Conjunto Arqueológico Medina Azahara
Standing at the foot of a mountain known as la Desposada (the Newly-Wedded Woman) are the ruins of Conjunto Arqueológico de Madinat al-Zahra. Its construction, which began in 936, was ordered by the first Caliph of Al-Andalus, Abderraman III, in honour of his favourite, Al Zahra. In 1010 it was pillaged and burned down during the civil war which saw the Caliphate divided into kingdoms or taifas.
Some rooms still illustrate the extravagance and luxury of this mythical town.
The Wall, the Viziers House, the remains of the Mosque and the Gardens stand in front the visitor in a tour that brings back to what oncewas the most beautiful Islamic monument in Al-Andalus.
From January 1 to March 31: From Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am. to 6:30 pm. Sunday and bank holidays from 9 am. to 3:30 pm. From April 1 to June 15: From Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am. to 8:30 pm. Sunday and bank holidays from 9 am. to 3:30 pm. From June 16 to September 15: Tuesday to Sunday and bank holidays from 9 am. to 3:30 pm. From September 16 to December 31: From Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am. to 6:30 pm. Sunday and bank holidays from 9 am. to 3:30 pm.
Accredited EU citizens: free. Other countries: 1,50 €.