This is a complete guide to help you buy your Cordoba Mosque tickets. It will clear all your doubts and guide you with insider tips.
When visiting Cordoba, there’s one monument that you cannot skip: the Mosque. No monument is more iconic of Spain’s eclectic culture and religious evolution. The Mosque of Cordoba is the world’s third largest Mosque and along with Granada’s Alhambra Palace is the finest example of Islamic Art in the Western world.
So… Are you planning to visit this incredible and unique monument? But are you searching for answers about how to buy Cordoba Mosque tickets? It can be very frustrating when you cannot find the necessary information.
Well, don’t get upset so fast; I’ve got you covered. Just go through this article, and you’ll get all the information you need.
But if you really want to have a complete experience, I suggest you book a guided tour with a skip-the-line ticket that’s led by an expert.
Oh, before we start, you’ll read several names: the official one which is Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba (Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba in Spanish), but due to its status as a former mosque, it is also known as the Mezquita (Spanish for ‘mosque’) and as the Great Mosque of Córdoba.
All of them are valid and refer to the same building, which is currently the Cathedral of Cordoba.
Where to buy your Cordoba Mosque tickets
You actually have 3 options to get your tickets to the Cordoba Mezquita.
One important thing to keep in mind, no matter which option you choose, is to book as far in advance as possible. The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba is one of the most visited landmarks in the country, and tickets sometimes sell out.
Option #1: Get them online on the official website
Tickets for the Mosque of Córdoba can be purchased on the official website.
Double-check that you’re actually getting your tickets at the official website.
Beware of third party websites that sell tickets to the Mezquita. Unfortunately, these are the first results you’ll stumble upon when googling “cordoba mosque tickets”.
It wouldn’t be the fist time I see tourist companies reselling tickets to the Cordoba Mosque or selling passes of Cordoba attractions including the Mezquita as part of a much larger package. The truth if you buy through these sites is that you’ll end up paying a much higher price for your tickets than if you get them directly from the official website.
Once you have finished the purchase process you’ll receive in your email account a confirmation email.
- Print the tickets at home. Print the document attached with the QR code and bring it the day of the visit, this will be your ticket, and you must show it at the entrance.
- Download the tickets on your mobile. Download the document attached with the QR code and show it on your mobile screen on the entrance.
Option #2: Purchase them at the official ticket offices
Another way to purchase your tickets to the Mezquita is through the official ticket offices located inside the Patio de los Naranjos, on the wall opposite the main building.
If you choose this option, note that you can only buy your tickets to visit the Mezquita on the same day. You cannot purchase them in advance.
Option #3 (My preferred one): Join a guided tour with a skip-the-line ticket
Another option, which I highly recommend for a deeper understanding and appreciation of everything you’ll see, is to book a guided tour with a skip-the-line ticket that’s led by an expert.
- You don’t need to worry about getting the tickets.
- You’ll access the premises immediately, without having to wait in line like the rest of the visitors.
- You’ll join a small group and your very own guide will give you a good introduction to the Mosque of Cordoba. A guided tour can provide valuable insights into the history and architecture of the mosque.
- Once the tour is over, you’ll have time to explore the Mezquita for as long as you want. So you can come back to explore and photograph the most interesting areas on our own.
What are the different types of Cordoba Mosque tickets
There are several types of tickets to visit the Mezquita, and each one has a different price. Make sure you check the current prices on the official website.
Mezquita-Catedral
This is the generic ticket, allowing you to visit all parts of the Mezquita complex. There’s a free leaflet available in various languages when you buy your tickets.
It includes admission to ten further Fernandine churches in Cordoba.
See all the details about this ticket.
Bell tower
It’s a ticket that allows you to climb to the top of the bell tower and admire some spectacular views of Cordoba.
You can purchase your tickets online on the official website or from a desk located at the entrance to the bell tower. The access to the bell tower is done through a door located next to the Puerta del Perdón.
