Conjunto Arqueológico Madinat al-Zahra
In the 10th century, the first Umayyad caliph of al-Andalus, Abd al-Rahman III, decided the splendor of Córdoba was not enough. To demonstrate his power to rivals across the Middle East, he ordered a vast new palace-city: Madinat al-Zahra.
Construction of the Shining City began around 940 and took ten thousand workers more than 25 years to complete. It contained 400 houses and 300 baths, but it didn’t last long. Around 1010 it was sacked by invading Berbers and by 1031 the Umayyad dynasty’s brief rule of al-Andalus was over. Through the centuries, the site was repeatedly plundered for building materials, but since 1911 it has been protected as one of the most important archaeological sites of the Islamic world. Excavation and restoration are ongoing.
The Conjunto Arqueológico Madinat al-Zahra lies 8km west of Córdoba in the foothills of the Sierra Morena. Start your visit at the modern museum which uses excavated artifacts, videos, and models to bring the story to life. Then catch the shuttle bus (lanzadera) to the archaeological site, where a designated route takes you through the remains of the hillside city. The highlight is the hall of Abd al-Rahman III, known as the Salón Rico, where the caliph received his ministers. Its horseshoe arches and marble pillars have been meticulously restored. In other parts of the complex, you’ll need to use your imagination.
Tip: The official website is not easy to navigate. It's simplest to buy your tickets from the tourist office, including the bus trip to the site. Unofficial websites will charge much higher prices.
In the 10th century, the first Umayyad caliph of al-Andalus, Abd al-Rahman III, decided the splendor of Córdoba was not enough. To demonstrate his power to rivals across the Middle East, he ordered a vast new palace-city: Madinat al-Zahra.
Construction of the Shining City began around 940 and took ten thousand workers more than 25 years to complete. It contained 400 houses and 300 baths, but it didn’t last long. Around 1010 it was sacked by invading Berbers and by 1031 the Umayyad dynasty’s brief rule of al-Andalus was over. Through the centuries, the site was repeatedly plundered for building materials, but since 1911 it has been protected as one of the most important archaeological sites of the Islamic world. Excavation and restoration are ongoing.
The Conjunto Arqueológico Madinat al-Zahra lies 8km west of Córdoba in the foothills of the Sierra Morena. Start your visit at the modern museum which uses excavated artifacts, videos, and models to bring the story to life. Then catch the shuttle bus (lanzadera) to the archaeological site, where a designated route takes you through the remains of the hillside city. The highlight is the hall of Abd al-Rahman III, known as the Salón Rico, where the caliph received his ministers. Its horseshoe arches and marble pillars have been meticulously restored. In other parts of the complex, you’ll need to use your imagination.
Tip: The official website is not easy to navigate. It's simplest to buy your tickets from the tourist office, including the bus trip to the site. Unofficial websites will charge much higher prices.
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