Plaza del Potro

We’re now in the San Francisco-Ribera district, in the heart of Plaza del Potro, meaning foal in Spanish, one of Córdoba’s most iconic squares. At the centre stands La Fuente del Potro, or the foal's fountain, built in 1577 during the reign of King Philip II. You’ve likely noticed the small horse statue on top, a tribute to the horse market once held here. With its Renaissance design, the fountain is considered one of Córdoba’s historic monuments, having withstood more than four centuries of history. On the opposite side of the square stands the Column of Saint Raphael, dedicated to the patron saint of Córdoba. This monument, measuring 2.6 metres high and topped with a statue of the saint, was sculpted in the 18th century by French artist Jean-Michel Verdiguier. Plaza del Potro is also home to two major museums, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Julio Romero de Torres Museum, which traces the life and work of the celebrated painter. A real treat for art lovers! You’ll find the iconic Posada del Potro nearby, a medieval inn that once welcomed countless travellers to Córdoba, including none other than Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote. He even mentioned the inn in his novel. Today, it hosts exhibitions dedicated to flamenco, the traditional dance of Andalusia.