Go back in time to the days of Don Quixote at this medieval square and see the 16th-century fountain that marks the site of a former equestrian marketplace.
Plaza del Potro is a rectangle-shaped public square dating back to the Middle Ages. Its weathered cobblestone pavement has witnessed centuries of Córdoban life, from the bustle of a medieval livestock market to the many colorful characters that were known to visit the plaza. Check out the square’s crowning feature, an exquisite Renaissance-style statue of a colt atop a fountain.
Stroll around the Plaza del Potro’s perimeter, taking in the sights of medieval buildings and historic façades. To the square’s south, you’ll find the Posada del Potro, a medieval inn that hosted some of the adventurers that would pass through Córdoba on their journeys. The author of Don Quixote, Miguel de Cervantes, was a regular of the Posada del Potro and makes reference to the square in his famous Spanish novel. Today, the inn houses the Centro Flamenco Fosforito, an institution dedicated to the study of flamenco. Visit the center to see Cervantes’ famed inn and explore a series of exhibitions illustrating the history of the flamenco art form.
Wander to the other side of the plaza to see a 15th-century Franciscan hospital, which now contains two museums. Browse the Museo Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts) or explore the artwork of a cherished Córdoban painter at the Museo Julio Romero de Torres.
At one end of the plaza lies the fountain after which the plaza is named. Dating back to 1577, the octagonal fountain is topped with a statue of a colt prancing on a vase. The horse’s front legs are raised and bear the city’s coat of arms. At the other end of the square, you can see a 1920s monument depicting the archangel Raphael. The tavern at the southern end of the square is a great spot to relax with a drink and enjoy views of the medieval plaza.
Plaza del Potro lies on the southern edge of Córdoba’s historic center, near the banks of the Guadalquivir. It is easy to reach the plaza by public bus or on foot when exploring the district’s winding alleys. The plaza is free to visit at any time.
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