Madinat Al-Zahra, Archaeological site in Cordoba, Spain.
The palatial ruins spread across three terraces on the Sierra Morena foothills, with gardens, reception halls, and administrative structures across 112 hectares.
Abd ar-Rahman III initiated construction of this caliphal capital in 936 CE, which flourished for 65 years until its destruction during civil conflicts in 1010.
The Salon Rico reception hall exhibits intricate marble carvings, geometric patterns, and architectural elements that influenced medieval Islamic design throughout Spain.
The archaeological museum and site remain open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 to 20:30, offering guided tours and educational materials about the excavations.
Water systems from mountain springs fed bronze animal fountains through a network of aqueducts, demonstrating advanced engineering methods of the 10th century.
Location: Córdoba
Inception: 10 century
Address: Carretera Palma del Río Km 5,5., 14005 Córdoba
Website: http://museosdeandalucia.es/web/conjuntoarqueologicomadinatalzahra
GPS coordinates: 37.88608,-4.86778
Latest update: May 27, 2025 20:34
Andalusia offers many sites away from typical tourist routes. This southern region of Spain is home to ancient troglodyte dwellings in Guadix, mountain villages like Zahara de la Sierra perched around medieval castles, and natural parks such as Cabo de Gata-Níjar extending over 50 kilometers of coast. Geological formations include the red volcanic rocks of Riotinto, a result of 5,000 years of mining, and canyons housing 240 Bronze Age dolmens in Gorafe park. Villages like Setenil de las Bodegas feature unique architecture, with houses built beneath natural rock overhangs shaped by the Trejo River. The Castle of La Calahorra, built in 1509 at an altitude of 1200 meters, combines Spanish fortifications with Italian Renaissance decoration. Further north, Baños de la Encina hosts the Burgalimar Castle dating from 968, surrounded by extensive olive groves. These sites showcase different facets of Andalusian heritage, from prehistoric remains to Moorish inscriptions, in environments ranging from mountains to Mediterranean coastal zones.
The historical monuments of Córdoba document architectural development from the 1st to the 20th century. The Mosque-Cathedral with its 856 columns forms the centerpiece of the religious heritage. The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos with its terraced gardens and the Roman bridge over the Guadalquivir River bear witness to the Roman and Moorish past. The archaeological site of Medina Azahara lies outside the city and displays the remains of the 10th-century palace city. Medieval churches and Renaissance palaces line the historic center. Traditional courtyards with fountains and flowers characterize the residential quarters of the old town.
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Dar al-Wuzara
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