Cordoba, located in the heart of Andalusia, at the base of Sierra Morena, on the banks of Guadalquivir river, is pure magic.
The Mezquita – Cordoba
The Mezquita – Cordoba
Based in the historical center of Cordoba, the Mosque-Cathedral is the main symbol of the city, place of worship for Visigoths, Muslim and Christians. It represents the reflection of the power of the caliphate and the inheritance of al-Andalus in the Iberian Peninsula. At first, it has been used more for the muslim religion and, at that time, it was the biggest mosque of the world. In 1236, it was converted in a cathedral, reconquered by Ferdinando II Il Santo. In the XVI century, Charles V expanded the current christian cathedral among the naves of the mosque and the result is a Mosque-Cathedral that combines different kinds of styles.
The monument is sorrounded by a beautiful garden full of orange trees
The Juderia
The most ancient neighborhood of the city, the Jewish area is a labyrinth of alleys, where you could discover the story of Cordoba and the different cultures that used to live together during the centuries: muslims, jewish and christians. It starts from the Puerta de Almodovar and it ends at the Meqzuita: the map is typical of the ancient muslim cities, with narrow streets and blind alleys. Visiting the Juderia is like jumping into the past, by immersing yourself in a medieval atmosphere, being surrounded by the beauty of the white buildings decorated with flower pots.
It is the best place for eating and shopping, especially if you fall in love with craftsmen; the main attractions of the area are the Synagogue, the Calleja de las flores and Casa Andalusi
- The Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos
In 1329, Alfonso X, ordered the construction of the current Alcazar, by establishing their residency for the reconquest of Granada. The most important historical moment of the Alcazar was in 1486 when all the Catholics Kings gathered together with Christophe Colombo to organize his travel for the Indies.
It is ubicated near the Guadalquivir river, in the interiors we found a several number of royal rooms with historical items of great value. The most astonishing room is the Salon de los Mosaicos, which has an important collection of mosaics belonging to the Roman-age. One of the most fascinating part of the building are the royal baths of Dona Leonor, lover of Alfonso XI, which are similar to the arabic ones. In the XX century the Gardens of the Alcazar were built: 30,000 mq of fountains, palms, ponds, cypresses, lemons and oranges. Queen Isabella I used to walk and read in this charming place.
- The Puente Romano
In the first century b.C. the Romans built this bridge and it is probably part of the Via Augusta, the Roman street which connects Rome to Cadiz. During the Middle Age, the Arab citizens built two towers for defense: the Torre Calahorra and the Puerta del Puente. This latter was restored at the end of the sixteenth century by the architect Hernán Ruiz. The bridge has also been restored during the centuries: the last one between 2006 and 2008. Thanks to the renovation, some particular and original parts have been discovered. From 2004 it is possible to walk in order to admire the splendid view of Cordoba
Andalusia, in general, is full of art, history and good people. But Cordoba is something unique, I would say the Paris of Spain, where falling in love is a piece of cake.
