House of the Heads

The House of the Heads in Córdoba is a place where you can journey back to the Middle Ages. With traces of Roman, Jewish, and Moorish influences, you can gain a deeper understanding of the significance of these cultures in the city of Córdoba. You can visit its courtyards, its basement where the stables are located, and even a Roman-era pool, believed to have been used by Jews for purification baths, contrary to the values of that time.

Here, you will find all the relevant information about the House of the Heads, from its courtyards to its intriguing legend alongside the Callejón de los Siete Arquillos (Alley of the Seven Arches), a place that holds one of the most widely told stories in the city.

Opening hours of the House of the Heads

The opening hours of the House of the Heads are from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, open every day.

The admission price to the House of the Heads.

The admission price to the House of the Heads is €5 for visitors aged 10 and above, while children under 10 years old have free entry.

Location of the House of the Heads.

The House of the Heads is located at Casa de las Cabezas, 18, 14003 Córdoba.

How to get House of the Heads by bus.

To get to the House of the Heads by bus, you can take public transport lines 1, 3, 7, and 12.

Nearby places to the House of the Heads.

Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba (500 meters)

Archaeological Museum of Córdoba (290 meters)

Museum of Fine Arts of Córdoba (280 meters)

Plaza de la Corredera (500 meters)

Roman Bridge (450 meters

The history of the House of the Heads.


This courtyard house in Córdoba has over 1000 years of history and is renowned for the Legend of the Seven Infantes of Lara, its narrow alleyway, and its courtyards. It was once a property of an Alcázar belonging to Almanzor, where Gonzalo Gustioz, a Castilian count and the father of the Seven Infantes of Lara, was imprisoned.

The name “House of the Heads” began to be used in the 15th century. This place is one of the most emblematic sites in the city of Córdoba, with a narrow alleyway also known as the “Calleja de los Arquillos,” which reflects the coexistence of different cultures and eras in one location.

Furthermore, this house holds much more history. The Jews used the pool located in its basement for purification baths, an action that contradicted the norms of the time in the city. As a result, the Spanish Inquisition conducted one of the largest autos-de-fé in Spanish history, sentencing over 200 Jews who visited this house for purification baths to be burned at the stake.

As one can see, the history of the House of the Heads has a past filled with dark deeds, which contribute to its unique legacy.

The Legend of the Seven Infantes of Lara.

The legend of the Seven Infantes of Lara is known for its dark background. According to tradition, the father of the seven infantes of Lara witnessed the severed heads of his seven sons displayed on a silver tray. These heads were exhibited in the alley of Arab origin, with one head hanging from each arch, giving the place its name “Cabezas” (Heads) due to the presence of seven arches for the seven heads, a legacy that remains to this day.

Courtyards of the House of the Heads.

The courtyards of the House of the Heads are a total of four. They provide a unique setting to relive the history of the house and witness the influence of different cultures. These courtyards have a distinct character, with fountains and the scent of orange blossom that transport you to bygone eras.

Frequently Asked Questions about the House of the Heads.

  1. When does the House of the Heads open?

    The House of the Heads is open every day from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

  2. How much does admission to the House of the Heads cost?

    Admission to the House of the Heads is 5€. Children under 10 years old have free admission.

  3. Why is the House of the Heads famous?

    The House of the Heads is famous for the Legend of the Seven Infantes of Lara, as well as its narrow alleyway and its traditional courtyard.

  4. What is the legend of the House of the Heads?

    According to the legend, it is said that the father of the seven Infantes of Lara witnessed the severed heads of his seven sons displayed on a silver tray. These heads were exhibited in the Callejón de los Arquillos (Alley of the Arches), with each of the seven arches adorned with a head.