Corduba, the Andalusian Rome
Founded in the 2nd century BC, Corduba was one of the most important cities in Roman Hispania. As capital of the province of Baetica, it received the prestigious title of Colonia Patricia, a mark of its exceptional status.
The city of Corduba was founded by the general Claudius Marcellus between 169 and 152 BC. Under the Empire it grew quickly, adding public monuments, forums, theatres and temples. Emperor Augustus raised it to the rank of Colonia Patricia — the highest status a provincial city could hold.
The Roman monuments of Córdoba
The Roman Temple
Discovered in 1951 during expansion work on the city hall, this large Corinthian temple from the 1st century AD closely resembles the Maison Carrée in Nîmes. Dedicated to the imperial cult, it formed part of the provincial Forum alongside a circus.
- Six Corinthian columns on the façade
- Reconstructed by architect Félix Hernández
- Listed as a Cultural Heritage Site in 2007
Practical info
- Address: Calle Capitulares
- Access: Free, 24/7
- Neighbourhood: Centro
The Roman Bridge
Built in the 1st century BC after the Battle of Munda (45 BC), this bridge was the only crossing of the Guadalquivir for twenty centuries. Its sixteen arches majestically span the river over 331 metres.
- 331 metres long, 16 arches
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994
- Pedestrianised since 2004
Free guided tour
The Córdoba free tour includes crossing the Roman Bridge with historical commentary. Daily departure at 10:30am, free (tips welcome).
Did you know?
The bridge was used as a filming location in Game of Thrones, representing the Long Bridge of Volantis.
Game of Thrones filming locationsSemana Santa
A prime spot to watch the processions with a view of the Mezquita. An unforgettable sight during the Madrugada.
Semana Santa guide
Plaza de la Corredera
This rectangular square occupies the site of the former Roman forum of Corduba. Andalusia's only arcaded square, it retains the structure of an ancient forum remodelled in the 17th century. The subsoil still holds Roman remains discovered during excavations.
- Site of the Roman forum
- Traditional market every Saturday morning
- 17th-century arcades
Practical info
- Access: Free, 24/7
- Market: Saturday 9am–2pm
- Neighbourhood: Centro
The Guadalquivir Mills
Water mills have lined the Guadalquivir since Roman times. The most iconic, the Albolafia mill, supplied water to the caliphal palace. These hydraulic installations testify to Roman engineering adapted by the Andalusian caliphs.
- Technology of Roman origin
- Visible from the Roman Bridge
- Millennia-old hydraulic system
Viewing
Best view from the Roman Bridge and the banks of the Guadalquivir. Free riverside walk.
The Amphitheatre
Built in the 1st century, the amphitheatre of Corduba was the largest in Hispania and the third largest in the entire Roman Empire after the Colosseum in Rome and the one in Carthage. Its remains were discovered beneath the current university campus.
- Estimated capacity of 50,000 spectators
- Largest amphitheatre in Hispania
- Remains visible at the Archaeological Museum
Historical context
The amphitheatre hosted gladiatorial combat and venationes (hunts of wild animals).
The Roman Villa at the Palacio del Bailio
An unexpected discovery at the heart of a luxury hotel: during restoration of the Palacio del Bailio, archaeologists uncovered the remains of a 1st-century Roman domus. Mosaics, Roman baths and ancient streets are visible beneath the restaurant through a glass floor.
- Polychrome mosaics from the 1st century
- Restored Roman baths accessible via the spa
- Original Roman columns incorporated into the palace
Good to know
The Roman remains are visible from the hotel restaurant. Book a table to dine above 2,000 years of history.
Luxury accommodation
5-star hotel, member of Design Hotels. From €218 per night.
Timeline of Corduba
Foundation
Claudius Marcellus founds Corduba on the banks of the Guadalquivir
Civil war
The Pompeian city is taken by Caesar's troops
Colonia Patricia
Augustus raises Corduba to the rank of Colonia Patricia
Golden age
Construction of the temple, amphitheatre and theatre
Illustrious figures of Corduba
Seneca (4 BC – 65 AD)
The Stoic philosopher and tutor of Nero was born in Corduba. His letters and essays on ethics shaped later European thought for centuries — medieval writers and Renaissance scholars read him directly.
Lucan (39 – 65 AD)
Seneca's nephew, this epic poet authored the Pharsalia, an epic on the civil war between Caesar and Pompey. He died at 26, forced to suicide by Nero.
The Fernandine Churches
After the Christian Reconquest by Ferdinand III in 1236, fourteen parish churches were built on the sites of the neighbourhood mosques. These "Fernandine churches" blend Romanesque, Gothic and Mudéjar architecture, marking the cultural transition between Al-Andalus and Christian Córdoba.
San Lorenzo Church
The finest of the Fernandine churches. Romanesque portal, fortified porch tower and magnificent 13th-century Gothic rose window.
San Lorenzo neighbourhoodSan Miguel Church
13th-century Romanesque architecture with Mudéjar influences. Triple nave and richly sculpted side portal.
Centro neighbourhoodSanta Marina Church
In the historic bullfighting neighbourhood. Imposing bell tower and statue of the celebrated bullfighter Manolete in the forecourt.
Santa Marina neighbourhoodA self-guided tour of all 14 Fernandine churches is available from the tourism office
Discover Moorish Córdoba too
The Roman city laid foundations the Umayyads would build on. By the 10th century, Córdoba was the largest city in western Europe — with 500,000 inhabitants and a library of 400,000 volumes.
Official sources
This guide draws on official and recognised sources to ensure the accuracy of the information provided.
- UNESCO - Historic Centre of Córdoba
World Heritage inscription including the Roman remains
- Museo Arqueológico de Córdoba
Official collection of artefacts and information on Roman Corduba
- Córdoba Tourism Office
Official information on the Roman monuments of Córdoba