Cordoba at Easter: traditions and gastronomy
Experience the magic of Cordoba at Easter. Discover the traditional processions and religious customs and enjoy the best local cuisine.
TRAVELLING WITH TASTE
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Cordoba is one of the cities with the greatest cultural and monumental heritage in Spain. Proof of this are the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in this Andalusian town: the mosque-cathedral, the historic centre surrounding it, the Fiesta de los Patios and the Medina Azahara complex.
At Easter, Cordoba transforms into a fascinating destination, making it a place well worth exploring. From the grand processions to the mouthwatering cuisine of Cordoba, let’s discover everything this city has to offer.
Don’t miss these processions in Cordoba!
Easter in Cordoba is considered a Festival of National Tourist Interest. Its origins date back to medieval times and even today some of the penitential brotherhoods that were born in the 16th century to honour the scenes and monuments of the passion and death of Christ are still preserved.
Cordoba’s processions are the highlight of Easter, which this year takes place from 13 to 20 April. Today, 38 brotherhoods take part in the processions, which span from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. During these deeply symbolic moments, they commemorate pivotal events from Christ’s Passion, such as the Last Supper and His agony before His death. The Mosque-Cathedral serves as a key point on the route, offering a unique backdrop with its historical and symbolic significance, which is especially highlighted during these special dates.
Tradition: visiting the courtyards of Cordoba
Cordoba’s courtyards are one of the city’s main attractions, both at Easter and throughout the year. These spaces, as well as providing light and ventilation to the houses, also featured unique architecture, with white walls adorned with colourful flowers that create an oasis of calm in the heart of the city. While they can be visited year-round (in fact, the Fiesta de los Patios takes place in the first half of May), during Easter, some private courtyards and those of government institutions open their doors to the public for free. One of the most iconic is the Palacio de Viana, located in Don Gome Square, which boasts twelve spectacular courtyards and a beautiful garden.
What to see in Cordoba?
What can you see in Cordoba besides processions and patios? There are many options, but the main attraction is the Mosque-Cathedral, the city’s most famous tourist site. This unique place is not only renowned for its architecture but also for the transformations it has undergone over the centuries. It was built as a mosque in the 8th century and, after several expansions, became the second largest mosque in the world, after that of Mecca. In the 13th century, during the Christian conquest, the building was consecrated as a cathedral, and later, in the 14th century, the well-known Renaissance basilica was constructed within the existing structure of the former mosque. Today, it is considered one of the greatest architectural gems in both Andalucía and Spain.
The historic quarter is another must-see, along with the Roman bridge, the synagogue, the chapel of San Bartolomé and the archaeological site of Medina Azahara. On foot, you can get a closer look at neighbourhoods such as the Judería and the Magdalena, as well as Plaza de la Corredera square and the Roman temple. Cordoba also boasts great museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Bullfighting Museum, the Centre for Contemporary Creation of Andalusia, and the Julio Romero de Torres Museum.
Cordoba’s cuisine at Easter
Cordoba’s gastronomy includes delicious recipes such as salmorejo, oxtail stew and flamenquín, one of the most typical dishes in Cordoba, consisting of a pork loin fillet rolled up with cured ham and coated in breadcrumbs. During Easter, traditional dishes take centre stage, such as potaje de vigilia (a stew with chickpeas, spinach and cod), cod prepared in various ways (fried, in salad or grilled), broad beans with ham and typical desserts such as torrijas and pestiños (made with flour, honey and sesame seeds).
