We are visiting the Mezquita Cathedral, Cordoba and I am contemplating using the cathedral's audio tour. What is the community's thoughts on this vs. a tour guide? Appreciate the feedback.
Posted by
Washington DC
27187 posts
I don't know whether you'll be able to confirm this, somehow, via the Search function here, but I think Rick was not impressed with the Mezquita audio guide. (My notes say "skip audio guide", but I didn't document the source of that advice.) The description of the mosque-cathedral in the RS guide to Spain was sufficient for me. I'm sure a human guide would be more engaging than reading a written description, though.
Posted by
Walnut Creek, CA
557 posts
We did the audio guide on our visit and we found it not very user friendly and confusing. If i were to do it again, I’d do a guided tour.
Posted by
NC
249 posts
Agree with @acraven that neither are necessary. The Mezquita is truly awesome and requires time to immerse yourself. A guidebook can be helpful, but to simply walk, qawk, sit quietly, and absorb brings the magic. It was an incredible (for us, DIY) experience!
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15593 posts
Skip the audio guide - it's confusing in part because it's hard to figure out what bit is related to what part of the building and the information is often drier than dust. I don't think a private guide is worth it and the group tours just get herded around. This is a place you want to go at your own pace and soak up the beauty of the majestic arches, the intricate carvings and the detailed ceiling timbers (take binoculars to see it all better). I found that a souvenir guide book from one of the tourist shops around the Mezquita was just what I wanted. Better to buy it ahead of time and spend an hour reading it sometime before you go in.
Posted by
Chicago
790 posts
There is also good info on the official website - https://mezquita-catedraldecordoba.es/en/descubre-el-monumento/el-edificio/