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Archaeological Museum of Córdoba — Roman and Moorish artefacts
Culture

The museums of Córdoba

From Roman treasures to masterpieces of Andalusian painting, Córdoba's museums tell 2,000 years of history. The good news: several are free for EU citizens.

Must-sees

Inner courtyard of the Museo Arqueológico de Córdoba with Roman columns

Museo Arqueológico de Córdoba

Free EU

Housed in the Palacio de los Páez, this museum traces Córdoba's history from prehistory to the medieval period. The Roman collections are exceptional: mosaics, sculptures and, most notably, the remains of the Roman theatre discovered beneath the museum itself.

Highlights

  • • Roman theatre remains beneath the museum
  • • Mosaics and sculptures from Colonia Patricia
  • • Visigothic and caliphal collection
  • • Renaissance patio of the Palacio de los Páez
Duration: 1h–1h30 Price: Free (EU) / €1.50

Opening hours

  • Tuesday–Saturday: 9am–9pm
  • Sunday: 9am–3pm
  • Monday: Closed
Gallery room at the Museo Julio Romero de Torres with portraits of Andalusian women

Julio Romero de Torres Museum

Free EU

Dedicated to Córdoba's most celebrated painter (1874–1930), this museum displays his iconic portraits of Andalusian women. His realist style tinged with symbolism captures the soul of early 20th-century Andalusia.

Highlights

  • • "La Chiquita Piconera" – his most celebrated work
  • • Portraits of Andalusian women
  • • Reconstructed artist's studio
  • • Located on the Plaza del Potro (mentioned in Don Quixote)
Duration: 45 min–1h Price: Free (EU) / €5

Opening hours

  • Tuesday–Saturday: 8:30am–9pm
  • Sunday: 8:30am–3pm
  • Monday: Closed
Torre de la Calahorra at the southern end of the Puente Romano de Córdoba

Living Museum of Al-Andalus (Torre de la Calahorra)

Housed in the fortified tower guarding the Roman Bridge, this museum traces the coexistence of three cultures (Christian, Muslim and Jewish) in medieval Córdoba. Immersive audio guide and panoramic views from the rooftop.

Highlights

  • • Narrative audio guide on life during the Caliphate
  • • Scale models of the Mezquita and Medina Azahara
  • • Figures of Averroes and Maymonides
  • • Panoramic terrace overlooking the Mezquita
Duration: 1h Price: €4.50

Opening hours

  • Every day: 10am–2pm, 4:30pm–8:30pm
  • Reduced hours in winter

Palace museums

Palacio de Viana

The "patio museum": 12 flower-filled patios and decorative arts collections (tapestries, ceramics, weapons) inside a Renaissance palace.

Duration: 1h30 Price: €6 (patios) / €10 (+ museum)

Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

Royal fortress with Roman mosaic rooms, Arab baths and terraced gardens. Christopher Columbus was received here.

Duration: 1h–1h30 Price: €5
Free with Mezquita ticket

Episcopal Palace - Diocesan Museum

Opposite the Mezquita, the palace houses a sacred art collection: sculptures, paintings by Spanish masters, silverwork and tapestries. Remarkable Baroque courtyard and monumental staircase.

Duration: 45 min–1h Price: Included with Mezquita ticket
UNESCO Free EU

Medina Azahara Museum

Modern museum showcasing finds from the caliphal city. Exceptional pieces and scale models to view before visiting the ruins.

Duration: 2h30–3h (museum + site) Shuttle bus: €9 return

Palacio de la Merced

Former Baroque convent, now the seat of the Diputación. Temporary exhibitions and a magnificent cloister to visit during open-house days.

Access: Temporary exhibitions

Practical tips

Saving money

  • • EU citizens: show your national ID
  • • Tuesday morning: Alcázar free 8:30am–9:30am
  • • Students: discounted rates on presentation of student card

Timing

  • • Monday: most museums are closed
  • • Sunday afternoon: early closing
  • • Summer: extended evening hours

Plan your visit

Most of Córdoba's museums sit within walking distance of each other. The Archaeological Museum, Torre de la Calahorra, and Julio Romero Museum can all be covered in a single day. Medina Azahara needs a morning to itself.

Browse itineraries Free visits All monuments

Official sources

This guide draws on official and recognised sources to ensure the accuracy of the information provided.