CORDOBA
Medina Azahara
The Caliphate City of Medina Azahara was a Moorish city built around the 10th century CE. Unfortunately, just 70 years later, the city would be ravaged and destroyed by a succession of Civil Wars.
Because most mosques were razed after a conquest, the foundations of which Christian churches were usually built on top of, means there are basically no original examples of a city like this in existence. This is a special opportunity to see how these heritage sites were laid out and to walk among them in real time. Unfortunately, as of now, only 10% has been excavated, with plans to continue in the future. Regardless, the little bit that is exposed is amazing and well worth the visit.
For more information, visit their website here.
Photo courtesy of Viator.com
TICKETS
There are two ways to get out to the site - take a car or join a tour. Obviously there are no trains or buses so if you aren’t already renting a car, do yourself a favor and jump on a group tour. Tour buses will take you straight out to the site. If you choose to take a car, you will have to park at the Madinat al-Zahra museum. There is a shuttle that runs between the museum and the archaeological site. The shuttle comes every 15 to 20 minutes and costs €2.5.
Tickets are available on site at the Madinat al-Zahra museum. Parties of 10 or more must make prior reservations. The online reservation system definitely isn’t user friendly so if you can avoid it, I would. They also offer a special night tour on Fridays and Saturdays.
For more information on the tour schedules, visit here.
