Mezquita Opening Hours
The Mezquita-Córdoba is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 19:00 (March–October) and 10:00 to 18:00 (November–February). On Sundays and public holidays it opens 08:30–11:30 and again 15:00–19:00 (summer) or 15:00–18:00 (winter). Free entry is available Monday to Saturday from 08:30 to 09:20. Always verify on the official website before visiting as hours change for religious celebrations.
The Mezquita-Córdoba is an active Catholic cathedral as well as a tourist monument, which means its opening hours are shaped by liturgical obligations, not just visitor demand. Religious services, special celebrations, and public holidays all affect access. This guide gives you the full 2026 schedule and the practical tips you need to plan your visit without surprises.
Opening Hours by Season
Summer season (March–October): Monday–Saturday 10:00–19:00, Sunday and holidays 08:30–11:30 and 15:00–19:00. Winter season (November–February): Monday–Saturday 10:00–18:00, Sunday and holidays 08:30–11:30 and 15:00–18:00.
Summer Season: 1 March – 31 October
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Saturday | 10:00 – 19:00 |
| Sunday & public holidays | 08:30 – 11:30 and 15:00 – 19:00 |
Winter Season: 1 November – 28 February
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Saturday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Sunday & public holidays | 08:30 – 11:30 and 15:00 – 18:00 |
Free Entry Window (All Year)
| Day | Free Entry Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Saturday | 08:30 – 09:20 (doors close to new arrivals at 09:20, clearing begins at 09:30) |
| Sunday | Not available |
| Public holidays | Not available |
| Days with extraordinary celebrations | Not available |
Ticket sales stop 30 minutes before closing time. Access is not permitted in the final 30 minutes of the opening period.
Sunday Hours — What You Need to Know
On Sundays the Mezquita opens 08:30–11:30 for morning religious services (visitors may attend mass and observe respectfully), then closes, then reopens 15:00–19:00 (summer) or 15:00–18:00 (winter) for tourist visits.
Sunday opening hours are more restricted than weekday hours and are structured around two masses: the Solemn Mass at the Altar Mayor at noon and at 13:30. The monument closes between the morning and afternoon sessions to allow for these services. This means Sunday visitors effectively have two short windows rather than a continuous opening period.
If you are visiting on a Sunday, note that the morning window (08:30–11:30) clears visitors at 11:20 to prepare for noon mass. Visitors admitted at 11:00 have less than 30 minutes inside. The afternoon window (from 15:00) is the more practical Sunday option for a full visit.
The Sunday schedule is also why the Monday–Saturday free entry window does not apply on Sundays — the morning period is reserved for religious practice.
Bell Tower Opening Hours
The Bell Tower (Torre Campanario) has its own timed entry schedule, separate from the main Mezquita:
| Season | Hours |
|---|---|
| Summer (extended) | 09:30 – 18:30 (slots every 30 minutes) |
| Winter | 09:30 – 17:30 (slots every 30 minutes) |
Each Bell Tower slot lasts 30 minutes and admits a maximum of 22 people. Tickets must be purchased separately (€3) at the Patio de San Eulogio ticket office or at the vending machines at the base of the tower. See our full Bell Tower guide for everything about the climb and the views.
Night Tour — Soul of Córdoba
The Mezquita by Night experience (El Alma de Córdoba) operates on a completely separate schedule from daytime opening hours. Sessions begin after the monument closes to regular visitors — from around 20:00 in winter to 22:00 in summer. It runs Monday–Saturday from March to October, and Friday–Saturday only in the remaining months.
Special Closures and Holiday Hours
The Mezquita closes entirely or operates reduced hours on certain dates. Key dates to check:
- 1 January, 24–25 December, 31 December — opening hours approximately 10:00–14:00
- Semana Santa (Holy Week) — special liturgical events may affect access; check the official website
- Local and national public holidays — Sunday schedule applies
- Extraordinary celebrations — can close all or part of the monument without advance public notice
The golden rule: always check the official website (mezquita-catedraldecordoba.es) before travelling, especially around public holidays and during peak festival periods. The Mezquita is an active cathedral first and a tourist site second, and religious obligations take precedence. Our how to buy tickets guide explains how to navigate the official booking system.
Entrance Location and Access
The main paid visitor entrance is at the Puerta de los Deanes on Calle Torrijos. The Patio de San Eulogio Information and Reception Center on the north side of the Mezquita is where tickets are sold on the day, alongside the online ticket check-in area.
The Patio de los Naranjos (Orange Tree Courtyard) is free to enter at any time during daylight hours, independently of the paid opening schedule. It does not require a ticket and is accessible even when the main interior is closed.
2025 Fire Restoration Notice
Following a fire in the Almanzor extension in August 2025, a section of the interior is under restoration with scaffolding in place. This does not affect the prayer hall, the mihrab, or the cathedral nave — the main areas open to visitors. The restoration is expected to complete by mid-2026. Check the official website for any access updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Mezquita open?
For paid tourist visits: 10:00 Monday to Saturday (all year). The free entry window opens at 08:30 Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, the first session opens at 08:30.
What time does the Mezquita close?
19:00 Monday to Saturday in summer (March–October); 18:00 in winter (November–February). Ticket sales stop 30 minutes before closing.
Is the Mezquita open on Sundays?
Yes, but with restricted hours: 08:30–11:30 and again 15:00–19:00 (summer) or 15:00–18:00 (winter). The midday closure is for religious services.
Is the Mezquita open on public holidays?
Yes, on most public holidays, using the Sunday schedule. On 1 January, 24–25 December, and 31 December, hours are approximately 10:00–14:00. Always check the official website to confirm.
Can you visit the Mezquita for free?
Yes — Monday to Saturday from 08:30 to 09:20, free entry is open to all with no ticket required. This does not apply on Sundays or public holidays. Full details in our free entry guide.
What are the Bell Tower opening hours?
The Bell Tower opens at 09:30 with slots every 30 minutes. Last entry is 18:30 in summer and 17:30 in winter. A separate timed ticket (€3) is required.
Does the Mezquita close for lunch?
No, on weekdays and Saturdays it is open continuously from 10:00 to closing time. Sunday has a midday break for religious services.
How long before closing should I arrive?
Ticket sales stop 30 minutes before closing time. For a full visit, arriving at least 90 minutes before closing is advisable — the Mezquita covers 24,000 square metres and most visitors need 60–90 minutes minimum.
