The best cycling routes around El Carpio

Scattered along the riverbed, christened by the Arabs as Guadalquivir (“great or copious river”) as it passes through the World Heritage city, are what were once symbols of the milling industry in Córdoba, which today remain inserted in an unparalleled landscape setting, silent witnesses to the city's evolution.

A metal bridge crosses the Guadalquivir River on the outskirts of Villafranca de Córdoba. Built in the late 19th century, it is notable for its riveted iron structure, typical of the engineering of that era.

The Church of San Pedro (now the Minor Basilica of San Pedro) is one of the oldest and most historic churches in Córdoba. It was built on the remains of a 4th-century basilica that housed the remains of the Cordoban martyrs Januarius, Martial, and Faustus. After the Christian conquest (1236), Ferdinand III ordered its construction between the 13th and 14th centuries, forming part of the Ferdinandine churches.

The Puente Mocho Bridge is located in Alcolea, within the municipality of Córdoba, and crosses the Guadalmellato River near its mouth in the Guadalquivir. It is a Roman bridge that was part of the Via Augusta, the great road that connected Cádiz with the Pyrenees via Córdoba.

The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba is one of the most impressive monuments in the world, a symbol of Islamic art in the West and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. It was originally the Visigothic Basilica of San Vicente, shared by Christians and Muslims. In 784, Abd al-Rahman I began construction of the mosque, which was expanded by his successors: Abd al-Rahman II, Abd al-Rahman III, Al-Hakam II, and Almanzor. After the Christian Reconquista in 1236, it was consecrated as the Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady, and in 1523 a Renaissance basilica was built inside.

The Puente Mocho Bridge connects the CH-1 highway with the CO-3103 highway, which will take us to the town of Villafranca de Córdoba. This route is popular with cyclists, as its paved road is in good condition and the low traffic of motor vehicles makes it very safe. The route is winding with continuous ups and downs, making it a perfect area for training.

The Molino de la Albolafia is located very close to the Roman bridge and on the right bank of the Guadalquivir. It was built by Abd al-Rahman II to bring water from the river to the emirs' palace via an ingenious aqueduct. The mill has a restored naura or water wheel, which was originally ordered to be dismantled by Queen Isabella La Católica because of the noise it produced near the Alcázar, the royal residence. This mill has been part of the city's coat of arms since the fourteenth century.

The palace was originally built in the 14th century and has undergone several renovations and modifications since then. The Palacio de Viana is an example of Cordoban noble style and houses twelve beautiful patios, each with its own unique character and style. The architecture combines various historical influences, from the austere Renaissance to the Baroque Cordoban design. The exterior wall is simple and white, but the interior spaces are richly decorated with art and furniture. The palace is one of the best preserved stately homes in Cordoba and Spain. It has a rich history and has served as a home for various noble families over the centuries1. It is now a museum and a major tourist attraction in Cordoba. The contents of the Palacio de Viana include an impressive collection, including paintings, mosaics, tapestries and guadamecíes (worked leather). The palace's library contains over 6,000 volumes, and the historical archives contain over 400,000 documents dating back to the 12th century.