Archeological Tours of Qurtuba

Thematic tours through Cordoba’s remains from the era of Al-Andalus. 

Registrations for May 24, sold out

Casa Árabe and Arqueología somos todos have organized a series of thematic tours through the remains of Cordoba from the era of Al-Andalus. These tours will be guided by specialized archeologists from the Sísifo Research Group, at the University of Cordoba) who will explain to those attending the most recent archeological advancements regarding specific aspects of the Islamic city. These tours offer the possibility to get a better understanding of historic Qurtuba, in terms of both its emblematic monuments and through other more modest remains which are still preserved today within the city.

April 26

Qurtuba, Capital of Al-Andalus 

This tour travels through some of the distinctive features of Qurtuba to offer an approximate overview of what the capital of al-Andalus and most important political and cultural center in the Western world was like one thousand years ago. The tour focuses on some of the main milestones in the Islamic medina, which are still noticeable today. They will allow us to explain a large part of the city’s special character and understand Cordoba’s fundamental role as the capital of Al-Andalus.

May 10

Forts for Uncertain Times

This tour focuses on some of the fortifications in Islamic Cordoba to convey one essential idea: in the event of internal or external threats, the efforts to defend the city increase. The use of fortifications, especially city walls, does not always mean there is fear of an attack, because they may be used for other purposes. However, in uncertain times, fortresses become a priority within the city and territory, in order to maintain the status quo of society and/or those governing it. 

May 24

The Mosques of Qurtuba

Mosques are the most obvious material embodiment of Islam, a territorial indicator of its presence, which is fundamental for the inhabitants of its cities to live their everyday lives. On this tour, we will become familiar with some of the small mosques of Qurtuba and the importance which they held in the city’s urban design and development.

Date: Saturday, May 24
Time: From 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Registration fee: €5 per person (free for children under 16 years old)
When to sign up: starting May 19, from Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Casa Árabe headquarters in Cordoba (address: Calle Samuel de los Santos Gener, 9 –at the corner of Calle Velázquez Bosco and Plaza de la Agrupación de las Cofradías–).

June 7

Madinat al-Zahra

The Palatine city of Madinat al-Zahra, considered a masterpiece of art and architecture from Al-Andalus, was built at the request of Caliph Abd al-Rahman III to complete his political and ideological plan. On this tour, we will get to take a look at the city’s urban planning and the messages expressed by its architecture and rich decoration.

Date: Saturday, June 7
Time: At 10:00 a.m.
Registration fee: €5 per person (free for children under 16 years old). Includes the transfer by shuttle bus from the Museum’s new installations to the archeological site.
When to sign up: starting June 2, from Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Casa Árabe headquarters in Cordoba (address: Calle Samuel de los Santos Gener, 9 –at the corner of Calle Velázquez Bosco and Plaza de la Agrupación de las Cofradías–).