The Ruins of Medina Azahara are located about 5 kilometers from Córdoba, Spain. This complex is a palace-city built by the caliph Abd al-Rahman III, the most powerful of the rulers of Moorish Spain. Wander among the ruins of of Medina Azahara, and buried forgotten at the base of the Sierra Morena for 900 years, this complex was discovered about ninety years ago and only about 10 percent of the 112ha. site has been excavated and restored. Constructed eight kilometers outside of the city in the foothills of the Sierra Morena, the MedinaAzahara served as the seat of power for the entire al-Andalus. It was also the personal residence of the Caliph and his court.

The largest known city built from scratch in Western Europe, Medina Azahara, is considered the "Forgotten Versailles of the Middle Ages". The Medina Azahara was built in such a way that it followed the contour of the mountain. So, the complex was divided into three parts: the palace stood on one lot, the landscape of vegetable and fruit plots sprawled across the second lot, and on the third stood the houses and the mosque.

Sadly, the Berber mercenaries took over the Caliphate, at which point they looted and plundered the palace. What was left was then pillaged by the neighboring townspeople. Bit by bit, the ruins were buried in mud. Soon, the palace was forgotten for 900 years; it was unearthed in 1911. However, what has been reconstructed of the Medina Azahara certainly merits a trip. You can still see the foundation, the columns and many paintings. In 1923, the Medina Azahara was declared a national monument.

VISIT THE MEDINA AZAHARA

September 16 to April 30: Tuesdays to Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
May 1 to June 15: Tuesdays to Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sundays and public holidays: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Admission Fee: European Union residents: Free. Other countries: €1.50

Back to:
« Explore Cordoba