Free things to do in Andalucia: Cordoba, Jaen

Cordoba

Comprehensive info about things to see and do in Cordoba here

To check updated information about opening hours and prices for current month open the pdf you find here

- Mezquita - spectacular, the most beautiful building I have ever visited. Entry to the Mezquita is free from Monday to Saturday from 8.30 to 9.30 (well they start to ask you to leave at 9.20). We went every morning for three days, it is splendid! If you don't go for free, pay to go in, you can't not visit the Mezquita if you are anywhere near Cordoba.

- Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos - free on Thursdays from 6pm in 'winter' and from 12 noon in 'summer'. We went end October and got there at 17.40 which was about right because a queue was forming, they only allow a certain number of people in at one time. Normal price is €5 which would be worth it, especially for the gardens.

- Palacio de Viana (only the 12 patios) free on Wednesdays from 2 to 5pm. Otherwise costs €12 for house + patios but would probably not be worth it for us.

- Museo Taurino - free on Thursdays from 6pm, definitely worth a free visit if you're interested in bull-fighting, a nice video experience too, otherwise 4€.

- Patios, everywhere in Cordoba, especially in Barrio San Basilio, where some are free because used for small shops, restaurants or arts and crafts areas, others are private and you can make an offer, some you have to pay if you want to visit them.

- Baños del Alcázar Califal, once again on Thursdays from 6pm , not left much to see, don't bother if you've seen those in Jaen.

- Sinagoga - free for EU citizens, (others 30 cents) it was closed for work when we were there but has now re-opened.

- Museo Bellas Artes -  free for EU citizens, worth a quick look if you've got time.

- Museo Arqueológico - free for EU citizens, worth a visit.

- Caballerizas Reales - you can have a look in at the stables with a collection of carts for free which is interesting.


Our days in Cordoba: 
Day 1 in Cordoba
Day 2 in Cordoba
Day 3 in Cordoba

Free things to do in Andalucia: Malaga, Ronda, Antequera HERE

Free things to do in Andalucia: the Sherry triangle of Cadiz, Jerez, El Puerto de Santa Maria, Sanlucar de Barrameda, Chiclana de la Frontera HERE

Free things to do in Granada HERE

Jaén  

Palacio de Villadompardo 
The building, worth a visit to Jaen in itself, houses the Baños Árabes and the Museo de Artes y Costumbres Popolares and the International Museum of Naif art. 

The Baños Árabes underground are particularly beautiful due to the star shaped holes in the roof which were originally used to let out steam and hence control the temperature, have been very well restored with an explanation and video of how they were used. 

The Museo de Artes y Costumbres Popolares has sections dedicated to traditional activities, agriculture and everyday life and is well worth a visit to learn a little more about recent everyday history in Jaen and the area. 

The International Museum of Naif Art hosts a variety of Naif paintings by local and Spanish artists, once again with glimpses of life in Andalucia past and present. In particular we liked those by a local painter - Manuel Moral,  who started painting at the age of 70, depicting the olive groves  characterising the landscape around Jaen.

At the top of the building the Mirador offers a view of the city and surrounding countryside and a cafe with refreshments. 

Free things to do in Andalucia: Malaga, Ronda, Antequera HERE

Free things to do in Andalucia: the Sherry triangle of Cadiz, Jerez, El Puerto de Santa Maria, Sanlucar de Barrameda, Chiclana de la Frontera HERE

Free things to do in Granada HERE