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>

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 !