Hallelujah—we finally ditched our rental car!

After spending three weeks in Málaga, it was time for us to move on. We took a quick one-hour train ride to our next stop—Córdoba. We could feel the shift the moment we stepped off—quieter, a little more mysterious, but just as full of history.

In hindsight, we probably should have spent two nights in Córdoba—it’s super cute, and there’s so much to take in. We managed to visit the Mezquita-Catedral, but unfortunately, we ran out of time for the Alcázar. Then again, we had already seen the Alhambra and had plans to visit the Alcázar in Seville, so we didn’t stress too much. That said, we got a good lay of the land and even stumbled upon a few spots that weren’t on our list. As for our stay, our little two-star hotel was nothing short of charming, with warm, welcoming owners who made us feel right at home. (More on that below!)

La Mezquita (The Mosque-Cathedral)

Córdoba’s star attraction, the Mezquita-Catedral, is nothing short of breathtaking. Originally built as a mosque in the 8th century, it was later converted into a cathedral after the Christian conquest—talk about recycling! Walking in feels like stepping into another world, with its endless red-and-white horseshoe arches stretching in every direction. And just when you think you’ve got a handle on it, boom—a cathedral pops up right in the middle, a blending of Islamic and Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque, all into one incredible monument.

The Jewish Quarter

A charming maze of narrow, whitewashed streets filled with flower-adorned patios, a historic synagogue, and beautiful hidden courtyards.

Córdoba’s Synagogue is the city’s only preserved example of Hebrew religious architecture. Built in 1315, its intricate Mudejar plasterwork hints at the city’s layered past. Though small, it is one of only three remaining synagogues from this time period in Spain. It’s a rare glimpse into Córdoba’s once-thriving Jewish community.

La Casa Andalusian

Located in the Jewish quarter, La Casa Analusian is small but beautifully designed, with peaceful courtyards, flowing water, and intricate Moorish details. I’m always looking for ways to capture the charm of these historic homes and bring a little of that magic into my own space.

Puente Romano (Roman Bridge)

What can I say? This ancient bridge spans the Guadalquivir River and dates all the way back to the 1st century BC—yes, 1st century! It’s been reconstructed over the centuries but still stands strong. Surrounded by restaurants and cafés with river views, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a full day of sightseeing.

Palacio de Viana

The largest collection of patios in Córdoba is at Palacio de Viana, and if you love gardens, this is the place to be. We visited in the off-season, but I can only imagine how stunning it must be in spring and summer. That said, it’s still inspiring—I can only dream of having a garden on this scale. It’s a beautiful spot to wander through, and we were lucky to have a gorgeous day with no crowds, making for a relaxing and pleasant experience whether you’re into gardens or not.

Sacred Spaces

Where We Stayed

Casa de los Azulejos Hotel was adorable!

Rob planned this little treat, and I could tell he was a bit worried—did he misread the stars? Would his girl have a meltdown over where she slept? However, with glowing reviews backing him up, he needn’t have worried—it turned out to be absolutely perfect!

I know it was only one night, but we could have easily stayed longer. I felt like I’d been transported somewhere exotic—I guess I had. The history around every corner is fascinating, and if you’re ever in this part of Spain, Córdoba is an absolute must.