If you’ve decided to visit the eternal city of Córdoba, there are a number of stops on your route that are simply unmissable.
The Templo romano of Córdoba is one of those places you must visit—a testament to the historical and cultural wealth of a city that has welcomed the great civilizations of the modern world.
If you want to fully focus your attention and interest on Córdoba’s charms without worrying about any inconveniences, we recommend hiring a car at Málaga Airport.
This will give you the freedom to move around, making the most of both the city and your getaway to Córdoba, as well as monuments as spectacular as the Roman Temple of Córdoba.
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History of the Templo romano of Córdoba
The decision to build a temple in Colonia Patricia—the name by which the city of Córdoba was known in Roman times—was made by Emperor Claudius. As he ruled the Roman Empire from the year 41 to 54, the start of the temple’s construction is estimated to have occurred within these years.
But it wasn’t just the Roman Temple of Córdoba that was created; the entire area was developed as a central and strategic point of the city. In fact, it underwent numerous modifications and improvements in later years, as discovered in subsequent excavations and research.
One of the most significant improvements coincided with the completion of the temple, during the rule of Emperor Domitian forty years later. This improvement was the supply of water.
This was achieved thanks to a great feat of civil engineering—yet another in Roman history—through the Aqua Nova Domitiana Augusta aqueduct.
In the 2nd century, further modifications were made, this time with the relocation of what was known as the colonial forum. Over time, its use became secondary and residual, eventually leading to its abandonment.
Thus, both the square area and the Roman temple itself ceased to be used and were abandoned at the beginning of the 4th century. The discovery of this Roman temple occurred in 1951 during excavations for local improvements.
Characteristics of the Templo romano of Córdoba
To ensure proper construction of the Templo romano, the ground it occupied was leveled and prepared, always with eternity in mind—so that creations born from Roman engineering could survive the passage of years and centuries.
The square was 77 meters wide, with the Roman Temple of Córdoba located at its center. The colonnaded square opened toward the circus, and the purpose of the temple was none other than the veneration of deified Roman emperors.
Technically speaking, we can describe it as a classical temple, known as a prostylos temple. This refers to temples that have columns only on the front façade—this one had six columns.
To access it, visitors had to ascend a stairway that led to a grand altar. The Roman Temple had total dimensions of 1,340 m² and was the focal point of an area totaling around 11,500 m².
Where is the Templo romano of Córdoba located?
The Templo romano of Córdoba is located in the very heart of the city, specifically at 1 Capitulares Street. This is evident from the type of buildings and monuments that surround it.
In this area, you can also discover other emblematic places in the city on foot, such as Córdoba City Hall, the Cloister of Lost Embraces, or the Corredera Square. Moreover, within a ten-minute walk, you’ll reach the Jewish Quarter of Córdoba.
Restoration and renovation of the Templo romano of Córdoba
Setting aside the improvement works that were carried out in the years following its original construction—as previously discussed—the Templo romano of Córdoba has undergone very recent restorations.
In recent months, a thorough rehabilitation process has been underway, aimed at both improving and adapting the temple so that it can be visited safely—for both visitors and the temple itself.
Although the works were expected to finish by the end of 2024, due to unforeseen issues and delays, the final completion and opening date for the Roman Temple is now believed to be mid-2025.
Opening hours and ticket prices for the Templo romano of Córdoba
Opening hours to visit the Templo romano of Córdoba
Although, due to the restoration works, visiting the interior of the Templo romano is currently impossible, you can still enjoy this magnificent structure from the outside. Walking along the street, you can admire parts of this impressive Roman temple.
Ticket prices for the Templo romano of Córdoba
Prices for the tickets or the guided tours that will showcase the Templo romano of Córdoba in its full glory have not yet been disclosed.
How to get to the Templo romano of Córdoba
As previously mentioned, the Templo romano of Córdoba is located in the very heart of the city, near monuments and some of the best restaurants in Córdoba. These are the best ways to get there.
How to get there by bus
Starting from Málaga International Airport, if you prefer public transport, you have a great bus connection. From here, there is a line known as Line A that first takes you to Málaga’s Bus Station.
Once there, you’ll find direct buses to Córdoba with no stops, taking you to the city’s bus station located in central Córdoba. In just over three hours, you’ll be walking its streets and admiring places such as the Roman Bridge of Córdoba.
How to get there by car
As soon as you leave Málaga Airport, you’ll start to see signs pointing to Córdoba. Even if you don’t see them right away, take the A-4 and use exit 401—eventually, signs will appear.
Take exit 988, marked as Córdoba/Granada/Seville, toward AP-46 for about 20 kilometers. Then use the A-45, the longest and calmest stretch of the trip, for over 100 kilometers. This stretch ends at exit 0, which leads to the E-5/A-4 toward Córdoba city center/Madrid.
Map of the Templo romano of Córdoba
Here is a map with the most complete route information so you don’t miss a single thing during your escape to the eternal city of Córdoba.
