Hospes Palacio del Bailio

Activities

• Wander the narrow streets of Córdoba - the largest city in Western Europe in the 10th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage site - admiring the tight-packed, white-and-yellow houses, and stopping for a drink at one of the pavement cafés
  
  
• Visit La Mezquita, the world's only mosque-cathedral: Córdoba was the capital of the Moorish kingdom of Al-Andalus, and seat of its 'Grand Mosque'. When the city was reconquered by Christians in 1236, Ferdinand III found it so beautiful that he left it standing and built his cathedral in its midst... purists may tut-tut, but the forest of arches and columns, echoing the Patio de los Naranjos outside, is a site to behold
  
  
• Check out La Judería (the Jewish quarter), with one of Spain's only synagogues. There are traditional artisan stalls in the Zoco, plus nightly flamenco performances in the summer
  
  
• Walk over the Roman Bridge, through Plaza de las Tendillas (the central square) and around the Alcázar, the palace of the Christian kings. Inside are Arabian baths, Roman mosaics and a marble sarcophagus, and it's surrounded by beautiful gardens and ancient fortifications
  
  
• For a glimpse of 10th-century Moorish society take a trip to the ruins of Medina Azahara, a sprawling palace and city complex 8km outside Córdoba. Buses run daily to the entrance (buy tickets from the tourist information kiosk in Plaza de las Tendillas)
  
  
• Back home, treat yourself in the Bodyna Spa: there are underground thermal baths for an invigorating Roman experience (free for guests, but book a slot in advance). Afterwards, choose from a range of indulgent therapies: Ayurvedic, Shiatsu and Thai massages, natural mud wraps, and hydrating and oxygenating facial masks
  
  
• Reception can arrange various activities: golf, horse-riding, yoga classes and guided hikes. Please enquire when booking