People from European Union don’t need to have tickets and for rest of the nationalities it’s 1.5 euro. Then you need to head outside where there is a bus which will take you top hill. 3 Euro for bus both way and it’s a bus every 15 min. Sone of the Part which they present in the photos are closed and no access. I guess they are still trying to excavate more sections It’s magnificent how they have built architectures 1000s years before

Really nice archeological site. Full of history. Is a must if you are visiting Córdoba. The site is very near the city center (6kms aprox), you can use the bus service from city center to the site, there is a small museum, multimedia room and a giftshop.

Worth the visit. Be sure to read a little bit about the backstory of the city and the caliphate of Córdoba, as (for my liking) the amount of information panels could have been higher. We went there by car (free parking), but twice a day a bus from Córdoba goes there as well. We recommend taking the shuttle (2.50eu pp for a return) to the actual site from the visitors centre, as the walk is a tad long and along a busy road. Shuttles leave every 20 minutes.

(Translated by Google) Ela Zehra 🤔❤️👏👏👏🧿 (Original) Ela Zehra 🤔❤️👏👏👏🧿

Beautiful old palace-city from the Umayyad dynasty built in the 10th century, which served as the capital of the Caliphate of Córdoba at some point. Nowadays ruins and UNESCO world heritage site. Definitely worth a visit, although you need to pay attention to a few things concerning the timing. To get there you can go by car (8 km outside of Córdoba) or take a special yellow bus (departing from the city center at 10:00 with a fix return at 13:30; or leaving Córdoba at 10:45 and returning at 14:15). You should book the bus in advance either online (didn't work for us) or at the tourist office (costs 10€). The bus leaves you at the parking in front of the museum (free entrance). The museum is really good as it explains the different califates and timelines of the Spanish peninsula under Arab influence. From the museum you need to take a shuttle bus to the archaeological site, which is located around 2 km uphill. The shuttle bus comes every 15-20 minutes and the price is included in the general bus ticket, if you came by car it's 3€. Be careful that even in off-season (January) you might need to wait for 3 rounds of shuttle busses to be able to get to the site because of the queue. Even more importantly you need to pay attention to get back to the museum parking in time, so that you won't miss your return to Córdoba with the yellow bus, as there is no other option to return to the city. Although the yellow bus luckily waited for us quite a while.

Nice place. Good energy. The bust thing is a well, thing. You're not allowed with car, have to park 2 km away and then take tickets and then take the bus, pay 3 euros or less, depending on age, and the the bus will take you to the ruins. Nice place, kinda well conserved. Enjoy. Aaa, and one last thing. The last trip of the bus was at 1730 from the ruins to the park, so 1800 hours was not accurate in our case.

Built in 936 AD, these ancient ruins are a must-see for anyone visiting the Andalusia region of Spain. Suggestion: watch the video in the museum section before going up the hill to the actual site, it's well worth it and provides a great overview of the ruins and what was, and what became of, this historical landmark.

This place is less touristic but equally amazing. When you arrive at the site you have to leave the car at the museum based at the bottom of the valley. There you can collect the tickets for both the bus (that will bring you up to the Medina) and the Medina. The tickets for the Medina are free for all the European citizens. The Medina itself is really nice even though some parts we under restauración.

Archaeological complex of caliphate city showcasing ruins on three levels. The complex cannot be entered directly even though the corresponding Madinat al-Zahra Museum is, unfortunately, permanently closed. However, the archaeological site remains open. It has many fascinating rooms and details to enthrall you. The site also provides great views of the surrounding countryside and Cordoba. The signage around the complex can be improved, but there's enough there to give a very abridged history. Plan on spending about 2 hours at the site. To get to the site you must first arrive at the museum location and once there park, and then pay for and board a shuttle bus that runs every 15-20 minutes while the complex is open. Your vehicle must remain parked in the museum parking lot. The shuttle bus fare is round-trip and you will board the same bus to return to the museum parking lot and your vehicle.

Such an overwhelming place, thinking about the history and the events that occurred in this place is mind blowing with the remain of the rooms, corridors and the main halls. We had a chat with security guards (a lovely lady called Theresa) she got emotional telling us about the history and how proud she was. She was really helpful and passionate that we all were impressed with her warm chat. The website says that visits ends at 13:00 but actually you can catch the assigned coach at 19:00 to go to the place and then every 10 min (I have posted a photo of their opening hours). The only downside in our visit was that we were not able to visit 90% of the site, they said that the rest should be open next year. There is a a video about the site inside next to the car park were you catch the coach. It is a very informative video which you can also watch on YouTube including checking the remains and stuff recovered from Alzahraa and surrounding.

