Do we need advance tickets for Mezquita?
 

Hi everyone,
We will be in Andalusia mid September to Oct. 3. I know we have to purchase advance tickets for the Alhambra. Should we, and can we, purchase advance tickets for the Mezquita in Córdoba? I've read someone else's post about the Alcazar in Seville. It seems like there are mixed opinions about the necessity to buy advance tickets for it. Looks like it might be safer to go to the Alcazar in the morning, and get there before it opens. I'd Iike to hear about other travelers' experiences.

Thank you!

When we were in Seville , there was a 20 min wait to get into Alcazar mid day.

Did not have tickets for Mezquita ...no lineup

It may depend on the day or time

We had no problem getting Mezquita tickets as walkins. In Seville we did city tour and Alcazar tour with Concepcion at https://www.tourhq.com/guide/es91256/concepcin-delgado . She was amazing, just loved spending time with her!

Regadera is a great restaurant in Cordoba. One of the best meals we had in Andalusia.

For the Alhambra, we got the Alhambra & Rodríguez-Acosta Foundation combo tickets (in advance). We enjoyed the foundation as well. Interesting tour there, and near very nice restaurant with beautiful views (on the way down the hill from Alhambra toward the town)

We were in Cordoba and Seville in mid October. There is no problem going into the Mezquita. We went in the mid afternoon when we arrived in Cordoba. It is so enormous that I can't imagine there being a problem unless there's an event happening. At the Alcazar, we also waited about 20 minutes - not a big deal and definitely worth the wait!
IMO, the reason that tickets to the Alhambra are limited is because of the Nasrid Palace. The reason that the number of people allowed in is regulated is to protect the delicate interiors. The Mezquita in Cordoba and the Alcazar in Seville are big solid buildings.
While you're in Cordoba, go the Alcazar there. The building itself is not that impressive but the gardens are wonderful and not to be missed.

Beware of the Carmens selling rosemary sprigs outside the Mezquita.

One of these ladies stuck her hand right into my wallet when I took it out to pay.

I had some good paella in Cordoba.

Thin

Don't forget entrance to the Mezquita is free Mon to Sat from 8:30 to 9:30. The courtyard, Patio de los Naranjos, is lovely - look for the very ancient, twisted olive tree there - and the doors outside are spectacular.

As Bedar writes, the Mezquita is free from 8:30 to 9:30; it's for individuals only and in strict silence and no groups are allowed. The silence allows it to be a remarkable experience -- very spiritual, and surprisingly (when we went) not crowded at all. Highly recommend going at this time.

http://www.andalucia.com/cities/cordoba/mosque.htm

I'd second the Regadera recommendation. You likely do need reservations for that. We emailed them to reserve.

We went to the Mezquita after lunch (around 3) on a Friday and found it pretty quiet.

We had no lines. Here's our morning at the Mezquita (with photos). What an experience!

<B>http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/chapter-thirteen-the-marvelous-mezquita/</B>

((H))

Thank you everyone for your replies and helpful information. I prefer not to buy tickets in advance, unless absolutely necessary, such as for the Alhambra. So it's good to know it isn't necessary. I don't want my trip to be that structured.

I like the idea of the free entrance into the Mezquita from 8:30AM to 9:30AM. Is it possible to stay longer than 9:30 without having to pay? Is one hour enough to see the Mezquita?

Thanks for the tip abut the Regadera! We will have 2 nights in Córdoba, so will consider making reservations for one of the nights.
Thanks!

Progul - What was the name of the apt and agency you used in Cordoba ? I wrote it down, but where is that piece of paper ??

Hi, Bedar,
We used AirBnB and rented the 'Penthouse Terrace Cordoba's Mosque' and loved it -- the host was remarkably friendly and helpful, and the view from the terrace was wonderful. Hopefully, this link will take you there:

http://abnb.me/EVmg/WOfUMbmc0B

They clear everyone out after 9:30, so you'll have to pay to stay longer.

