Córdoba
Córdoba is located at the foot of the Sierra Morena on the banks of the Guadalquivir. Despite this, it is one of the hottest cities in Spain and the climate is mild all year round.
The city has a population of 325,000 inhabitants, making it the third largest city in Andalusia after Seville and Málaga. There are 75 municipalities in the province of Cordoba.
MOSQUE OF CÓRDOBA
The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba is the most important building of Islamic art in the West and is one of the most impressive buildings in the world. Its history encompasses the entire development of the Umayyad style in Spain, as well as the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements used in Christian architecture.
It seems that in ancient times there was a cult place for the worship of various deities where the mosque-cathedral stands today. Under the Visigoths, the Basilica of San Vicente was built here, in its place, after paying part of the land, the first mosque was built. This rectangular basilica was used by Christians and Muslims alike for a time. As the Muslim population grew, Abd ar-Rahman I acquired the entire basilica and then destroyed it to begin the definitive construction of the city's first Alhama, or main mosque. Today, some elements of the Visigoth building are integrated into the first phase of construction by Abd Al-Rahman I.
The great mosque is divided into two areas: the forest of columns or saw with its minaret (under the Renaissance tower), the only contribution of Abd Al-Rahman III, and the prayer room or haram. The interior, composed of countless two-tone columns and arcades, has a great color effect. Overall, the building is divided into five areas, which correspond to the expansions made.
https://www.andalucia.org/de/cordoba-kultureller-tourismus-mezquita-de-cordoba
PALACE OF LA MERCED
In the past this was the monastery of Mercedarian monks and nowadays it houses the Diputacion of Cordoba.
This is in the XVIII. century. The central cloister, with its porch and baroque fountain, is very interesting and is, if the head imperal, made of colored marble covered with a dome, which has a high artistic value.
Inside its passages and rooms, the Palace Merced accommodates you interesting national and international exhibitions.
https://www.andalucia.org/de/cordoba-kultureller-tourismus-palacio-de-la-merced
CALIFAL BATHS
The Caliph's Baths were part of the Alcázar of the Caliphs of Cordoba. Built in the 10th century by order of Caliph al-Hakam II, they were used exclusively by the monarch, his harem and entourage.
The caliph baths correspond to the classic division of the Roman thermal baths and consist of cold, warm and hot rooms. The rooms have vaulted ceilings with star-shaped skylights. The Almoravids and the Almohads later expanded the baths, as evidenced by the archaeological finds from recent excavations.
https://www.andalucia.org/de/cordoba-kultureller-tourismus-banos-califales
ALCAZAR OF THE CHRISTIAN KINGS
The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos is a building of a defensive character that does not reflect the canon of strengths Arabs. It is an important building in the construction of military architecture of the Christian Reconquista in Cordoba.
From 1482 it was the seat of the troops of the Catholic Monarchs. For ten years, the fortress has been the strategy of conquest of the Kingdom of Granada, the last Arab fortress in Spain. The Catholic Monarchs more than 8 years in the Alcázar. There was born one of his daughters, the Infanta Maria, Queen of Portugal, and were in talks with Christopher Columbus on his preparations for the first voyage to America.
https://www.andalucia.org/de/cordoba-besuche-alcazar-de-los-reyes-cristianos
MEDINA AZAHARA ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMPLEX
At the foot of Mount La Desposada (the Bride) are the ruins of Conjunto Arqueológico de Madinat al-Zahra. Its construction, which began in 936, owes its existence to the first caliph of Al-Andalus, Abderramán III, who had it built in honor of his favourite, Al Zahra. In 1010 it was set on fire and plundered during the civil war that divided the caliphate into the kingdoms of the taifas.
You can still visit some rooms that remind of the splendor and luxury that reigned in this mythical city.
The wall, the house of Vizirs, the remains of the mosque and the gardens stand in front of the visitor in a tour that takes you back to what was once the most beautiful Islamic monument in Al-Andalus.
https://www.andalucia.org/de/cordoba-kultureller-tourismus-conjunto-arqueologico-medina-azahara
STREET OF FLOWERS
The street is in the middle of the Jewish quarter and from here you can see the tower of the cathedral.
