Explore Cordoba: Beyond Mosques, Discover Its Ancient Roman Heritage Today

The first glimpse of Córdoba reveals a breathtaking view as the ancient Roman bridge stretches across the Guadalquivir River, leading your gaze toward the majestic Great Mosque in the old town.

Built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Augustus (27 BC-14 AD), the bridge served as a crucial transportation link on the Roman road that connected to the provincial capital. Its strategic importance and enduring construction have made it a symbol of the city’s rich history.

In the 8th century, under the Umayyad Dynasty, the bridge underwent several reconstructions and repairs, transforming it into a vital passage to the Great Mosque. This period saw the bridge become an integral part of the city’s Islamic heritage, blending Roman and Moorish architectural influences.

After King Ferdinand III of Castile recaptured Córdoba in the 13th century, the bridge continued to be maintained and used, with Gothic and Renaissance elements added over time. These additions further enriched its historical and architectural significance, making it a testament to the city’s diverse cultural layers.

Standing at the fortress at the southern end of the bridge, you can marvel at the most magnificent structures from both the Roman and Moorish eras. Today, this tower is a window into the social life and cultural achievements of the Moors. Inside, you can explore finely crafted medical tools, astronomical devices, and miniature models of the Great Mosque and the palace. These models provide a fascinating insight into how these buildings were used by their builders and owners in the past.

Next, we will descend from the tower, cross the historic bridge, and step back in time to the city’s glorious Roman era. As if we were tiny figures in a meticulously detailed diorama, we will personally enter what was once the Great Mosque and is now the cathedral, immersing ourselves in the layers of history that have shaped Córdoba.