CÓRDOBA

Halal-friendly holidays

Cordoba an Islamic heritage visible everywhere and there are a few mosques that are open for daily prayers and various small prayer facilities created by the Muslim population of Cordoba who have immigrated in recent years. Also, since Muslims from all over the world visit Andalusia, halal food is plentiful. There are some alcohol-free hotels, and many offer alcohol-free rooms.

There are a number of authentic Spanish restaurants in Cordoba. Most places offer a vegetarian diet and replace chicken/meat with seafood or vegetables. Halal food is available in many Indian, Middle Eastern and Turkish takeaways and restaurants around Cordoba, run by the small local Muslim population. Most have a Halal sign posted on them, but if in doubt, always ask inside. Some hotels serve halal food upon request and many hotels offer halal food nearby.

Some hotels serve halal food upon request and many hotels offer halal food nearby. There are some alcohol-free hotels, and many offer alcohol-free rooms.

Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba
The Great Mosque was built in 785 on the orders of Abd ar-Rahman I. At that time, Cordoba was the capital of Al-Andalus and was expanded many times. The ornately decorated mosque was converted into a cathedral by 1236 after the Christians reconquered Cordoba and has well-preserved Islamic architecture and history.

Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs
This historic fortress was once the residence of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon. It was built in 1328 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to iconic gardens and magnificent courtyards.

Medina Azahara
This palatial city on the outskirts of Cordoba remains an important archaeological site. It was first built in the 10th century by Abd ar-Rehman III., who declared himself caliph and built a new city as a symbol of his rule. It was the capital of the Cordoba Caliphate and served as the centre of government.

Roman bridge of Córdoba
The historic Cordoba Bridge was built in the early 1st century and has been reconstructed several times over the years. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it crosses the Guadalquivir River and offers magnificent views of the sunrise over the river.

Torre de la Calahorra
This large tower served as a defensive building and is the oldest in the city. It was built by the Muslims to protect the city from attacks and was extensively rebuilt after the reconquest. The imposing tower attracts many tourists, but also houses a museum with Jewish, Christian and Muslim artefacts from Cordoba's history. It also shows the history of Andalusia, as it was once the leading society for science and pioneering.

There are a few mosques that are open for daily prayers and various small prayer facilities that are tucked in the alleys and decorated in a similar style to the other traditional buildings of Spain, where you can find ablution facilities and perform your prayers. If you are unsure where to find your closest mosque, ask a local as they are always eager to help. Here are a couple:

Mezquita de Los Andaluces - Not far from the Mosque–Cathedral, this small mosque was built in the 12th century and recently restored, it is the only historic mosque still in operation since it last reopened in 2011. It is open for daily prayer and Jumu’ah prayers.

Al-Morabito Mosque - Located on Plaza de Colon in the city centre, it was built during the Spanish Civil War as a gift for Franco's Muslim soldiers and it is considered Spain's first modern mosque. In 1992, it was reopened as a community mosque after the Muslim Association of Cordoba asked the municipality to give it the building for congregational prayers. It is open for daily prayers and Jumu’ah prayers.