Knowing that we were going to be spending all of August and a bit of September in Sevilla, we figured we’d at least take a day trip from Sevilla to Córdoba while we were there. It was a city I’d heard so much about, and I’d never had the chance to visit! But with the temperature typically above 100°F (~37C) in both Sevilla and Córdoba, it was looking like we’d have to save Córdoba for another trip to Andalucía. We went to Cádiz to escape the heat one weekend instead.
Luckily, on our last full day in Sevilla — a Monday, which was Labor Day at home — the high temps in Córdoba dropped to the low 80s and we decided we’d make the trip from Sevilla to Córdoba after all. Unlike when we’d gone to Cádiz, we didn’t have any problem finding seats on the train, so we took the RENFE Media Distancia train, which cost €11 per person each way, and got us from Sevilla to Córdoba in one hour and 19 minutes.
If you want to plan your own day trip from Sevilla to Córdoba, here’s what you need to know.
Córdoba, Spain
Distance from Sevilla: 120km/75 miles
Córdoba was formerly the capital city of Al-Andalus, the Muslim empire that ruled the Iberian peninsula from 711 AD/CE to 1492. (Al-Andalus lends its name to the modern Spanish autonomous community of Andalucía, where both Sevilla and Córdoba are located.) Córdoba is famous for its mix of Spanish and Muslim culture and architecture, as well as its ancient Roman influences. Most of the old historic city center has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We arrived in Córdoba around 10:30 a.m. by train (you can book with RailEurope) and left around 6:30 p.m., which seemed to be plenty of time for our day. Even though there were a few things we wanted to do, but weren’t able to, I think we could have still fit them in the time we had.
So, what is there to see and do in Córdoba?
One of the most amazing sights I’ve ever seen in Spain is in Córdoba, and you absolutely cannot miss it. The Mezquita-Catedral, or Mosque-Cathedral, is a unique blend of Mudéjar and Christian architecture that is emblematic of Córdoba’s history. Initially, the price to enter seemed a bit steep at €13 per person — and that doesn’t even include the cost to climb the bell tower (I think that was another €3). But as soon as we went inside, I felt that the price was totally worth it. Where else can you see a stunning mosque that has been converted into a cathedral?! The exterior courtyard, or the Patio de los Naranjos, is also worth a visit and especially beautiful when the oranges are in season.
Near the Mezquita-Catedral, you’ll find the Roman Bridge. Originally built in the 1st century BC/BCE, it has been reconstructed several times throughout history. The most recent reconstruction was done by the Moors in the 8th century. The bridge spans the Guadalquivir River — the same one that runs through Sevilla — though the water was super low when we were there, the result of a dry Andalucian summer. There’s a great view looking back at Córdoba from the other side of the bridge.
Also near the Mezquita-Catedral and the Roman Bridge is the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (the Castle of the Christian Monarchs). The “Reyes Cristianos” or “Reyes Católicos” are what King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella are often called in Spain. Yep, the ones who funded Columbus’s voyage to the Americas. Just like many other impressive palaces/mosques built by the Moors in Andalucía, Córdoba’s Alcázar was taken over by the Spanish monarchy and the Catholic Church. The Alcázar would have been really cool to visit, but unfortunately it is closed on Mondays, so we weren’t able to go in. 🙁
On a related note, the Palacio de Viana is another can’t-miss in Córdoba. The palacio displays one of the most iconic symbols of Córdoba — patios filled with flowers! Each year in May, Córdoba is in full bloom for the “Fiesta de los Patios de Córdoba,” where residents fill their patios with flowers and open them up to the public. Apparently, there’s also an international Flower Festival also held in October, for artists to create avant-garde, original floral displays in the name of art and culture. Either one sounds amazing to experience!
But since we were there in September, we wanted to see the evergreen Palacio de Viana, which is open year-round. Except… on Mondays! We were so disappointed to miss out. I guess we’ll have to come back sometime when we’re living in Spain.
Luckily, we were still able to get a taste of Córdoba’s love of flowers. The Calleja de las Flores is a very narrow street in the historic center of Córdoba that is lined by flower pots on both sides. When you get to the end of the street, which leads to a small residential square, you can look back for a great view of the cathedral.
Just like any good Spanish city, Córdoba has several plazas that are worth checking out. Plaza de las Tendillas, which isn’t too far from the train station, is a modern plaza with elegant architecture and plenty of shopping and cafes, perfect for people-watching. Some of the buildings remind me a lot of what you see on Madrid’s Gran Vía.
There’s also Plaza de la Corredera, which reminds you of a “traditional” Spanish plaza, like Plaza Mayor in Madrid or Plaza Mayor in Salamanca. Interestingly, Plaza de la Corredera is the only plaza designed in the old Castillian style that you can find in all of Andalucía. Its pink color makes it distinctive, though it’s a little bit off the beaten path.
Get from Sevilla to Córdoba by…
Train: Sevilla’s main train station is Sevilla-Santa Justa, which is pretty easy to get to from anywhere in the city. You can buy your ticket to Córdoba online with RailEurope or your favorite European train booking platform. The typical ticket price each way is about €11 if you take the Media Distancia train with a journey time of around 1 hour and 20 minutes; or, you can pay about €17-€27 each way if you take the high-speed train, which gets you to Córdoba in only 50 minutes. When you arrive in Córdoba, you’re only about a 15-minute walk from Plaza de las Tendillas, a great place to start your day.
Bus: While I can’t speak to taking the bus from Sevilla to Córdoba since I haven’t done it, it’s also an option. Though I’m not sure it’s a very economical choice, considering the bus tickets seem to cost about €14 each way and take between 1 hour and 45 minutes, and 2 hours and 10 minutes. The train is just about the same cost and a lot faster, too.
You could also take an organized day trip from Sevilla to Córdoba. We saw a lot of tour groups in Córdoba that had either done that or hired a guide for the day. If that’s the kind of thing you like to do, check out Viator — if you book with them, you actually get money toward your next experience.
What else do you want to know about taking a day trip from Sevilla to Córdoba? Let me know in the comments!
-Cathy
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