Plaza de Las Tendillas

The basics

Book a guided walking tour of Cordoba to discover its historic sites, including Plaza de Tendillas. Here, you’ll see the El Gran Capitan statue, erected in honor of the famous military commander Gonzalo Fernandez de Cordoba, and the Tendillas Clock, which indicates the time with the strum of a guitar rather than bells. The square is also a great spot to people-watch, grab a drink al fresco, and cool off in the geyser-like fountains that kids especially love.

Things to know before you go

• Plaza de Tendillas translates to “square of the small stores” in Spanish.

• Two of Cordoba’s popular shopping streets—Cruz Conde and Jesús María Streets—begin at the square.

• Restaurants and cafes line the plaza, making it a convenient spot to dine during sightseeing.

How to get there

Because of its central location in Cordoba, Plaza de las Tendillas serves as a transportation hub of sorts and is conveniently located in the city center. Here, you can hop on one of the public bus lines, with stops just off the square, or join a hop-on hop-off bus tour, which makes a stop in the plaza.

When to get there

Plaza de las Tendillas is a popular spot year-round, but it’s especially festive during the holidays when the city’s Christmas market starts at the beginning of November. But perhaps its biggest celebration is on New Year’s Eve when locals gather to honor the Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight.

Templo Romano de Cordoba (Roman Temple of Cordoba)

Located near the Plaza de las Tendillas, just 656 feet (200 meters) east of the square, these Roman temple remains aren’t generally open to visitors, but travelers can spot the still-standing Corinthian columns from the street. Other remains are displayed at the Museo Arqueologico de Cordoba (Archaeological and Ethnological Museum of Cordoba).