Medina Azahara in Cordoba is an extraordinary historical site, a true testament to the grandeur of early Islamic architecture and cultural wealth in Spain. Nestled in the rolling hills just outside Cordoba, this vast archaeological complex captivates visitors with its stunning ruins, which once comprised a palatial city built in the 10th century by Abd-ar-Rahman III, the Umayyad Caliph of Cordoba. As you step into Medina Azahara, you are instantly transported back in time. The site is a marvel of artistry and engineering, showcasing the sophisticated urban planning and exquisite decorative arts of the Andalusian Umayyad period. The remnants of the palaces, with their intricate arches and ornate carvings, speak volumes of the opulence and power of the Caliphate. The visitor center offers an insightful and well-organized introduction to the site's history, complete with interactive exhibits and a detailed model of how the city would have looked in its heyday. This sets the stage for an immersive exploration of the ruins. Wandering through the archaeological site, you can't help but be awed by the grandiosity of the main hall, the House of Yafar, and the remnants of richly decorated reception rooms. These structures, though partially restored, still exude an air of ancient splendor and mystery. For history buffs and architecture enthusiasts, Medina Azahara is a treasure trove of learning. The site not only reflects the artistic and cultural zenith of the Umayyad dynasty but also offers a glimpse into the political and social aspects of life during that era. Medina Azahara is more than just a historical site; it's a captivating journey into a bygone era that played a crucial role in shaping Andalusian, and indeed, European history. Whether you're a lover of history, architecture, or just someone in search of a unique travel experience, Medina Azahara in Cordoba is a destination that should not be missed.

Beatiful ruins with lots of history. Definitely a must see and set out a few hours to get the full experience. To be honest, I went there thinking I will spend 20 or 30 mins. But I was wrong!! I highly recommend going to the museum first, watching the short film on the history of Madina Azahara - this gives you the context and makes the actual experience of the ruins so much better

Beautiful ruins of an ancient Arabic city from the Xth century. These remains survived pillaging and a civil war, and are extremely well conserved. People from the European Union may enter the museum free of charge. The bus from the museum to the ruins is 3€ for adults and 1.5€ for children. This price includes the trip back. A must-see tourist attraction when passing by Córdoba!

Very beautiful but sad ruins of the city of Al-Zahra. You can tell it was a gorgeous town in the ancient times. Thanks to the great archeological efforts of restoring it. The museum was also informative.

Great site! The Entry is free but you have to get a ticket at the entrance of the museum. The bus is 1.5€ per person, you buy the ticket in the bus, and takes you up an down to the Medina every half hour.

Yes, the archeological site isa pile of stones with some reconstructions, but the museum does an excellent job in explaining both in English and Spanish the history of this remarkable Moorish construction of a califate city in the 940s. The Muslim history of Spain is truly fascinating.

The most affordable tourist site i’ve seen! €1.50 ticket to museum and €3 for the shuttle bus up to the site. So worth the money. This site was huge with stunning views.

Super interesting the remains of what must have been a city to behold. A guide is a must of you want to build the proper picture of what, how, who and when

Caliphal city, its history surprisingly shocking. I would like spent more time.

Amazing ancient historical place!! Unbelievable, it was one of the grandest city build on Andalucian soil.

Worth visiting however it is mostly reconstruction with barely anything original. The staff is quite rude and they are obsessed with backpacks carried on the front of your body even though there's hardly any artefacts on display or behind glasses. Cafe closed and there's nothing to do whilst waiting for your bus.

(Translated by Google) People who attend information seem to choose them out of dislike. Even changing shifts we have had no luck with any of them. The tour of the archaeological site has seemed interesting to me. (Original) Las personas que atienden en información parece que las escogen por antipaticas. Incluso haciendo cambio de turnos no hemos tenido suerte con ninguno de ellos. El recorrido por el yacimiento arqueológico me ha parecido interesante.

(Translated by Google) Precious remains of the 9th to 10th century Arab palace in Córdoba (Original) Preciosos restos del palacio arabe del siglo IX a X en Córdoba

(Translated by Google) It is a beautiful site, worth seeing. But I think that if entry was charged to finance the excavations, there would be more resources to have it in better condition. It is undoubtedly a place where there is still much to discover and see. (Original) Es un sitio precioso, que merece la pena ver. Pero creo que si se cobrase entrada para poder financiar las excavaciones, habría más recursos para tenerlo en mejores condiciones. Sin duda es un lugar en el que aún queda mucho por descubrir y por ver.

