You may not know that during your tourist trip to Cordoba, an absolutely essential addition to visiting the Mosqueis also the opportunity to visit the archaeological remains of another of the masterpieces of Islamic art in Andalusia. This is Medina Azahara, which once was the epitome of the rise and power of the Caliphate of Córdoba. Indeed, Medina Azahara palace complex was the first Caliph of Cordoba, Abd ar-Rahman III built on the outskirts of the city which became his place of residence as well as the political center of the caliphate. Built in 936, Medina Azahara became the capital of Al-Andalus and this small town of 112 hectares housed the principal dignitaries of the caliphate. Yes, its heyday was short-lived because the end of the war meant the fall of the Umayyad Caliphate of Córdoba.
Beginning in 1013, Medina Azahara was abandoned. Until the year 1911 the remains of Medina Azahara were not located and thereafter began the recovery and restoration of the archaeological complex. To reach Medina Azahara you must go about 10 miles west of Córdoba. For your visit, you have to leave the car at the foot of the hill where the city extends along the new Museum of Medina Azahara. From there, you have to take a shuttle bus that goes to the top of the hill from where you start the tour of the archaeological remains. Medina Azahara was arranged in terraces on the hillside forming a rectangular enclosure with extensive views of the plains leading to the city of Cordoba.
From the viewpoint that is at the entrance of Medina Azahara one can have an excellent view of what was once the palace complex where you can see the layout of the houses and some of the city gates. Likewise you can see to the east, with gardens and slightly away from the rectangular enclosure, the remains of the Great Mosque which was the main city. On your tour of the archaeological remains, you’ll notice the door of the house of Ja’far, which maintains some of its decoration. Above all, you’ll see the so-called Rich Hall which is quite restored and its corners allow you to get an idea of the splendor that Medina Azahara was in its time. In its day, the Salon Rico was central to the palace complex. Also, as you pass under the arches you’ll see the Grand Portico which was the main entrance to the palace of Medina Azahara.
Directions:
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Medina Azahara photos: Paco Vargas, monchoparis, miguel carmena.
