Cordoba, Andalucia
Cordoba - Overview:
The rich culture and history of Spain is most vividly displayed in its beautiful historic cities and Cordoba is no exception. During the 10th Century Cordoba was the largest city in western Europe and stood with Baghdad and Constantinople as one of the great cultural centres of the world. Cordoba today has a population of about 300,000 and is a modern, lively city and cultural centre.
Cordoba - Villages/Out and about:
Although Cordoba has an abundance of its own fascinating history and places of interest to visit, the surrounding area is home to many other historic sights and delightful whitewashed villages.
Iznajar
The Andalucian white village of Iznajar is just one of the many interesting historical towns and villages scattered throughout the Cordoba area. It nestles in the hills of the Andalucian countryside and is home to one of the oldest Moorish castles in the region as well a 16th century church. Visitors to the village can amble through a labyrinth of tranquil narrow streets and enjoy the hospitality of traditional tapas bars.
Lake Iznajar, on which the village of Iznajar sits, stretches out for over 25 kilometres and attracts world class fishermen. Fishing competitions are held most weeks and Barbel, Carp and Tench (amongst others) are in plentiful supply. For the more active watersports enthusiast there is canoeing or dinghy sailing, but for those who simply want to relax there is a beautiful clean beach with a lakeside bar where you can sunbathe or take a refreshing swim.
In addition to watersports and fishing, there are other outdoor activities available locally such as horse riding, climbing, walking and cycling. But if that doesn't captivate you then the beautiful scenery of Iznajar provides excellent inspiration for artists and painters.
The Ruins of Medina-Azahara:
8km out of Cordoba you can visit the ancient ruins of Medina-Azahara. In 936 caliph Abdul Rahman began work on largest town in the region - Medina Azahara. 10,000 workers took 25 years to construct it. Perched at the top of a hill was the palace, Alcazar Califal, and below the administrative district with parks and gardens. The actual town was located in the flat land.
The town was renowned for the extraordinary beauty of its palace's 'Throne Hall' and 'Golden Salon', both with arcs of ebony and ivory, marble ornaments, gold and precious stones. In the centre there was a basin filled with mercury to reflect the rays of sunshine. Sadly, despite its beauty, this colossal work existed for only 74 years - until it was conquered and destroyed by the Bereberes. Most of the artworks were stolen, and installed in the many palaces of Cordoba. The fascinating ancient Medina-Azahara was all but forgotten, until archaeologists started to excavate it in 1910.
La Sierra Norte:
Apart from a beautiful natural landscape this mountain range in the north of Cordoba offers its visitors enchanting villages and interesting monuments all of its own. In Montoro there are the churches of Santa Maria de la Mota, (12th Century with Roman remains and Visigothic epochs) and San Bartolome (15th Century). Almodovar has a very impressive castle built in the Gothic Mudejar style.
To the south of Cordoba are the villages Montilla and Moriles (both of viniculture importance) and the historical Baena, well known in Spain for its spectacular celebrations of Easter-week. Other villages well worth visiting are Espejo with its 14th Century castle; Cabra, a typical Andalucian style village and Priego with several remarkable Baroque buildings.
Cordoba - History and Heritage:
Cordoba was founded by the Romans and, due to its strategic importance as the highest navigable point of the Guadalquivir River, it became a port city of great importance, used for exporting Spanish olive oil, wine and wheat back to Ancient Rome. The Romans also built the mighty bridge crossing the river, now called 'El Puente Romano'.
The most important monument in Cordoba is the great 8th century Mosque which is entered from a courtyard of orange trees and fountains. It signifies Cordoba's hour of greatest glory, when the city became the capital of the Moorish kingdom of El-Andalus. It was at this time work began on the Great Mosque, or 'Mezquita', which after several centuries of additions and developments became one of the largest in all of Islam.
When the city was reconquered by the Christians in 1236, the new rulers of Cordoba were so impressed by the beauty of this building that they left the Mosque standing, building their cathedral in the midst of its rows of arches and columns, and creating the extraordinary Baroque cathedral-mosque we see today.
The Alcazar (or Fortress) is a 14th Century castle built by the Christians in 1328. It has delightful gardens, fountains and reservoirs for the visitor to explore, lying alongside the Guadalquivir river. Cordoba's other historical treasures include the Calahorra Fort, originally built by the Arabs, which guards the Roman Bridge on the far side of the river from the Mezquita. Cordoba is also home to an ancient Jewish Synagogue, now a museum.
Cordoba's medieval quarter, once the home of the Jewish community, is called 'La Juderia' (The Jewry). It nestles behind the Mosque and is a labyrinth of narrow winding streets, shaded flower-filled courtyards, hidden patios with pools and gardens, craft shops, restaurants and picturesque squares such as La Plaza del Potro. In early May, the locals proudly dress their patios with flowers to compete for the city's 'most beautiful courtyard' contest.
Los Valles del Sur:
Cordoba - Gastronomy:
The olive oil that is produced in abundance around Cordoba is an important ingredient of many typical dishes. Gazpacho and Salmorejo, delicious and refreshing chilled soups made mainly of mashed vegetables and olive oil, are the indispensable first course of any meal during the hot season.
Equally popular is Jamon, a high quality cured ham that is produced in Valle de los Pedroches. Salchichon de Pozo Blanco is a typical sausage, whereas other specialities include Cana de Lomo and Morcilla, (blood sausage) and ragouts of oxtail, Estofado de Rabo de Buey, (end of lamb) and Cordero en Caldereta.
A typical dessert with a distinctly Arabian influence is Alfajores, made with almonds and honey. Alternatively you could sample Pastel Cordobes or Pestinos, a sweet fried in oil and covered with honey.
Cordoba - Fiestas:
Easter Week, Semana Santa, is extremely important in Cordoba. No fewer than 32 processions with beautifully decorated pictures and figures of Saints, accompanied by the Nazarenos (men in gowns with hoods that cover all the face except the eyes) pass through the town - followed of course by thousands of people.
From the 5th to 12th of May Cordoba celebrates the Festival of the 'Patios Cordobeses', an annual contest for the most beautifully decorated courtyard.
Cruces de Mayo is another typical festivity when the whole town is decorated with crosses and immense quantities of flowers.
The last week of May hosts the Feria de Cordoba. It is a vibrant festival of Flamenco music and dance, in marquees decorated with coloured lamps.
Cordoba - Our holiday accommodation and service:
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