The Martos Water Wheel, situated on the banks of the Guadalquivir River near Córdoba’s historic centre, is one of the city’s most prominent medieval mills.…
The Martos Water Wheel, situated on the banks of the Guadalquivir River near Córdoba’s historic centre, is one of the city’s most prominent medieval mills. Its origins trace back to the Islamic period of al-Andalus, when the Umayyads constructed a network of watermills and wheels along the river to grind grain and provide the city with essential food supplies. These hydraulic works represent the technological sophistication of Córdoba at its peak as the capital of the Caliphate. In modern times, the Martos Mill has been restored and transformed into the Museum of Water (Museo de Agua). The museum explores the history of Córdoba’s relationship with the Guadalquivir, the vital role of water in Islamic urban life, and the ingenious engineering solutions developed during al-Andalus. Inside, visitors can see reconstructions, interactive displays, and historical information about how the mills functioned and sustained the population of one of the most advanced cities of its time.