In this article we will take a closer look at Medina Azahara, which, after the Alhambra, is the most important Andalusian Andalusian city al-Andalus. We will tell you a little about its history, what are its main monuments, how to visit it and other things you can visit in its surroundings.
What you will find here
WHAT IS MEDINA AZAHARA
Medina Azahara or Madinat al-Zahra, is a palatine city located about 8 kilometres from Cordoba. Fundada en el año 936 por el califa Abd al-Rahman III, su nombre significa “la ciudad brillante” y fue concebida como un símbolo del poder y la grandeza del Califato de Córdoba. Este califato gobernó la mayor parte de la península ibérica durante poco más de 100 años.
The city was built at a time of cultural and political splendour on the Iberian Peninsula, becoming an administrative and residential centre.
Throughout its brief history, Medina Azahara was a place of luxury and sophistication, with palaces, gardens and various buildings reflecting the wealth of its time. Yet Medina Azahara had a lifespan of only 70 years.
In the 11th century, with the fragmentation of the Caliphate and the advent of the fitna (civil war), the city was abandoned and lost to time. It was rediscovered in the 20th century, and since then numerous excavations and studies have been carried out to understand its historical importance.
Salón Rico and gardens with pool of Medina Azahara.
Medina Azahara was the latest Andalusian addition to the list of World Heritage Sites in 2018.
ABD EL-RAHMAN III AND MEDINA AZAHARA
Abd al-Rahman III (891-961) was one of the most prominent rulers of the Caliphate of Cordoba and a key figure in the history of Al-Andalus. His rule marked a period of great political, economic and cultural splendour on the Iberian Peninsula. And, of course, he was the founder of Medina Azahara. It was under his rule that the main buildings of the Aulic city were constructed.
He was a descendant of the Umayyad dynasty, which had been exiled from Damascus after the fall of the Umayyad caliphate in the 8th century. His family settled in the Iberian Peninsula. He began to govern in 912, succeeding his grandfather ‘Abd al-Rahman II, and his rule lasted until 961.
Abd al-Rahman III managed to unify and consolidate the Andalusian territory, overcoming internal conflicts and external threats, such as the Christian kingdoms to the north. In 929 he proclaimed himself caliph, turning the emirate of Córdoba into a caliphate. This elevated the status of Córdoba as a cultural and political centre.
La civilització del califat de Còrdova en temps d’Abd-al-Rahman III, a work by Dionisio Baixeras (1862-1943).
His reign was a period of cultural flourishing, with the patronage of the arts, literature and science. Cordoba became a centre of knowledge and learning, attracting intellectuals from all over the Islamic world. Abd al-Rahman III is remembered as a visionary leader who laid the foundations for the development of a rich and diverse society in the Iberian Peninsula.
WHAT TO SEE IN MEDINA AZAHARA. MAIN MONUMENTS
MILITARY HOUSE (DAR AL-YUND)
The Dar al-Yund is one of the most interesting places to visit in Medina Azahara. It is a large building of which the complete silver has been preserved and the arcades have been reconstructed. Walking through its naves, one can sense the sumptuousness of the place that was used for administrative functions.
Military house or dar al-Yund.
MAIN GATE (BAB AL-SUDDA)
The bab al-Sudda is the great entrance portico of Medina Azahara. It is not the current entrance, but the one that was used for the lavish receptions of foreign rulers or their representatives. Here you will find some truly impressive arches whose voussoirs show one of the most characteristic features of Caliphate art: the alternation of red and the light yellowish colour of the rock.
The portico where special visitors were received.
THE RICH HALL OR THE HALL OF ABDERRAMAN III
It is an impressive building which, although it has roofs today, are part of reconstructions from the past. It is something like the throne room, the place for receptions and ceremonies. For many, many years it has been closed to the public, but since 2024 a programme of guided tours has begun, which must be booked in advance at weekends.
Rich Hall of Medina Azahara decorated with carved stone panels.
GARDENS
The gardens that can be seen today are only a small part of what the citadel of Medina Azahara had. The gardens are a fundamental element of Andalusi architecture, with their fountains and courtyards, which provide an atmosphere of peace and beauty. The gardens that can be visited are those in front of the Dar al-Jund, but those that extend from the façade of the Rich Hall are much larger. All of them are arranged in a transept layout.
They were characterised by their symmetrical and careful layout, with a variety of plants, flowers and trees providing shade and coolness. The gardens were adorned with fountains and ponds, which not only embellished the landscape, but also provided a soothing sound of water, creating a serene atmosphere.
The cultivated plants included both indigenous and exotic species, such as orange and lemon trees and a variety of aromatic flowers, which filled the air with pleasant fragrances. In addition, the gardens were designed to be a place of relaxation and contemplation, where the caliphs and their court could enjoy nature and the beauty that surrounded them.
Gardens of Medina Azahara.