I've been to several Muslim places and this one is unique. I've never visited the ruins of a Muslim city before. Amazing.

A beautiful place and worth a visit, plenty of photos places. There is a toilet and site and no cafe etc if you want to sit. The site was built by Abd ar-Rahman III who had declared himself "caliph" in 929 and a symbol of his power, imitating other eastern countries of Caliphates.

(Translated by Google) Impressive work of restoration and care of this Arab city. I'd like to see some more infographics, but that doesn't detract from the beauty of the place. Not to be missed if you come to Córdoba. COVID measures OK. (Original) Impresionante trabajo de restauración y cuidado de esta ciudad árabe. Me gustaría ver algunas infografías más, pero eso no le quita belleza al lugar. Imperdible si vienes a Córdoba. Medidas COVID OK.

Sadly the security woman just arriving the place welcome you telling that you should not leave your car next to the place like doing a favour to you because police comes around. Not even 1 minute after she was calling with the walkie that we left the car there even telling the number of person we were arriving. Not good, not nice.

Well worth a visit. Don't drive up to the gate as access is via a shuttle bus from the museum which is 2k downhill from the historic site. The video at the start is well worth time spent watching as it gives a picture of what it looked like in it's heyday. Cost is €1.5 plus €2.5 for the bus

Not for Mobility Impaired. This is a five-star experience but not if you have a bad knee or need to use a cane, crutches, or wheel chair for any reason at all. It is not accessible, except at the museum (which is very much accessible). So, while I could see the antiquities from the hill, my husband had the pleasure of seeing all the ruins. IT IS MOST WORTHWHILE. Do not miss this, if you have time after seeing the Mezquita. If you were as excited as I was to learn about Azahara, then you can read more in a book by Elizabeth Nash on Cordoba. The impressions that were made on visitors in the 12th c. to this complex were of overwhelming wealth - to the point of being magical. This location deserves its UNESCO classification, and I am encouraged at what more archeologists can do with this site.

(Translated by Google) Spectacular place that has been bequeathed to us by the very particular history of the city of Córdoba. What is visited makes one understand the beauty and grandeur of a Caliphal residence that was undoubtedly impressive and unique at the height of a time when this city was a reference center for both the East and the West. There is still a lot to improve, in the facilities, in the recovery, in the staff ... (Original) Espectacular lugar que nos ha sido legado por la historia tan particular de la ciudad de Córdoba. Lo que se visita hace comprender la belleza y grandiosidad de una residencia califal que fue sin duda impresionante y única en el apogeo de una época en la que esta ciudad fue centro de referencia tanto para oriente como para occidente. Todavía queda mucho por mejorar, en las instalaciones, en la recuperación, en el personal...

(Translated by Google) I found it very interesting and you have to visit them (Original) Me pareció muy interesante y hay que visitarlas

Madinat Al Zahra. The remains of the splendor of Al Andalus during the Umayyad caliphate.

(Translated by Google) Archaeological site essential to understand Cordoba and its context. A shame the abandonment and plunder for years that luckily, with work is being reversed. (Original) Yacimiento arqueologico indispensable para poder entender Cordoba y su contexto. Una lastima el abandono y expolio durante años que por suerte, con trabajo se esta revirtiendo.

(Translated by Google) What to say about this palace city is fascinating to try to imagine the Umayyad splendor that Medina Azahara had in the short 70 years it had and with only ten percent discovered !!!!!!! Impressive ¡¡¡¡ (Original) Que decir de esta ciudad palacio es fascinante intentar imaginarte el esplendor Omeya que tuvo Medina Azahara en lis cortos 70 años que tuvo y con solo un diez por ciento descubierto !!!!!!!impresionante¡¡¡¡¡

(Translated by Google) A gem yet to be exploited. Perhaps it is the most important historical wealth of Andalusia and it is a great unknown. (Original) Una joya aún sin explotar. Quizás sea la riqueza histórica más importante de Andalucía y es una gran desconocida.

I highly recommend Madina Alzahra in Cordoba to anyone interested in exploring the rich history and culture of Spain. This archaeological site offers a captivating glimpse into the medieval Islamic era, showcasing the architectural brilliance of the Umayyad Caliphate. The meticulously restored ruins, informative exhibits, and guided tours provide a comprehensive understanding of this once magnificent city. Visiting Madina Alzahra is a truly enlightening and immersive experience, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.

