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Medina Azahara
Located a few miles west of Cordoba, the remains of 10th century palace city of Medina Azahara (also known as Medinat al-Zahra) are worth a short trip. At one time, this city was of unimaginable luxury and glory. Although there is nothing but ruins, visitors can feel the former magnificence of the city.
In 936, Abd al-Rahman III commanded to built this city which was probably the most beautiful manmade place the world has ever seen. It took three decades and the power of 10,000 workers to built palaces, dwelling houses, gardens and a mosque.
Medina Azahara was built on three large terraces on a southward slope. Its plan is rectangular and it spans over an area of more than 110 hectares (270 acres).
Chronicles give evidence of the exceptional magnificence of Medina City. These records report of a Golden Saloon and a Throne Hall being decorated with arches of ebony and ivory, marble, gold, and jewels.
The height of this great city where, in the first instance, foreign representatives and ambassadors were received, was not of duration. 74 years after it was completed, Berbers took and looted the city so that it sank into oblivion. It was 1910 when archaeologists rediscovered Medina Azahara and started to excavate its ruins. Since 1923, the remains of the city had been declared as protected historic site.
Even in present days parts of glorious paintings, columns and walls are in relatively good condition. Two Saloons underwent restoration in the 1990s. Restoration is to be continued.
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Location
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Carretera de Palma del Rio, km 8
14071 Cordoba
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Hours
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Tue - Sat: 10am - 8.30 pm
Sundays, holidays: 10am - 2pm
Closed on Mondays
Winter: Abbreviated hours possible
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Entrance Fee
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EU residents free, others 1.50 EUR
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Getting There
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From Cordoba use N-431 westbound, make a right turn at km 5.5.
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