The Synagogue
It is on Calle Judíos, two minutes from our door. It is one of only three medieval synagogues preserved in all of Spain (the other two are in Toledo). It is small — it would fit in a large living room — but the Mudéjar plasterwork inside deserves a long look. Free entry for EU citizens. Closed on Mondays.
Calleja de las Flores
The most photographed street in Córdoba. Narrow, with pots of geraniums on both sides, and at the end the tower of the Mosque framed like a painting. Come early if you want the photo without people. At midday between April and October it is a continuous parade.
Casa de Sefarad
Right opposite the Synagogue. A small museum about Sephardic culture that gives context to everything you are walking on. It explains who lived here, what their daily life was like and what happened when the Catholic Monarchs expelled them in 1492. The visit takes about 45 minutes and is worth it.
Puerta de Almodóvar
The monumental entrance to the Jewish Quarter. The Arab walls welcome you and the street narrows immediately. If you arrive from outside the old town, this is probably your first impression of the neighbourhood. From here to the Mosque it is ten minutes on foot, passing everything else along the way.
The Arab Baths of Córdoba
We are neighbours, so we are not going to be impartial. But we can tell you that after walking around the Jewish Quarter, putting your feet in hot water and passing through the steam room is the best afternoon plan we know. We are at number 18 Calle Almanzor, between the Puerta de Almodóvar and the Synagogue. Open every day from 10:00 to midnight.
The Mosque-Cathedral
The final destination of any route through the Jewish Quarter. The forest of 856 columns, the red and white double arches, the Christian chapel at the centre of the mosque. There is nothing like it in the world. Arrive early: queues at midday in high season can exceed an hour.
How much time you need
The complete walking route of the Jewish Quarter, without stops, takes 20 minutes. With visits to the Synagogue, Casa de Sefarad and the Mosque, about 3 hours. If you add the Arab baths, set aside 5 hours to enjoy it without rushing. Better early in the morning or from five in the afternoon onwards — especially in summer.
A tip you will not find in the guidebooks
The Jewish Quarter at eight in the evening in summer is a different neighbourhood. The heat has dropped, the tourist groups have gone, the lanterns come on and the streets are left to those who live here and those who know how to wait. If you can choose, stay for that hour.