Medina Asahara or the flower of Al-Andalus

At a distance of about 8 km from the center of Cordoba, at the foot of the hill of Monte de la Desposada, The ruins of the palace city of Medina Asahara, a symbol of the glorious past The city-capital of the caliphate, rightfully considered the “Arab Versailles”.

The history of this magnificent architectural ensemble (The territory of which, surrounded by fortress walls, consisted of 1125 Ha) was It is as brilliant as it is brief. Its construction began in 936 by decree. the first caliph of Al-Andalus, Abdarrahman lll, and was intended, judging by the All of this, for his favorite Al-Zahra, which in Arabic means "Flower."

For construction, lasted 25 years, spared neither strength nor resources: in the chronicle of that time The palace rested on a thousand marble columns, its walls were They were covered with sheet gold, and the best architects of Baghdad and Constantinople participated in the works. 74 years later, in 1010, the palace was It was completely looted and set on fire by the Berbers during the Fitna Civil War. This led to the division of the caliphate into the “Taifa kingdoms.” His fountains, Columns and capitals were later used for the construction of churches. and palaces.

The palace served as the residence of the caliphs Abdarrahman lll and his son. Al-Hakim ll (who made some reforms here) and his successor, Hexena ll. The latter, however, was overthrown by his own vizier, Almanzor. The caliph was imprisoned in Medina Asahara (where he devoted himself to the study of the Quran).

1910. Archaeological excavations and painstaking reconstruction work began, Thanks to which we can imagine several rooms today. the richness of the decoration of the palace, which reflected all the brilliance of Medina Asahar during her time flourishing.

Duration of excursion: 3 hours

Entrance tickets are paid by customers:

Entrance: 1.50 euros

Children (5-12 years): free of charge

EU citizens: free of charge

Transfer: 2.10 euros (from museum to city ruins) and back again

Transfer from the hotel in Cordoba to the museum and back (1 -4 pax.)

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