • Smoking, eating, and drinking inside the venue are strictly prohibited.
  • Large items, bags, or luggage are not allowed inside the Mosque-Cathedral.
  • Guests are encouraged to speak softly and behave appropriately during their visit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Córdoba Mosque Tours

Q. Can I book a Córdoba Mosque tour?

A. Yes. You can book a Córdoba Mosque tour here.

Q. How do I book a Córdoba Mosque tour?

A. You can book a Córdoba Mosque tour online.

Q. How much does a Córdoba Mosque tour cost?

A. A ticket for a Córdoba Mosque tour starts at €24.

Q. What are the different types of Córdoba Mosque tours?

A. There are three types of Córdoba Mosque tours available – Priority Entrance and Guided Tour of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Córdoba Mosque and Jewish Quarter Guided Tour, and Priority Entrance: Córdoba Mosque, Jewish Quarter, and Alcazar Guided Tour.

Q. What is included in Córdoba Mosque tours?

A. The Córdoba Mosque tour includes all the important points of interest inside the Mosque-Cathedral like the Court of Oranges, Bell Tower, the Mihrab, and Prayer Hall.

Q. In what languages are the Córdoba Mosque guided tours available?

A. Córdoba Mosque guided tours are available in two languages – English and Spanish.

Q. What does the Córdoba Mosque guided tour cover?

A. The Córdoba Mosque guided tour covers all the major attractions inside the Great Mosque of Córdoba like the Prayer Hall, Court of Oranges, the Mihrab, and the Bell Tower.

Q. How many people can go on a Córdoba Mosque tour?

A. It depends on the type of Córdoba Mosque tour you book. Guided tours usually have a maximum capacity of 25 guests.

Q. Is a Córdoba Mosque tour worth it?

A. Yes. The Córdoba Mosque tour is worth it because it’s the best to explore an attraction as vast and historically significant.

Q. Do the Córdoba Mosque tours include skip the line access?

A. Yes. The Córdoba Mosque tours include skip the line access.

Q. Can I cancel a booked Córdoba Mosque tour?

A. Yes. You can get a full refund on canceling your Córdoba Mosque tour up to 24 hours before the scheduled date.

Q. How long is the Córdoba Mosque tour?

A. The Córdoba Mosque guided tours are between 1 to 3.5 hours long.

Q. Are there any discounted tickets for Córdoba Mosque tours?

A. Yes. Children under the age of 11 years get discounted tickets for Córdoba Mosque tours.