(Translated by Google) Worth going (Original) Merece la pena ir

This has been my first time here and it's been a really nice experience. I highly recommend to perform a guided tour (unless you are a skilled historian :) )

Worth visiting if you are in Cordoba. Shuttle busses from Cordoba will take you to the museum. You can watch their documentary and also the museum describing the history. Special shuttle busses then take you to the sight.

(Translated by Google) Spectacular, I recommend visiting it (Original) Espectacular, recomiendo visitarlo

Beautiful place and very unique style and history. It's well maintained. A bit more expensive than I remember it being before... I think 11€ for an adult ticket.

It is an interesting place where only 10% have already been excavated only. Huge potential and I hope to come back when more than 80% will be excavated.

There are toilets. The place is big and there are several palaces that were close when I was there. The weather was really hot (in fall) so note that if you wanna visit this place in the summer or so. Bring your umbrella and wear summer clothes for that matter.

This place is a gem for anyone interested in Al Andaluz history. Interesting museum and fascinating archeological site. I recommend about 2 hrs here.

(Translated by Google) The schedule has changed due to the covid and they do not put anything on the internet (Original) El horario ha cambiado por el covid y no ponen nada en internet

(Translated by Google) It is worth the visit, for the history, the place, the environment and the obligatory gymnastics. Too bad the ruins are so dilapidated. (Original) Merece la pena la visita, por la historia, el paraje, el entorno y la obligada gimnasia. Lástima que las ruinas estén tan deterioradas.

Advice for visiting the place: this place is in remote area and you can taxi there or I think a bus comes in and out of here that connects to the main city. It’s pretty cheap (1.5 euros for the museum and then 3 euros for the bus to the site). This place is definitely worth a visit and museum does a great job of fueling the imagination before you attend the site. It’s unfortunate that it’s not as preserved as the other archeological sites, but I loved it.

(Translated by Google) A pass, incredible recommended 101% you park and they take you by bus. It is also very very close to Córdoba to go to eat there (Original) Una pasada , increíble recomendable 101% aparcas y te suben en autobús .Además esta muy muy cerca de Córdoba para ir a comer allí

The ruins may evoke your thoughts of a Romanticised past of Spain, which was the heyday of the Cordoba Caliphate (mid 10th century - 1010). The 5-arched portico (4 arches of which are still relatively well-preserved), the solemn Upper Basilica, the magnificent House of Ya'far (a Prime Minister of the Caliphate of Cordoba), the serene Higher Gardens with a typical Islamic rectangular pond that reflects the Hall of Ambassadors (this area was closed when I visited in June 2018), along with the living quarters of the royal household and the humble residences of ordinary civilians, all formed part of this long-forgotten imperial capital. Entering from the northwest corner of the city, you may 'fight your way' through the well-armed palace guards and royal soldiers in the year 1010, passing a small palace (closed and under archaeological examination) and a zigzag route through the northern gate of the city. Standing at the gate, you will enjoy a panoramic view as one of the many conquerors in around 1010 did, just before the city's decline.

We visited it at night, it is open till midnight, and it s free (11€ during the day), you only pay the bus from the parking to it, it costs 3 € (2 ways). It looked so nice with the lightning, so romantic, I think it is a great place for a marriage proposal 😉. Very rich in history, nice to spend couple hours at night.

Must visit!!! Absolutely gorgeous. Please have a guide to understand the history behind this amazing place.

The best part is the guide stories and explanations. not worth the difficult 2 buses, trip and walk up step stais and ramps. I was very disappointed.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful (Original) Precioso

Spain is an historical and cultural paradise second to none. There is a rainbow of historical sites to visit to discover over several millenniums of past event to consolidated what is today's Spain. It is amazing what Spain's has achieved in the last 40 years of democracy,,,endurance and resilience is a Spanish characteristic since earlier history against the odds..

Great place to visit. We can see interesting film about madina azahara and some display about history of Al Andalus.

Historical site of Andalus. It is a palace built by the Caliph of Cordoba.

(Translated by Google) I liked being here since its architecture is very beautiful and it is nice to know new places (Original) me gusto estar aqui ya que su arquitectura es muy bonita y es agradable conocer lugares nuevos

(Translated by Google) At least they could leave a message on the answering machine to see if it is closed or open these days. What an example of Heritage. (Original) Al menos podrian dejar algún mensaje en el contestador para saber si esta cerrado o abierto estos días. Menudo ejemplo de Patrimonio.

(Translated by Google) Not to be missed (Original) No hay que perdérselo

(Translated by Google) Impressive the city that it had to be. Penalty for not having taken care of that heritage. Now that if how Lorenzo squeezes ... (Original) Impresionante la ciudad que tubo que ser. Pena de no haber cuidado ese patrimonio. Ahora eso si como aprieta el Lorenzo..

