Madinat al-Zahra

Córdoba, Andalusia, Spain

The palatial city built by Caliph Abd al-Rahman III as the new administrative capital of the Umayyad Caliphate of Córdoba. Its ruins reveal the extraordinary wealth and sophistication of al-Andalus at its zenith.

Historical Context

Abd al-Rahman III began construction in 936 CE, using materials sourced from across the Mediterranean. The city was destroyed during the fitna (civil war) of 1010–1013 CE and was largely forgotten until archaeological excavation began in the early 20th century.