I'd add that we spent longer than an hour there. Maybe closer to 2. But we took our time. It's really one of the most amazing places we've ever seen. I'd have to double check, but they may not allow photography from 8:30-9:30--if that matters to you.

I agree that one hour would be a VERY short visit for the Mezquita. Give it more time if you can!

Nevermind about the limitation on photography from 8:30-9:30; I can't find that limitation anywhere. I probably confused it with another site.

Thanks everyone. We like to take our time, too, and I can't imagine that one hour would be long enough. Maybe we could go from 8;30-9;30 for the quiet time, and then return later when we have to pay so that we can spend more time.

What is the price range of meals at Regadera? I went to their website, but they don't give any prices.

No problem about taking pictures at the Mezquita in the morning! I have lots! We ended up going 2 mornings so what we didn't experience the first day, we did the next.

Thanks, Progol. I finally found your TR and scrolled down to Cordoba. That apt. seemed very nice, central, and with elevator. Just what we need. Thanks, again !

We paid 76 Euros at Regadera for a starter, two mains, two desserts and four glasses of wine.

I agree that the Mezquita is one of the world's treasures, an amazing place. Allow enough time to take it all in.

KarenWoo - it says you can only buy tickets at the monument on their website. Where would you get advance tickets? We are going to be there in September.

Thanks!

Bedar,
Glad you found it through my trip report - I thought I had posted the link, but it looks like it didn't load (I was on my iPad at the time). I just want you to know that I did respond!

We loved the place - the apartment was comfortable and the terrace was fabulous, with great views, and we enjoyed the space a lot. We also found the host to be a delight -- very warm, as helpful as possible.

Progol - How far a walk was it from your meeting place on Angel de Saavedra to that apt. ? I'm having a mobility issue now so have to take this sort of thing into account. Would you remember the apt address so I can locate it on a map ? Thanks !

The meeting place was at the entry to the apartment complex. There are a number of buildings that enclose an open area with a tiny decorative pool and plantings, butt it's not large. I believe there are a number of steps down into the courtyard area but not a lot. It's a great location, easy to walk everywhere and, as I said, the terrace is lovely.

Thank you, Progol. So I guess the entry to the complex is on Angel de Saavedra ? I'll look at a map again. Only a couple of nights available - we'd have taken it for a week - but so it goes !!

Yes, the guards do usher people out at 9.30 am before opening the place up for tourist ('cultural') visit at 10 am with entrance fees, now 10 euro. There is no advance booking available. No restriction on taking photos during free entry, except you cannot take photos of liturgical celebrations, i.e. the Mass and morning prayer. So if you are in the vicinity of cathedral part, you may be told not to take pictures.

Jamikins, when I asked the question about buying advance tickets to the Mezquita, I wasn't sure that was even possible. I only wanted to know if it was necessary to do that if it was possible to buy advance tickets. I apologize if I misled you.

Alec, thanks for letting me know there is no advance booking at the Mezquita. I should have gone online myself to check. :-)

Indyhiker, 76 euros sounds very reasonable for what you got. I will make dinner reservations when it gets closer!

Thanks to everyone else who responded!

It's funny in that Regadera ended up being our most expensive meal over two weeks. We ate well, but most places we went just didn't cost much. For instance, we ate twice at Vineria San Telmo in Sevilla (modern tapas, very good quality) and paid 33 Euros for 4 tapas, 4 drinks and two desserts. We thought it was a steal. Tapas and drinks at the average bodega cost us roughly 15-20 Euros in Sevilla, even less in Madrid and Granada (where you often get a free tapa with a drink).

We just got back yesterday and I'm totally bummed that the trip is over. Spain totally exceeded our expectations. Beautiful cities, yummy food and drink, kind and exuberant people (both natives and fellow travelers). I fell in love and imagine we'll soon return. I hope you enjoy yourselves.