A
day trip to Cordoba, Spain by Warren Ward
Like the Seville region,
the province of Cordoba is landlocked, though that should not be a reason
for the more adventurous traveller to not visit either for they both are
fascinating....
read more
Visit
The Historic City of Córdoba in Andalucia by Ruth Polak
Córdoba is a magnificent
city in Andalucia with many beautiful sites to see, not least of course
the famous Mezquita.
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| Originally founded
by the Romans Cordoba’s strategic position at the highest navigable point
on the Rio Guadalquivar meant it soon became an important port and from
here there was much activity shipping Spanish olive oil, wine and wheat
back to Ancient Rome. The Romans also built the famous "El Puente Romano"
which is the impressive bridge that crosses the river.
The Arabs dominated Cordoba
from 711-1263 a.d. and during this period built the wonderful Mezquita
(mosque). They started it in 784 and by the 10th century it was the largest
mosque in the world. Cordoba reverted to Christian rule in 1236 but its
new rulers were so impressed with the beauty of the mosque that they decided
to build their own Cathedral within its impressive rows of arches and columns
and today it forms an extraordinary mosque-cathedral of outstanding and
awe inspiring beauty.
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| As well as Moslem
and Christian influences Cordoba also had a strong Jewish presence the
influence of which can bee seen in "La Judera" which makes up the old part
of Cordoba. This is a wonderful labyrinth of winding, narrow streets, shady
flower-filled courtyards and patios and picturesque squares such as La
Plaza del Potro. During early May the local residents compete in the city’s
most beautiful courtyard competition by festooning their patios and any
available space with a mass of flowers. They open their private courtyards
to the public and they are an absolute delight to wander around.
Other sites of interest in
Cordoba are the Alcazar de los Reyes whose beautiful gardens are the main
reason for visiting the palace. At the south end of el Puente Romano is
the Museo Vivo de Al-Andalus. This is a good point at which to start your
tour of Cordoba as it gives you a good introduction to the history of the
city and is one of the few places where you will find this in the language
of your choice. From the top of the tower in which the museum is housed
you get excellent views of the city and also two old Arab water mills one
of which has a marvelously restored waterwheel.
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| There is also
an interesting archeological museum in the city. This is housed in a renovated
Renaissance palace admission is free to EU citizens.
Apart from the sites of historic
interest Cordoba is also famous for it's ceramic and hand tooled leather
products with a wonderful variety of goods on offer in the shops. |
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About the Author: Ruth Polak
is the owner of www.costadelsol-vacationrentals.com, a web site specializing
in holiday villas and apartments on the Costa del Sol and in Rural Andalucia.
You will also find lots of information about Spain and Andalucia, in particular. |
