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    8 Activities

    Arab Vestiges From Cordoba to Hornachuelos

    Arab Vestiges From Cordoba to Hornachuelos
    Starts from

    Córdoba

    Transportation

    By Car

    Guidance

    Self-Guided

    Activities

    8

    Duration

    11 hours

    Length

    56 mi

    Guide details

    Starts from

    Córdoba

    Transportation

    By Car

    Guidance

    Self-Guided

    Duration

    11 hours

    Length

    56 mi

    History and Culture
    Map preview
    Flor Vallejo

    Flor Vallejo

    Travel Expert

    • Discover the Medina of Azahara, the ancient administrative centre of the Caliphate.
    • Visit the castle of Almodovar del Rio, surprising from every point of view.
    • Stroll through Hornachuelos with views of the hills, where the Arabs left their mark.
    The Arab domination of the Iberian Peninsula began in the 8th century and culminated with their definitive expulsion in the 15th century. During the centuries of occupation they built defensive castles, administrative centres, mosques and more, leaving a great historical legacy that is preserved to this day.
    The aim of this route is to visit several points near Cordoba to observe the Arab imprint on the architecture. We will visit the Medina of Azahara, administrative and power centre with its archaeological site, the castle of Almodovar del Rio where scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed, and the village of Hornachuelos, where the Arabs used the water from the hills to use it in the fortress. Let's get started!

    Categories

    The Arab domination of the Iberian Peninsula began in the 8th century and culminated with their definitive expulsion in the 15th century. During the centuries of occupation they built defensive castles, administrative centres, mosques and more, leaving a great historical legacy that is preserved to this day.
    The aim of this route is to visit several points near Cordoba to observe the Arab imprint on the architecture. We will visit the Medina of Azahara, administrative and power centre with its archaeological site, the castle of Almodovar del Rio where scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed, and the village of Hornachuelos, where the Arabs used the water from the hills to use it in the fortress. Let's get started!
    Flor Vallejo

    Flor Vallejo

    Travel Expert

    • Discover the Medina of Azahara, the ancient administrative centre of the Caliphate.
    • Visit the castle of Almodovar del Rio, surprising from every point of view.
    • Stroll through Hornachuelos with views of the hills, where the Arabs left their mark.

    Day Itinerary

    8 Activities
    Map preview

    Day 1

    56 mi0.6 mi

    Medina de Azahara, Almodovar del Río and Hornachuelos

    The day begins with the famous Medina of Azahara, a Moorish legacy that complements the visit of the Córdoba Mosque. The second stop is in Almodovar del Rio to visit its enormous castle, one of the best preserved in Spain and where the Moors left their mark. Finally, Hornachuelos invites you to a walk around the castle with views of the hills. The Arabs dominated it for several centuries.
    It is advisable to bring some snacks and drinks because lunch is scheduled for after 2:00 p.m. Wear comfortable clothes and footwear as you will be walking uphill and the ground at the site of Medina Azahara is uneven.
    Medina Azahara
    09:302 hrs 30 min

    Medina Azahara

    Historic Site
    Open Details
    The medina is one of the most representative archaeological sites of Islamic art in the region. It was originally built in the 10th century as an administrative and power centre in the middle of the Arab domination.
    The visit includes an interpretation centre with audiovisual projections explaining the history of the site, and then a shuttle bus is available for a fee to take you to the archaeological site itself and take you on a tour of the site.
    At the site you can see the typical Moorish arches like the ones in the mosque of Córdoba. Guided tours are also available.
    There is a car park next to the interpretation centre.
    14.2 mi
    25 min
    12:255 min

    Car Park

    Parking
    Open Details
    The second stop is in Almodovar del Río, you are about to visit a fortress that was originally built by the Arabs.
    Leave your car in this car park and continue on foot.
    0.4 mi
    5 min
    Almodóvar Castle
    12:451 hr 30 min

    Almodóvar Castle

    Castle
    Open Details
    It is one of the best preserved castles in Spain thanks to the restoration process. Located on the hill of La Floresta, it enjoys privileged views of the Sierra Morena and the town of Almodóvar del Rio.
    The fortress originated during the Moorish period and later underwent successive extensions during the Christian reconquest. You can visit the rooms, courtyards and towers, and there are even areas for dramatized visits. Everything is set up to give you an experience as if you were in the middle of the Middle Ages.
    For Game of Thrones fans, scenes from the 7th season were filmed here, in particular the castle served as the seat of the Kingdom of Altojardín.
    After leaving the castle and picking up the car, head to the historical centre of Almodóvar del Río to have lunch.
    0.9 mi
    10 min
    La Taberna de Cuatro Caminos
    14:301 hr 30 min

    La Taberna de Cuatro Caminos

    Restaurant
    Open Details
    Typical Andalusian décor, homemade food and excellent service. Ideal to try local dishes such as Almodovar croquettes or mazamorra. Although it is not the cheapest in town, the quality and presentation is worth it.
    Their desserts are a real madness. The apple pie with mango ice cream or the chocolate coulant are extraordinary.
    With a full belly after lunch, continue the route to the village of Hornachuelos which is within a half an hour's drive.
    18.4 mi
    30 min
    16:305 min

    Car Park

    Parking
    Open Details
    Leave the car in this car park and start the tour of the village of Hornachuelos, located on the edge of the hills of the same name.
    0.3 mi
    10 min
    Hornachuelos Castle
    16:4530 min

    Hornachuelos Castle

    Castle
    Open Details
    Also originating from the Arab period, the castle is in the middle of the historic centre of Hornachuelos. From the castle there are views of the natural park of the hills of Hornachuelos.
    Of what was once one of the main fortresses of the area, only a few parts remain: the tower of homage, the parade ground and the cistern. The Arabs used the water from the hill to fill the cistern and thus had water inside the fortress.
    0.4 mi
    10 min
    La Plaza del Mirador
    17:3030 min

    La Plaza del Mirador

    Scenic Lookout
    Open Details
    Walking through the historic centre of Hornachuelos you come across this surprise, houses hanging from a ravine at the edge of the road, something very similar to the hanging houses of Cuenca or the landscape of the village of Setenil de las Bodegas.
    From the Plaza del Mirador you get the best views of these houses and the surrounding landscape.
    After admiring the views, it takes only five minutes to reach the parking area to take the car and head to the last stop.
    22.2 mi
    30 min
    Restaurante Cuevas Bajas
    18:301 hr 30 min

    Restaurante Cuevas Bajas

    Restaurant
    Open Details
    Cuevas Bajas is a restaurant located a few metres from the road. It has a varied menu, well presented dishes and regional delicacies.
    Grilled meats, tapas and salads are some dishes on the menu. If you go with children, there is a children's play area to keep them entertained.
    Map preview
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