The beautiful city is located in Andalusia (Image: Getty)
The city of Córdoba in southern is not the first place you would think of when you imagine a holiday in the popular country.
The cities of Madrid and , as well as the and tend to be the destinations of choice and are usually flooded with British .
While hotspots such as Madrid and Barcelona are incredible, Spain is home to various hidden gems that often get overlooked or forgotten altogether.
Joanne Lynn, head of European product at , said Spain is a “go-to destination” in the summer, and tourists tend to flock to the most popular cities like Madrid and Barcelona.
However, Joanne claims that “people are limiting themselves and not experiencing everything the country has to offer” by not looking elsewhere.
:
The Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba, also known as the Mezquita (Image: Getty)
One “hidden gem” on Joanne’s list of “must-visit” Spanish destinations was the city of Córdoba. The historic city is famous for its Great Mosque, its historic old town, which is a World Heritage site, and its lively streets and squares.
The travel expert said the city combines “history, culture and natural beauty to create an extremely welcoming destination”.
She continued: “The city is home to some incredible attractions, including La Mezquita-Cathedral, a blend of Moorish and Christian architecture – a must-see for anyone considering a trip to Spain.
“Additionally, Cordoba is the birthplace of salmorejo, a cold soup consisting of pureed tomatoes, bread, oil, vinegar and garlic. Simple but delicious!”
The Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba, also known as the Mezquita, or Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, is located in the heart of the city and was constructed in 785.
Don’t miss… [UPDATE]
Roman Bridge of Córdoba and the Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba (Image: Getty)
The mosque has undergone countless reconstructions and extensions over the centuries. The mosque was then converted to a cathedral in 1236 and underwent some minor modifications before a major building project began in the 16th century.
The incredible structure is one of Spain’s most historical monuments and tourist attractions and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Another must-see site is the Roman Bridge of Córdoba, which was originally built in the 1st century across the Guadalquivir river.
Since then, the bridge has been reconstructed several times but remains truly breathtaking. One Tripadvisor user, Santiago Perkuhn, described it as a “must-see place.”
They added: “It amazes me how old this bridge is, which was built in 1st century BC. The views left and right are stunning, and the museum there is cool too. On top of the museum is a 360° view, where you can see some of Cordoba and the bridge. It is amazing how well the bridge was preserved over the centuries. Overall, you should definitely come here and enjoy the bridge.”
The Festival de los Patios sees courtyards around the city decorated with plants and flowers (Image: Getty)
The best time to visit is in spring when the weather is mild, and the city is alive with flowers.
The Festival de los Patios, a courtyard competition, also takes place in May and sees the city’s courtyards flourish with flowers and greenery.
The festival runs in parallel with performances by singers and dancers, with locals enjoying tapas dishes and local wine.
As well as its architecture and history, Córdoba is known for salmorejo, a traditional cold soup made from tomato, olive oil and garlic. The refreshing dish is the perfect starter on a hot summer’s day.
During cooler weather, visitors can enjoy some Córdoban-style oxtail. This meat stew falls off the bone and is usually served with fried potatoes.