It is a cul-de-sac opposite that of the north facade of the mosque, ending in a square with a great view of the cathedral tower. It is a typical Andalusian street with whitewashed houses and balconies decorated with flowers.
https://www.spain.info/de/highlights/calleja-las-flores/
COURTYARD OF THE ORANGE TREES
This garden can be considered the oldest "living" garden in Europe, as its origins date back to the year the Mezquita began to be built in 784 under Abd ar-Rahman I. It is an enclosed site measuring fifty by one hundred and thirty meters divided into three sections, each with a beautiful Renaissance fountain. Original plants included pomegranates, cypresses and palms, and today there are ninety-eight rows of orange trees that date from the 18th century or maybe even older.
https://www.spain.info/de/highlights/innenhof-kirche-kathedrale-cordoba/
SYNAGOGE
This and the synagogue El Tránsito in Toledo are among the most representative examples of their kind from the Middle Ages.
The synagogue has small dimensions. Access is via a courtyard. The portal has rich Mudéjar stucco work and three small balconies forming a fan arch with inscriptions of Psalms in the Alfiz. The tabernacle is on the east wall.
https://www.spain.info/de/highlights/synagoge-cordoba/
ROYAL STABLES
Cordoba is home to this beautiful building, built in 1570 at the behest of Philip II on the site of the city's Alcázar. It has the same military character as the royal fortress.
According to the king's wishes, the stables were to be used for the breeding of horses of the pure Spanish breed. In fact, the breeding of the pure Spanish breed with Arab influence, also called Andalusians, succeeded there. The main room, whose vault is supported by sandstone columns, is divided into individual boxes. Today, the royal stables are used to host a horse and riding show for the whole family.
https://www.spain.info/de/highlights/koenigliche-stallungen/
ROMAN BRIDGE AND BRIDGE GATE
This bridge connects the city to the Calahorra Tower and is said to have been built in the time of Emperor Augustus.
In 918 it was extensively renovated. It played an important role in the city's battles against the army of King Peter "the Cruel". The 16 arches rest on sturdy buttresses with semicircular breakwaters. The masonry is staggered in the Moorish style. In the center is a sculpture of Saint Rafael from 1651.
https://www.spain.info/de/highlights/roemische-bruecke-puerta-puente/
CALAHORRA TOWER
It was built by Enrique II de Trastámara to protect himself from the attacks of his brother, Pedro I el Cruel (the Cruel). Its location used to be that of an Arab castle.
It is in the shape of a Latin cross with three arms formed by square towers connected by cylindrical spaces and culminated in battlements. Inside it houses 8 rooms that house the Museum of the Three Cultures. Located on the banks of the Roman bridge, it has witnessed numerous battles. Seat of the Living Museum of Al-Andalus (Paradigma Cordoba Foundation).
https://www.spain.info/de/highlights/calahorra-turm/
WALLS OF CÓRDOBA
The Arabian Wall surrounded the city as a fortress. Today, however, only remnants and some of the gates can be seen.
The remaining city gates of the wall are the following: the Puerta de Sevilla Gate (from the 14th century), located between Calle Puerta de Sevilla and Avenida del Corregidor, the Puerta de Almodóvar Gate (also called Puerta del Nogal) , and the Puerta del Puente gate next to the Cathedral, rebuilt in the 16th century. Two arches have also been preserved in the historic center: Arco del Portillo and Arco de Belén.
https://www.spain.info/de/highlights/stadtmauern-cordoba/
JUDERIA
Cordoba's oldest neighborhood and one of its main attractions is undoubtedly the Jewish Quarter. The Jewish Quarter in the heart of the city is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets where you can revisit the history of Cordoba and understand the lifestyle of the three cultures that have coexisted for centuries: Christian, Jewish and Muslim.
The Jewish Quarter stretches from the Puerta de Almodóvar to the Mosque-Cathedral and shows the typical layout of Muslim cities with narrow streets and numerous dead ends. Visiting the Jewish Quarter of Cordoba is a journey back in time and the discovery of the city's medieval essence through its whitewashed buildings adorned with flowers and colorful pots.
In addition, the Jewish Quarter is the best place to eat and shop at the local craft shops
https://www.disfrutacordoba.com/juderia
SLIDE SQUARE
A few meters from Cordoba City Hall is the largest and most important square in the city: Plaza de la Corredera. It is believed to have been built on the remains of the ancient Roman circus.
