First of all , the city of Cordoba is one of the most visited city’s in Andalusia.
Side by side with Sevilla and Granada.
Because most people come to visit the several Unesco Heritage Sites of Andalusia.
At this tour the discover the rich history of this region.
One of the things on their to do list is the Alhambra in Granada and the historical center of Cordoba.
Many of them are spending a holiday on the south coast .
They enjoy the beaches of the Costa del Sol or the Orihuela Costa.
Andalusia
So, Andalusia is located in the most southern part of Spain.
It is a very beautiful region with a splendid sunny climate.
The summers are really hot, the winters mild.
Cordoba, roman and Moorish city
In the past the City of Cordoba was historical very important.
Indeed the city has historically attracted civilizations and travelers.
In fact one of the reasons of it, is the splendid location on the Guadalquivir River.
In particular it was already an important city in the Roman times.
While the city was the capital of the Roman province” Betica”.
Later on, Cordoba was the center of the Spanish Muslim world.
Also Jews left their mark on the city.
A mix of cultures
After the Muslims, Cordoba was the residence of the Catholic kings.
So the influence of the several “cultures” in history, has left his marks.
The remains are still there in the many structures and the monumental buildings. But also in the many sites and lovely patios.
As a result the historic center is since 1994 as a World Heritage Site by the Unesco.
A thirty monuments are around the Mosque-Cathedral. So this make the historic center of Cordoba one of the largest historical center of Europe.
Even when Cordoba is very busy and touristic, the Spanish shops close at noon. So do not forget that many shops and museums take their famous siesta.
As said before, a siesta is taken mostly between 14.00 and 16.00 even till 17.00 in the South.
But opening hours are also changing depending the season.
The Mezquita of Cordoba.
The largest witness of the interesting past is the The “Mezquita” .
In the past , in the 12th century there were no less than 300 mosques in the city. The Mezquita was the main mosque.
Later with the arrival of the Christians, the middle of the mosque was broken into pieces. Then the Christians rebuild the mosque to a cathedral.
Now more than 800 Arabs columns are still fully intact.
Indeed also the vaults, the superb colors, the interior doors and the columns remained intact.
As a result : it is a splendid view!
The Juderia.
Around the mosque, there was an old Jewish ghetto. It is known as the Juderia.
If you stroll trough the charming narrow streets, you are walking back to history. This is a special atmosphere.
Now the streets are full of shops, restaurants and little tapas bars. In particular, the street where every tourist passes is the “Calle Judios”.
The Jewish people lived peacefully together with the Moors, till the Christians came.
The Jews were deported by order of the Queen Isabel and King Fernando in 1492.
The Jewish quarter is still worth a visit.
Palacio de Viana.
In fact , this” Palacio” is a beautiful place to rest . The museum gives you a good impression of how rich people used to live.
But the museum is huge. It shows you furniture, tapestries, paintings, and other objects .
El Alcazar.
In the first place, the Alcazar was built under Castilian rule in the 13th century. It was built on the remains of a Moorish predecessor.
Especifically this fort was the castle of Fernando and Isabel.
Also was it the place where they met Columbus.
At the Alcazar there are remarkable Roman mosaics.
In particular , the Alcazar gardens are full of flowers, fountains, ponds, orange trees.
This garden is a delight, so take your time and enjoy.
Nearby the Alcazar it is also nice to make a visit to the “Banos del Alcazar Calilfal”. This is the 10th century Moorish bathhouse of the Alcazar.
Flamenco in Cordoba.
The most popular dance of city is the Flamenco.
From all over the world people comes to the shows. Other are only coming to follow the flamenco work shops and introduce this in their home town.
As a result, each establishment offer daily shows with other performance, other dancers and other singers.
Most of the visitors want to witness the blending of the cultures.
Each July there is a festival to celebrate the Spanish guitar. This is know as El Festival de Guitarra.
All this is a part of the city’s rich history of flamenco with the famous music and dance.
In the city Flamenco is everywhere.
So ,there are shops for Spanish guitars, flamenco shoes and dresses. But also specialized music, bars and clubs.
Cordoba patio festival
Cordoba patio festival . During this festival de los Patios de Cordobeses , Cordoba’s beautiful patios are opened to the public for a week.
This festival is usually celebrated in the second and the third week of May.
You can make a perfumed walk trough the private patios in the old quarter.