YAFAR’S HOUSE
The House of Ja’far in Medina Azahara is one of the most emblematic structures in this palatial city. As its name suggests, the house belonged to Yafar, a high official and vizier of the Caliph ‘Abd al-Rahman III. As usual, the dwelling is arranged around a central courtyard that served as a space for gathering and rest. This courtyard was adorned with fountains and vegetation, creating a cool and pleasant atmosphere.
Arches in the courtyard of Yafar’s house.
During the visit you can also visit other areas such as the stables, the courtyard of the pillars and the service and guard’s quarters.
If you want to know a little more about Cordoba, we recommend you to read our posts about Cordoba and what to see in Cordoba.e Cordoba with charm and what to see in Cordoba.
PLACES NOT TO VISIT IN MEDINA AZAHARA
ROYAL HOUSE (DAR AL-MULK)
The dar al-Mulk, which translates as the house of power, was the residence of the caliph and a symbol of his power and wealth. It belongs to the private part of Medina Azahara where only members of the royal family would have access. Originally it even had its own hammam. It cannot be visited at present, as it is not equipped for this purpose.
THE MOSQUE OF MEDINA AZAHARA
Outside the main enclosure are the ruins of the mosque of Medina Azahara. Although they cannot be visited, they can be seen from a distance. There were other oratories inside Medina Azahara, but this was the main one, the main mosque or aljama.
MUSEUM OF MEDINA AZAHARA
If you have plenty of time to visit Medina Azahara and you like to delve into history and art, you must visit the Museum. It is a modern building with an excellent exhibition. You can see fantastic pieces from the excavations in the palatine city and protected from the inclemency of the weather. The Museum of Medina Azahara is an innovative space, as it was one of the first Spanish museums to have a visitable part of the reserve area (the museum storerooms).
Courtyard of the Museum of Medina Azahara.
MEDINA AZAHARA ART
Medina Azahara is the highest expression of the Caliphate artistic style. To understand this style we must know the relationship between the Umayyad caliphs of Córdoba and Damascus. The rulers of the Cordoban caliphate, of the Umayyad dynasty, were exiled from the Middle East after being overthrown by the Abbasids. The artistic tradition they carry with them is rooted in classical Greco-Roman culture.
You will find this translation in the basilica-shaped buildings and, above all, in the vegetal decoration. This decoration is known as ataurique and its naturalistic vegetal elements in panels, capitals, friezes and cornices are particularly reminiscent of those found in Roman decorations (here is a link in case you want to know more about Roman Cordoba). Esto también ocurre con los elementos geométricos.
Stone panels decorated with classically-inspired edgings.
Unlike the Alhambra, whose walls are covered with carved or moulded plaster, at Medina Azahara the walls are lined with stone panels carved from limestone or marble.
In terms of construction, the alternation of red and white voussoirs is perhaps the most striking feature. You will find it all over Cordoba. You should also take a look at the ashlar walls, where a construction technique called ‘a soga y tizón’ is used. The soga is the long side of the ashlar and the tizón is the short side, so that both sides combine to create a distinctive aesthetic effect.
These artistic characteristics were maintained over time in the later period, the Taifa Kingdoms, as they tried to emulate the glorious past of the Umayyad Caliphate. However, from the end of the 12th century onwards, Andalusian art began to evolve under the influence of the Berber world. This is why the Alhambra and Medina Azahara, despite belonging to the same civilisation, are aesthetically very different.
Yafar’s house, the target of the fascination of its visitors.
VISIT MEDINA AZAHARA
Admission to Medina Azahara is free for European citizens and costs €3 for non-EU residents.
SCHEDULES
Medina Azahara is open to the public all year round, although opening times may vary according to the season. Generally, the opening times are as follows:
October to March
- Monday to Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
April to September
- Monday to Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
It is advisable to consult the official website or contact the tourist office before visiting, as there may be variations in opening times, especially on public holidays.
PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR OF MEDINA AZAHARA
If you want to visit Medina Azahara in a relaxed and personalised way, Andalucia 360 offers you an exclusive excursion from Cordoba. If you have your own transport the visit can be modified, we are experts in tailor-made trips. Click on the banner to find out more about this experience.
HOW TO GET FROM MEDINA AZAHARA
To get to Medina Azahara, there are several options:
- By car: From Cordoba, take the A-431 towards Carcabuey. There is a car park available near the archaeological site.
- Public transport: There is a bus service connecting Cordoba with Medina Azahara. Buses leave from the bus station in Cordoba and usually run regularly.
WHY I HAVE TO VISIT MEDINA AZAHARA
Medina Azahara is a fascinating place that offers a window into the splendour of the Caliphate of Cordoba. Its rich history, combined with its impressive architecture and natural surroundings, makes it a must-see destination for those wishing to explore the legacy of Al-Andalus. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the beauty of this archaeological treasure.
House of the Viziers in Medina Azahara.
MAP OF MEDINA AZAHARA
Here you have a brief map to locate each of the spaces of Medina Azahara that we have told you about.
