The secrets of the Corredera Square in Cordoba

Plaza de la Corredera in Cordoba: a reunion with history Austere, Castilian, Baroque and home of bullfighting or the Inquisition. These are just some of the many faces of one of the most important squares not only in Cordoba, but also in Spain. In addition to its architectural importance, it has a prominent place in the development of history.

A few brushstrokes of history

Rectangular in shape and arcaded with arches in its lower part, this square is one of a kind in Andalusia, as it follows the stylistic line of the Castilian cities. With respect to its origin, it is believed that it was built on the ancient Roman circus and although today it is part of the nucleus, it was once outside the walls and was used as a place of commercial exchange during the Arab period. It was not until the 16th century that the square was designed as we know it today, in order to regularize the urban planning of the area.

Different uses of the Corredera Square

• In its beginnings, in addition to hosting commercial exchanges, it also served as an improvised bullring. In fact, vestiges of those bullfights are still preserved, such as the alley called Toril
• The current configuration of the square is the result of the works of the Corregidor between 1683 and 1687 to accommodate the public executions of those condemned by the Inquisition
• During the nineteenth century the square housed the food market. Until the 20th century, the square was a high commercial enclave, and even Pío Baroja himself describes the square in his book ‘La Feria de los Discretos’: “Here, a cane weaver was building baskets; over there, a trinket seller put a pile of greasy books, and nearby, an old woman took a slice of hake out of the bottom of a frying pan and placed it on a sheet of tin foil” (Pío Baroja, La Feria de los Discretos)
• Throughout its history it has been used as a venue for celebrations, commemorations and public events of a military, political or social nature. Today it is a meeting place for locals to have a coffee or a beer on the terraces that line the square. It also hosts shows at certain times of the year such as Carnival and the White Night of Flamenco.

Some curiosities

• Thanks to its 113 meters long and 55 meters wide, it is one of the largest squares in Andalusia.
• During the demolition of the old Abastos market in 1959, numerous mosaics from the Roman period were found in the subsoil of the square, which are now exhibited in the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos.

Current buildings

Sánchez Peña Market

It served as a town hall and jail until the 19th century, when it became a hat factory. Today it is the Municipal Civic Center.

House of Doña Ana Jacinta

Its aesthetics contrast with the sobriety of the square and are an example of Cordovan architecture of the sixteenth century.

Nearby Places of Interest

• Roman Temple
• Church of San Pablo
• Museum of Julio Romero de Torres
• Museum of Fine Arts
• Plaza del Potro
• Church of San Pedro

Visit the Plaza de la Corredera

This square is one of the mandatory stops on your visit to Cordoba and there are many ways to enjoy it, either through a Free Tour of Cordoba to know the secrets that do not appear in the guidebooks, or the Cordovan way: having a good beer in the warmth of the sun on a terrace, but why not? Both options are not incompatible. Because Cordoba offers you everything you need, so that you only have to worry about enjoying yourself. Explore the city of the three cultures, the soul of Andalusia.

On the other hand you can consult the best guided tours of Cordoba in the link, in it you will find our best guided tours as for example:

• Alcazar of the Christian Kings Guided Tour
• Guided Tour Medina Azahara

And much more…