The climb to the bell tower has restricted access to:
- Elderly and people who are not reasonably fit or who have health problems.
- Children aged under 7 may not visit the Tower and those aged between 7 and 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
The building can only be accessed on foot, climbing a narrow staircase made up of a large number of relatively tall steps. The climb is to a height of around 40 meters, equivalent to a 12-floor building.
The visits take place morning and afternoon, following the established tour times (click on ‘Opening times and availability’). Each tour will last 30 minutes and will have a maximum of 20 people.
This is how the guided tour goes:
- You start the climb, with a member of staff leading the way, and continue until you reach the Baroque cupola (15 meters). Here, there will be a short break.
- You then climb to the first set of bells (35 meters) where there is another break before continuing the climb to the second and last set of bells (45 meters). There you have a few minutes to take photographs and enjoy the panoramic views.
- At the end of that time, when so instructed by the member of staff in charge, you climb down to the foot of the bell tower where you end the visit.
See all the details about this ticket.
‘The Soul of Cordoba’ night visit
Tickets for the night visit are available year-round, but only 100 people can attend each night. That makes it feel extra special, like you’re getting an exclusive experience. You’ll get to wander through the Great Mosque of Cordoba and enjoy an incredible show—it’s truly one-of-a-kind.
The evening kicks off in the Orange-Tree Courtyard with a sound-and-light show that brings the history of the Cordoba Mezquita and the city to life. Then, you’ll head inside for a guided tour of all the highlights through a headphone system.
See all the details about this ticket.
You can also read my recommendation of the Mezquita night visit to establish if it’s worth it.
Fernandine churches route
The Fernandine Route consists of visiting the 10 churches which King Fernando III The Saint ordered to be built between the mid 13th and the early 14th centuries in different areas of the city, which is why they are known as “Fernandine Churches”.
These are San Pablo, San Francisco, San Pedro, Santiago Apóstol, San Lorenzo, San Agustín, Santa Marina, San Andrés, parroquia del Carmen de Puerta Nueva, and Basílica del Juramento de San Rafael.
See all the details about this ticket.
How to buy your Cordoba Mosque tickets
The purchasing process is pretty straightforward. Here are the steps that you should follow.
Step 1. Go to the Cordoba Mosque official website
1. Go to mezquita-catedraldecordoba.es.
2. Choose your language.
By default, the website is displayed in English.
But if you want to change it to something else, just click on the ‘Menu’ button at the top fart right and select you preferred language.
3. Click on the ‘Buy tickets’ red button.
A new browser tab will open and you should be now in the Great Mosque of Cordoba official online tickets shop.
Step 2. Select your tickets
1. Choose your language.
By default, the website is displayed in English.
But if you want to change it to something else, just click on the ‘Language’ drop-down button at the top fart right and select you preferred language.
2. Select ‘Individual’ tickets.
By default, this option should be selected. The group visits are for schools, tourism companies, etc.
3. Select the type of ticket you want.
As I told you before, you have 4 different types of tickets:
- Cordoba Cathedral-Mosque entrance.
- Night tour ‘The Soul of Cordoba’.
- Bell Tower.
- Fernandine churches route.
If necessary, on each ticket you can click on the ‘(i) Information’ link to get more details.
Select the type of ticket you want and click on the ‘Buy >’ button.
Step 3. Select the date of your visit
Use the calendar provided to select the date of your visit. Dates that are full are shown as not available.
As a rule of thumb, you can buy your tickets 2 months in advance. Beyond that, future dates are not available.
Step 4. Select the time of your visit
Use the time buttons provided to select the time of your visit. Time slots that are full are shown as not available.
Below each time slot, you should see a colored line indicating the tickets availability – red for low, yellow for medium and green for high.
Step 5. Select the number of tickets
Select the number of tickets you want to buy. To do so, click on the ‘+’ button to add the number of tickets in each category.
