Arruzafa takes its name from the Arabic al-Rusafa ('the gardens'). The Umayyad caliphs built their summer residences on these hills north of Córdoba in the 10th century. Abd al-Rahman I established a palace here with gardens modelled on those of Rusafa in Syria — a deliberate reference to his family's origins before they fled the Abbasid coup.
What remains
The palace gardens are long gone. What persists is the character of the place — a hillside retreat above the city, with tree-shaded villas, large gardens, and clear views over the Guadalquivir valley. The Parador de Córdoba occupies a position on the ruins of the Arab palace, which is a reasonable way to stay in a place with that kind of history without requiring the original building.
Nature and practical options
The Parque de la Asomadilla covers the western edge of the area — 27 hectares of Mediterranean woodland with a hilltop viewpoint. Families can reach AquaSierra water park in Villafranca in about 15 minutes (47,000 m² of slides and pools, the only water park in Córdoba province).
Staying in Arruzafa
4 km from the old town, Arruzafa suits visitors who want to avoid the noise of the Judería at night without committing to a long commute into the city. Quiet streets, cooler evenings on the hill, and a short taxi ride to the monuments.
