Calahorra Tower, Córdoba

It houses the Living Museum of al-Andalus and its name holds a curious clue. The term Calahorra (Qalahurra) is probably a native word meaning free-standing fortress, applied to isolated towers like this one, built on the left bank of the Guadalquivir.

The origin of this fortress dates from the 12th century, as a defensive belt for one of the city's key points. The first written references appear in the 13th century, when this bastion hindered the entry across the bridge of the Castilian king Ferdinand III in his conquest of Córdoba.

In the modern and contemporary eras it had various uses. It was a prison for the Cordoban nobility, a barracks and later a girls' school in the 19th century. In 1931 it was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument and in 1985 part of Spanish Historical Heritage. At that point it passed to Córdoba City Council, which entrusted the building to the Roger Garaudy Foundation, today the Paradigma Córdoba Foundation for Coexistence, and it was fitted out as the museum's home.

The Calahorra Tower became the Living Museum of al-Andalus in 1987 thanks to the initiative of the French writer and philosopher Roger Garaudy.

The museum is spread over three floors and has eight rooms for a journey through the history of al-Andalus, with special emphasis on what arose from the collaboration between Christians, Jews and Muslims.

After room one, which serves as a first introduction, it is worth pausing in room two. Here are the effigies of four fundamental figures of the 12th and 13th centuries: Averroes, Maimonides, Ibn Arabi and Alfonso X the Wise.

Room three holds a reproduction of surgical instruments designed by the Cordoban physician Albucasis, author of the first great encyclopaedia of surgery, the Tasrif.

In room four you discover the splendour of palace life during the 10th century, considered the golden age of al-Andalus, when Córdoba became the most important city in the West.

Room five houses a recreation of the Alhambra of Granada, icon of the Nasrid Kingdom and last stronghold of al-Andalus in the Iberian Peninsula.

Room six focuses on Andalusi music and the legacy of Ziryab, founder of the first music school in Córdoba.

Room seven holds the model of the aljama Mosque of Córdoba, key to understanding one of the masterpieces of architecture of all time.

In the last room you discover what daily life was like in caliphal Córdoba, a meeting place for scientists, writers and philosophers, admired by all who visited it.

To finish, at the top of the tower there is a terrace with a view of Córdoba by the river. From here you can photograph landmarks such as the Mosque-Cathedral, the Roman Bridge, the Alcázar, the Triumph of Saint Raphael, the Sotos de la Albolafia and the river mills.

The Calahorra Tower and the Living Museum of al-Andalus open Monday to Sunday, but the hours change with the time of year.

October, March, April and May: from 10:00 to 19:00

November, December, January and February: from 10:00 to 18:00

June, July, August and September: from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:30 to 20:30

It is advisable to check for last-minute changes on the official website.

The Calahorra Tower has several rates, and all of them include the climb to the terrace and the audio guide for the visit. It is not accessible for people with reduced mobility.

General rate: €4.50.

Reduced rate: €3.00 for students, youth card holders, pensioners, retirees and people with disabilities.

Group rate: €3.00 for groups of 15 people or more.

Super-reduced rate: €2.00 for those born or resident in Córdoba or its province.

Languages available: Spanish, English, French, German, Italian and Arabic.

Tickets can be bought directly at the museum ticket office.

The Calahorra Tower became the Living Museum of al-Andalus in 1987 on the initiative of the French writer and philosopher Roger Garaudy.

The name Calahorra (Qalahurra) is associated with a native word meaning free-standing fortress, applied to isolated towers like this one, on the left bank of the Guadalquivir.

At the top there is a terrace from which you can photograph riverside landmarks such as the Mosque-Cathedral, the Roman Bridge, the Alcázar, the Triumph of Saint Raphael, the Sotos de la Albolafia and the river mills.

The Calahorra Tower is at the southern end of the Roman Bridge of Córdoba, on the left bank of the Guadalquivir river. The most direct way from the centre is to head for the Roman Bridge and cross it, because the tower is right at the end.

If you prefer public transport, you can get there by bus on lines 3, 12 and 14.

Guided visit in Córdoba to complete the Calahorra Tower

If after visiting the Living Museum of al-Andalus you feel like continuing with what is right around you, the most natural thing is to link it with our free tour of Córdoba, because it takes you through the centre and fits perfectly with the Roman Bridge area. And if you want to round off the day with the great essential, the best thing is to jump to our guided visit to the Mosque-Cathedral with ticket, and do it with a guide to understand it without getting lost in the big and the small details.