Medina Azahara (Córdova)

Located in the western outskirts of Cordoba, Medina Azahara was built from 937 onwards, under the orders of Abderrahman III, emir of Cordoba. A civil war between Moorish rulers caused the looting and destruction of Medina Azahara in 1010, putting an end to the Califate of Cordoba. The ruins were used in the next centuries as a quarry to supply stone to buildings in Cordoba. Since 1911 there have been archaeological excavations and reconstitutions of the site, becoming UNESCO heritage in 2018.

This view extends to the plain and the mountains in the far background.

On the foreground stand the remains of a basilica; on the background we can see Cordoba.

In the 10th century site of Medina Azahara.

In the 10th century site of Medina Azahara.

In the 10th century site of Medina Azahara.

In the 10th century site of Medina Azahara.

In the 10th century site of Medina Azahara.

In the 10th century ruins of Medina Azahara.