You don’t need to be an equestrian expert to have heard of the Andalusian horses at least once, known worldwide for their beauty and elegance, their noble carriage, the long tail that almost brushes the ground and a mane often groomed and plaited. But even if you know these splendid horses, you might not have realised that it was in Cordoba that they were recognised as a pure breed. It could be said that it all began with the Caballerizas Reales, the Royal Stables of Cordoba that pride themselves on being among the most important in the world and that you can visit today, also attending fascinating horse shows.
Tickets for the Cordoba equestrian show
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What are the Caballerizas Reales de Córdoba
The Caballerizas Reales de Córdoba are the Royal Stables built in 1570 when King Philip II wanted purebred horses to be bred there, the very animals that would later give rise to the Andalusian horse. This large complex of stables was erected, thanks to funds provided by the Crown, by the breeder Diego López de Haro y Guzmán. The aim was to rear prized horses in service of the Royal Household. Stones from the nearby Medina Azahara, the 10th-century palace of Caliph Abderramán III, were also used in its construction.
In 1734 a large fire struck the building, which was almost completely destroyed. It was rebuilt only 11 years later, during the reign of Ferdinand VI. The original layout with 108 stalls for the horses was retained. Even today, the most significant part is the stable: an enormous space divided into three aisles with groin vaults, with the horse boxes defined by stone columns. It is no coincidence that Federico García Lorca described it as a “Cathedral for horses“.
Looted by French troops in 1808, the stables were restored and in 1867 passed into the hands of the army to accommodate a battalion of the Princess’s hussars and three companies of light infantry. From 1945 to 1995 they housed the Deposito Stalloni, that is the institute for the selection and breeding of horses, which was later transferred to Écija.
Today the historic stables are managed by Córdoba Ecuestre, the prestigious equestrian school which also organises shows and events open to the public.
Where to find them
The Caballerizas Reales are in Cordoba, right next to the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, so they are really easy to find while visiting the city. The exact location is this and you can easily reach it on foot from any part of the city centre. If you travel by bus, you can take lines 3 and 6 to arrive right in front of the stables.
Visit to the Royal Stables
The visit to the stables is a fascinating experience and is certainly something different from the usual monuments and museums. But what is there to see? Let’s start from the beating heart of this place: the central courtyard, where the horses are trained. This is also a space used for events and equestrian competitions, but above all it is the place where, for centuries, Spain’s finest horses have been trained.
There are also the stables themselves, whose main block takes your breath away. Wide arches supported by stone columns divide the sections of the enormous hall, whose stone walls maintain a pleasant temperature in every season for the well‑being of the horses and their grooms. There are also the South Stables, which are very beautiful too, albeit simpler than the others.
Then there’s the indoor riding arena: built in 1800, it is considered a true gem of the architecture of the time. It has a glass roof that was designed by none other than Gustave Eiffel (yes, the very same who designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris!). Also, don’t miss the saddlery. This space is not just a store for saddles and equestrian equipment, but a place where all these items have been preserved and maintained with meticulous care and attention for centuries.
Hours and Tickets
The stables are open during the following hours:
- Tuesday: from 10:00 to 13:30 and from 15:30 to 18:30
- From Wednesday to Saturday: from 10:00 to 13:30 and from 15:30 to 21:30
- Monday and Sunday: closed
The ticket costs €5, but is reduced to €1 for children (3-12 years) and free for infants (0-2 years). An audio guide is also provided.
Cordoba Horse Show at the Royal Stables
The pride of the stables is the equestrian show called “Pasión y Duende del Caballo Andaluz” (Passion and Spirit of the Andalusian Horse). During this show you will see a mix of flamenco dance and equestrian displays, showcasing both haute école and working equitation, all accompanied by the captivating classical dressage. By attending the performance you will therefore see the riders dressed in period costume.
Córdoba Ecuestre also takes the show to the world’s most important equine fairs and exhibitions, but it’s here that it performs at its best. The show lasts around 70 minutes and is suitable for children too, who are captivated by the horses’ performances.
You can also buy the premium ticket, which allows you to enter 30 minutes early and to take photos (during the show, however, taking photos and videos is prohibited).
Opening times and prices
The shows are held from Wednesday to Saturday at 8 pm.
Tickets cost €18.50 (children pay the same as adults; only infants are free). The premium ticket costs €23.70. Here are the main channels where you can buy tickets:
Special events
Throughout the year special events are also organised that can make your visit to Cordoba even more unforgettable, not only if you are passionate about horse riding, but also because of the numerous and visually spectacular initiatives that are staged.
The flagship event is Cabalcor: one of the most important international horse fairs in the world. It takes place in September and includes more than ten high-level championships and competitions. Then there is the Marcha Hípica, an annual event usually held on 28 February (Andalusia Day) which promotes equestrian culture and involves the whole city. At Christmas time there is the Copa de Navidad, an important competition that also serves as an opportunity for many young riders to enter the world of competition. You can discover all the events on this page of the official website.