In the Middle Ages, this room served as the scene of executions by the Inquisition and as a prison. It is said that the executioner himself resided in the square in case there was "urgency". Years later, the square was converted into a bullring, until architect Antonio Ramos completely rebuilt it in the 17th century, giving the Plaza de la Corredera its current appearance.
At the end of the 19th century, the square was used to house the most important market in Cordoba. Today, the Plaza de la Corredera is home to numerous cafes and cocktail bars, as well as being the backdrop for important Córdoba festivals such as the White Night of Flamenco.
https://www.disfrutacordoba.com/plaza-corredera
TENDILLAS SQUARE
The Plaza de las Tendillas marks the boundary between the historic center of Cordoba and its commercial district. It is a large space surrounded by historical buildings, cafes and shops, whose symbol par excellence is the equestrian statue of Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba. The sculpture of this nobleman and gentleman known as "The Great Captain" is made of bronze except for the head which is made of marble.
The Plaza de las Tendillas takes its name from the small handicraft shops that it housed years ago. Today, one of its most characteristic symbols is the clock on one of its buildings which, instead of chiming, strikes the hours and quarters with the sound of a fandango.
https://www.disfrutacordoba.com/plaza-tendillas
ROMAN TEMPLE
During the expansion works of Cordoba City Hall in 1950, the best preserved Roman archaeological remains of the city were discovered. It is the Roman Temple of Córdoba, a large building composed of six main columns and two side columns.
The temple was built on a pedestal and in front of the pillars was the altar. It is believed to have formed part of the Provincial Forum along with the circus. Entry to the Roman temple is not permitted, but its imposing columns are visible to all and help to imagine the splendor of Cordoba in Roman times.
On the floor are capitals, shafts and other original elements of the temple, built mainly of marble. Other remains found during the excavations are on display at the Archaeological Museum of Córdoba.
It is expected that by 2019, restoration work on the interior entrance to the temple will be complete, with the goal of creating a walkway that will allow visitors to access the temple and an interpretive center.
https://www.disfrutacordoba.com/templo-romano
VIANA PALACE
In the heart of the Santa Marina district is one of the most interesting buildings of the caliphal city and one of its most visited monuments: the Palacio de Viana . With more than 6,500 square meters, most of which are dedicated to terraces, gardens and open spaces, this luxurious residence reflects the history of Cordoba and the swagger of its nobility.
https://www.disfrutacordoba.com/palacio-viana
VICTORY MARKET
A few meters from the city walls is the Mercado Victoria , a highly recommended option for eating portions and trying a bit of everything.
https://www.disfrutacordoba.com/donde-comer
Typical dishes from Cordoba
Cordoba's gastronomy combines typical Andalusian ingredients with its own elements. Next we describe the typical dishes of Cordoba :
- Salmorejo: Cold tomato cream, crumb bread, olive oil, garlic and salt. It is usually accompanied with boiled egg and serrano ham. It's a typical summer dish, but it can be found in Córdoba's restaurants all year round.Rabo de toro: Oxtail or oxtail stew accompanied by a thick sauce and boiled potatoes.Flamenquín: Pork loin steak rolled on Serrano ham and topped with egg and breadcrumbs fried.Boquerones en vinagre: Small anchovies marinated in vinegar with garlic and parsley. It is usually served as an accompaniment to heartier dishes. Berenjenas con miel: Eggplant slices fried in olive oil and doused with cane syrup. This dish is also typical of Granada. Japuta en adobo: Japuta (fish also called pomfret) marinated, diced and served with garlic, cumin and vinegar. It is a very typical dish of Córdoba's tapas bars.Ibérico ham : Córdoba is an area rich in pig farming, so it is common to find Iberian hams such as ham, loin, salchichón or cheese. The region's most prestigious designation of origin is Los Pedroches. Pastel cordobés: puff pastry tarts filled with lemon, angel hair and sometimes Serrano ham. It is the traditional dessert of the celebrations of San Rafael.Wines from Cordoba : Cordoba's wine tradition has transformed this Andalusian city into a land rich in wines of all kinds. The most famous Córdoba wines are Pedro Ximénez, Fino Cordobés, Casa Villa-Zeballos or Montilla-Morilles.Rebujito : The typical Andalusian drink is also widespread in Córdoba. It is obtained by mixing manzanilla wine with soft drinks such as soda or sprite.