(Translated by Google) It is a site that must be visited. An important part of the history of Spain (Original) Es un sitio que hay que visitar. Una parte importante de la historia de España

(Translated by Google) A true wonder. They put you an explanatory video before the visit. The route is very well cared for and very well indicated. But there is a part that is closed to the public because they are fixing it or restoring it. A shame. (Original) Una verdadera maravilla. Te ponen un vídeo explicativo previamente a la visita. Esta muy bien cuidado y muy bien indicado el recorrido. Pero hay una parte que esta cerrada al público porque lo están arreglando o restaurando. Una lástima.

(Translated by Google) The history we have in Córdoba is impressive, a highly recommended place to visit (Original) Impresionante la historia que tenemos en Córdoba, sitio más que recomendable para visitar

(Translated by Google) Impressive archaeological site, one of the best preserved jewels is this spectacular Portico, I was little with school and returning recently after so many years was exciting, it also has guided tours, I will definitely go again. (Original) Conjunto arqueológico impresionante, una de las joyas mejor conservadas es este espectacular Pórtico, fui de pequeño con el cole y volver recientemente después de tantos años fue ilusionante, además dispone de visitas guiadas, sin duda volveré a ir.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful (Original) Precioso

(Translated by Google) Incredible archaeological site, essential to visit it if you go to Córdoba (Original) Increíble sitio arqueológico, indispensable visitarlo si se va a Córdoba

(Translated by Google) The great unknown. A jewel of history. (Original) La gran desconocida. Una joya de la historia.

(Translated by Google) Interesting (Original) Interesante

(Translated by Google) Too much in ruin everything and almost the prettiest thing is closed since 2009 .... So bittersweet taste (Original) Demasiado en ruina todo y casi lo más bonito está cerrado desde 2009.... Así que sabor agridulce

It is an incredible place to see the ruins of a civilisation. The archaeological site is an excellent panorama in the city of Cordoba.

(Translated by Google) Imagining that city just makes your hair stand on end. (Original) Imaginar aquella ciudad simplemente pone los pelos de punta.

(Translated by Google) A very interesting place to visit, you can see the great restoration work they are doing and when the gardens are ready it will be spectacular, not recommended if it is very hot, there is no shade on the route. (Original) Un sitio muy interesante para recorrer, se nota el gran trabajo de restauración que están realizando y cuando estén listos los jardines será espectacular, no recomendado si hace mucho calor, no hay sombra en el recorrido.

It’s easy to get to by bus and the place is very interesting. It’s an important historical landmark in Andalusia. If you go during the summer bring a hat and plenty of sunscreen. Start with the introduction video about the Medina, it will help you to visualize the ruins and how they would have looked and been used.

(Translated by Google) Spectacular! It is worth visiting. (Original) Espectacular ! Merece la pena visitarlo.

(Translated by Google) The exceptional guide (Original) El guía excepcional

Museum and animated film - great The site - could have more information NB If you drive by car - stop first at the main parking site (left at the roundabout) for the museum. Then you can get back in the car and drive up the hill to the site - there are a few parking spaces. Saves waiting around for the bus (2.5E per person return)

(Translated by Google) The incredible ruins but the restoration work in some points does not finish in tune with the environment. Hopefully one day they will receive enough grants to continue the excavations. (Original) Las ruinas increíbles pero las labores de restauración en algunos puntos no terminan de entonar con el ambiente. Ojalá algún día reciban suficientes subvenciones para continuar con las excavaciones.

(Translated by Google) This is a spectacular city in ruins, to visit, in summer there are night visits, it deserves a lot to come to see it (Original) Espectacular está ciudad en ruinas , para visitar , en verano hay visitas nocturnas , merece mucho acercarse a verlo

(Translated by Google) Precious shame they didn't get it back before (Original) Preciosa lastima que no lo hayan recuperado antes

(Translated by Google) Uffff, how wonderful !!! A must see. The guide, Alejandro, magnificent. (Original) Uffff, qué maravilla!!! Visita obligada. El guía, Alejandro, magnífico.

Loved the history. The site itself was fascinating, we had a guide, but the short film they showed at the end of the tour really put it all in context.

Didn't get there till near closing time-our bad-so had to explore pretty quickly. Thought it was worth the effort of getting there. Entry is free but there is a 3euro fee for a courtesy bus from the car park to the site, which is up on the hillside.