Andalusia is filled to the brim with special places and beautiful cities, but perhaps none are more significant than Córdoba. A picturesque city embedded in central Andalusia, just north of Sevilla, Cordoba is home to a number of landmarks that attract millions of tourists per year. The city is also a favorite among American students studying abroad. Córdoba is also widely regarded as one of the most walkable cities in all of Europe, let alone Spain. Córdoba is also the home of 322,000 people and is the capital of the province of Córdoba. The city was one of the most vital areas in the days of Al-Andalus from the 700’s to about 1236. Moorish and Arabic influence is incredibly prevalent in Córdoba as Mosques from the middle ages still draw millions of visitors. The narrow and walkable streets lead to a 16-arch Roman bridge that signifies the blend of Roman, Visigothic, and Moorish culture.

La Mezquita-Córdoba is Córdoba’s primary attraction and plays a massive factor in their tourism industry. The Mosque, which dates back to Al-Andalus, is one of the most pristine in the world. The entrance welcomes you under a gorgeous arched ceiling, which becomes quite commonplace as one continues into the heralded building. The hallways are ensconced in a bright pale glow, with orange-striped arches in the ceilings. Eventually, the hallways lead to a courtyard, which looks like a miniature city in the middle of the mosque. 

It’s not just the attractions like the Roman Bridge and La Mezquita-Córdoba that makes Córdoba the premier destination for visiting, living, or studying abroad in Andalusia. Córdoba is a fútbol loving city which is home to Córdoba Club de Fútbol (Córdoba CF), a professional soccer club in the second division of Spain’s soccer pyramid. They play their matches at Estadio Nuevo Arcangel, which translates to English as New Archangel Stadium. Córdoba CF are enjoying a good season, as they sit 10th out of 22 teams in the second tier. For any sports loving travelers, a game here is sure to be a memorable occasion. 

Córdoba isn’t just an ideal travel destination, it’s the best place to study abroad in Spain. As already mentioned, you don’t need fancy transportation to get around the city, as it is very walkable. There are plenty of places to eat authentic Spanish cuisine, and there’s also American food chains if you want a little taste of back home. The streets of Córdoba are dotted with shops left and right, most of which are famed Spanish street food. The University of Córdoba, which is located in downtown Córdoba has study abroad programs affiliated with a large number of US universities. They offer courses specifically designed for US students while still allowing for the student to fully immerse themselves in the Córdoba lifestyle. As part of their PRESHCO (Programa de Estudios Hispánica de Córdoba) program, students will . It should come as no surprise that studying abroad with one of these programs will drastically improve one’s Spanish skills and global perspective. Córdoba is also safe, as it boasts one of lowest crime rates in Spain, but obviously one must still take necessary precautions like you would in any foreign country. 

While Spain is a country filled with picturesque places and wonderful cities, Córdoba simply should not be overlooked. From incredible architecture, food, nature, sports, and local residents, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the flagship city of Andalusia.