One of the most important Islamic buildings in the country, the Cordoba Mosque (Mezquita de Córdoba) has a fascinating history. Initially built as a mosque, it was converted into a church during the Reconquista in 1236. Sprawling over an area of 24,000 square meters, it is one of Spain’s most famous landmarks and is visited by over a million people annually. Read on to learn more about Cordoba Mosque tickets and where to get them.
Please note that Mezquita Cordoba is currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
One of the oldest monuments in Spain, the Mezquita Cordoba has a really interesting history. It points to a time when people of different faiths (Islam, Judaism, and Christianity) coexisted. The architecture is reflective of its complex past, such as a mihrab pointing to its history as a mosque, the use of columns that date back to its Roman past, along with new Christian additions.
Once upon a time, the Cordoba Mosque was the largest mosque in the world and drew thousands of visitors. Today, its courtyard filled with orange trees, refined architecture, and rich history continue to beckon people from far and wide.
The best way to explore Mezquita Cordoba is via a guided tour. In this, you are accompanied by an expert guide who will give information about the landmark. Additionally, your transportation is included.
Your Cordoba Mosque ticket will only cover entrance into the venue. You will be your own guide and get to explore at your own pace. You will also have to arrange your transport to and from the landmark.
Combo Mezquita Cordoba tours let you explore more than just the mosque. As part of this tour, you will also get to explore surrounding areas such as the Jewish Quarter and Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos.
If you want something that doesn’t burn a hole in your wallet, purchase the general admission tickets. You will have to book your transportation as well — taking a bus will be cheaper than taking a taxi. You can also purchase audio guides for €4 or multimedia guides for €5.50.
Those interested in the history of this magnificent monument will find a guided tour the perfect fit. Your professional guide will give you information and insight into the history of the mosque, along with facts and trivia. Additionally, they will also answer any questions you may have.
A combo Cordoba Mosque ticket gives you access to more than just the mosque. You will be able to visit other attractions and landmarks around the monument such as Jewish Quarter and Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos.
Cordoba Mosque tickets can be purchased for particular time slots. When purchasing Cordoba Mosque tickets, the best option is to book them in advance online to ensure you get the time slot of your choosing.
The best ticket option is the guided Cordoba Mosque tour. As part of this your, you will be accompanied by a guide who will give you insight into the history and significance of this monument.
Make sure to check if you are eligible for any discounts when purchasing your Cordoba Mosque tickets and avail the same.
General admission tickets start from €11. The following can avail discounts on their Cordoba Mosque tickets:
The Bell Tower was originally built as a minaret for the mosque. During the 16-17th century, a stronger structure was added around it and its height was increased. It was then adorned with the bells captured from Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. At 54m tall, it gives visitors a bird’s eye view of the premises.
The Court of Oranges (Patio de los Naranjos) is the entrance to the mosque. Featuring palm, cypress, and, of course, orange trees, this courtyard also has beautiful fountains. The orange trees were imported by Abd al-Rahman I and added to this patio in the 10th century. There are a total of 98 orange trees in the Court of Oranges.
The Mihrab is used in mosques to identify the wall that faces Mecca (qibla). The mihrab in the mosque features a beautifully gilded arch. The mihrab was extended by Al-Hakim II around 960. A small octagonal room, the entrance is in the shape of a horseshoe arch and features mosaic from the Byzantine tradition.
The hypostyle prayer hall is made with over 800 columns filling the vast expanse. The columns are made with the remains of the Roman temple that existed before the construction of the mezquita, along with onyx, marble, and porphyry, among other materials. It is also famous for its double arches — the horseshoe arch with a semi-circular arch atop it — made of red brick and stone.
Originally a Roman temple, the structure at Cordoba was replaced by a Christian Visigoth church. This church was split into two parts — one remained a church and the other was converted into a mosque —when Andalusia was taken over by the Moors.
In 784, Abd ar-Rahman I bought the church, and construction was started to create a new mosque where the Visigoth church once stood, and was the jewel in Abd al-Rahman I’s new capital, Córdoba. It was re-converted into a church during the Reconquista in 1236, when Christians recaptured Cordoba. Sprawling over an area of 24,000 square meters, it is one of Spain’s most famous landmarks and is visited by over a million people annually.
Opening Hours: Mezquita Cordoba is open as follows:
Best time to visit Cordoba Mosque: The best time to visit the Mezquita is either early morning (as soon as it opens) before the crowd starts to trickle in, or late afternoon, after 3 PM.
The venue is currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, once it opens up, you will be able to book Cordoba Mosque tickets online.
General admission tickets start from €11. Those aged 65 and above, students aged 15-26, and holders of the Youth Card can get Cordoba Mosque tickets for €9, while children aged 10-14, disabled up to 64%, and adult members of large families pay €6. Children aged 10-14 belonging to large families pay €4, and those born in and/or residing in the diocese of Córdoba, those aged under 10 years old, holders of the "Andalucía Junta 65" card, and those disabled over 64% with a companion can enter for free.
This depends on the type of tickets you book. While booking, ensure you are booking tickets with skip-the-line access. These tickets will get you fast-track entry into the venue.
Yes, visitors can book guided tours of Cordoba Mosque.
This depends on the kind of ticket your purchase — some allow full refunds, while some do not allow cancellations or refunds. Ensure you check the cancellation policy thoroughly before booking your Cordoba Mosque tickets.
Soul of Cordoba is a light and sound programme that gives visitors an insight into the structure and its complex history. This tour occurs only at night. You can learn more about it on the official website. These tickets have to be purchased separately.
Audio guides are available in Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian. These can be purchased for €4. The kids’ audio guides are priced the same and are available in Spanish, English, and French.
Yes, multimedia guides for adults and children are both priced at €5.50 and come in Spanish and English.
Mezquita Cordoba is open between 10 AM - 7 PM from Mon-Sat and 8.30-11.30 AM & 3-7 PM on Sundays between March to October. It is open between 8:30 AM - 6 PM from Mon-Sat and 8.30-11.30 AM & 3-6 PM on Sundays between November to February.
Yes, most of the premises is wheelchair accessible, apart from the Bell Tower. The wheelchair-accessible entrance is through Puerta de Deanes on Torrijos Street.