Ruins of the city Medinat az Zahra

Abd al-Rahman III, one of the most powerful rulers of Moorish Spain, ordered the building of this city in 929. When finished, it was the largest city to be built from scratch in Western Europe. It consisted of 400 houses, 300 baths, a mosque, zoo, fortress and luxurous gardens. This magnificent city was left in ruins after approx 80 years, by the Almoravids. The ruins only cover 10% of the original city's extention. The city was named after Abd al-Rahman's favourite wife, some even say it was a gift to her. The city is situated approx 5 km from Cordoba.