Tablao El Cardenal Tours

Situated in a former archbishop’s palace, Tablao El Cardenal is one of Cordoba’s most coveted spots to watch Spain’s beloved art form: flamenco. Southern Spain is steeped in flamenco history, as it is believed this is where the tradition originated, and tablaos (flamenco venues) are the ideal place to experience the soulful tradition.

The Basics
Close to the Mezquita, in the city’s Jewish Quarter, the 25-year-old Tablao El Cardenal offers what some consider to be the best of Cordoba flamenco in a ultra-traditional setting. During fall and winter, shows take place in the indoor auditorium, while in spring and summer the performances move to the courtyard, which is emblematic of this southern city known for its patios.

The 1.5- to 2-hour performances typically include several dancers who perform alongside guitarists and singers. The show also features various types of flamenco from different time periods, including sevillanas, allegrías, seguilladas, and more.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Tablao El Cardenal is ideal for dance lovers, first-time visitors to Cordoba, and anyone wanting to see an unforgettable flamenco performance.
• This is the city’s most popular destination to see flamenco, so book your tickets well in advance to ensure attendance and to secure a better table close to the stage.
• Admission usually includes a free drink.
• The venue is accessible to wheelchair users but the bathrooms are not.

How to Get There
Tablao El Cardenal is about a 6-minute walk from the Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba) and is a 10-minute walk from the Roman Bridge (Puente Romano). The venue is also accessible via many of the city’s bus lines; Glorieta Cruz Roja, located along Paseo de la Victoria, is the closest bus stop to the theater.

When to Get There
Performances take place Monday to Thursday at 8:15pm and Friday and Saturday at 9pm during high season (April to October), and Thursday to Saturday in the low season (November to March). Schedules and performances are subject to change, and special performances may be added during the holiday season; check online for the current schedule.

The Roman Bridge
Not far from Tablao El Cardenal, the impressive Roman Bridge traverses the Guadalquivir River. Constructed by the Romans in the early first century BC, this ancient structure features two anchoring towers and a statue of San Rafael, the patron saint of Cordoba, halfway across its span, where worshippers stop to pray or light a candle. As of 2004, the bridge is for pedestrians only.