Please note that the staff is very picky and if you purchase a discount ticket, they’ll ask you to credit your status (senior, child, student) with a valid proof of ID.
Once you’re done, click on the ‘Continue’ button.
Step 6. Double check your selection
Double check that the date and time of visit, and the total number of tickets is correct. If you need to make any change, click on the pencil button on the right.
In addition to this, you can also add a physical or digital audioguide. To do so, click on the ‘+’ button to add the number of audioguides you’d like.
Once you’re done, click on the ‘Continue’ button.
Step 7. Fill up your personal details
On the new screen, a timer has appeared – you have 15 minutes to finalize your purchase. After that, your booking will be canceled and you’ll have to start the whole process all over again.
Enter your personal details to receive your tickets.
Please DOUBLE CHECK your email address. The tickets purchasing confirmation will be sent to the address you provide.
Step 8. Select the payment method
Note that currently, the only payment method is by card. So it should be selected by default.
Double check that the total amount you’ll pay is correct.
Tick the required terms and conditions.
Once you’re done, click on the ‘PAY >’ button.
Step 9. Fill up your payment details
Fill in the information on your credit card (card number, expiration date and CVV).
Click on the grey ‘Pay’ button.
Step 10. Retrieve your Cordoba Mosque tickets purchase confirmation
Once the transaction is completed, you should receive a confirmation email (make sure there are no typos!).
You have 2 ways of retrieving your tickets:
- Print the tickets at home. Print the document attached with the QR code and bring it the day of the visit, this will be your ticket, and you must show it at the entrance.
- Download the tickets on your mobile. Download the document attached with the QR code and show it on your mobile screen on the entrance.
That’s it! You’re ready to go!
How much time should you spend visiting?
It really depends on what type of traveler you are. Are you a quick visitor or a person who loves to observe every detail and contemplate the wonders of humanity very calmly?
On average, most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours to visit the Mezquita. The building is very large and there are multiple corners that deserve to be explored in detail. Even if you want to visit the complex quickly, don’t expect to walk through the whole area in less than 1 hour.
- If you’re a fast traveler, I suggest you enter the Mosque as soon as the doors open (08:30) and take advantage of the 50 minutes you have until you’re asked to leave the monument. There’s mass everyday except Sundays at 09:30, and the entrance is free from 08:30 to 09:20.
- If you’re a slow traveler, you’ll easily spend 2 hours visiting the Mosque on your own (make sure you get your tickets in advance at the official website! But if you really want to make the most out of your time, I’d suggest you book a guided tour with a skip-the-line ticket that’s led by an expert.
Please, respect the rules…
The Mezquita de Cordoba is a holy place. During your visit please show due respect, follow the instructions of the staff, and comply with the following rules:
- Remember that the main purpose of the site is to be a Catholic church and that it’s also the main church in Cordoba.
- Please speak with a tone of voice appropriate to the holy place you’re visiting. If mass is being held, remain silent and behave respectfully.
- Don’t cover your head inside the Mezquita and wear appropriate clothing. This means that you should wear clothing that covers both your shoulders and knees. For obvious reasons, avoid wearing clothing that is too tight, sheer, or revealing.
- Photography is allowed inside the Mosque of Cordoba, but there may be restrictions in certain areas. Please follow the guidelines. Tripods or stands are strictly prohibited.
Do you need more information on Cordoba?
This article is part of a complete guide about Cordoba where you can read all the information you need to plan your trip to this amazing destination in Spain.
Here is a complete summary of all the guide:
1. When to visit Cordoba
2. How many days to spend in Cordoba
3. How to get to Cordoba
4. How to move around Cordoba
5. Cordoba hotels: where to stay in Cordoba
6. What to eat in Cordoba
7. What to do in Cordoba
8. First timer’s guide to the Great Mosque of Cordoba
9. 7 insider tips to visit the Mosque at Cordoba
10. How to buy your Cordoba Mosque tickets
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