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Cordova is a spicy mix of Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures. The ancient Spanish city, which attracts thousands of tourists, survived the dominance of the Roman Empire and the dominion of the Moors. The sights of Cordoba have a special energy. They captivate and inspire.
Who and why should come to Cordoba
The palaces and temples of Cordoba are a great heritage of the past, reflecting the changing cultures of the ancient city. Their beauty and interior will be appreciated not only by admirers of architecture, but also by history buffs.
Museums are a collection of age-old wisdom and traditions of this southern region. They are waiting for families and curious tourists.
The squares and old streets invite you for long walks. The clatter of flamenco dancers’ heels from nearby bars and the seductive aromas of southern cuisine enhance the travel experience.
Religious sites
Mesquite
The mosque was built in 785 on the foundations of a destroyed Visigothic basilica. A majestic building with an area of over 23 thousand square meters. m for a long time remained the largest in the Cordoba Caliphate.
When the Spaniards captured the city, they did not destroy the Muslim shrine, but built the Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Virgin Mary between its columns and arches. It is a mix of Baroque and Gothic with decorative elements of the synthetic Modejar style. Such eclecticism is unique and organic.
Mesquita functions as a museum. Inside you can see the choirs, the altar, a collection of silver and ivory items. Outside is a picturesque garden of olive trees and cypresses.
Synagogue
The synagogue was built at the beginning of the 14th century. It is believed that the building was private and belonged to members of the same family. When the Jews fell out of favor and were expelled from Spain, the synagogue was turned into an infirmary, then into a Catholic chapel, and finally into a school.
In 1824, the architect and historian Rafael Romero Barras examined artifacts associated with the synagogue and concluded that the site was of great cultural significance. At the beginning of the XX century. the building was restored. Now tourists can enjoy fragments of wooden carvings, elements of plaster ornaments and arches.
In front of the synagogue there is a monument to Maimonides. The Jewish philosopher and doctor urged to eat right so as not to get sick, and was the first to suggest that the number Pi is infinite.
Church of San Lorenzo
This church, rebuilt from a mosque at the beginning of the 13th century, is considered one of the best examples of the medieval architecture of Córdoba. The building has been modified several times. Nowadays, restorers have tried to restore it to its original form.
The portico, located at the main entrance, is decorated with three carved arches in oriental style. Here you can also see a rose window, similar to a fabulous flower. The bell tower (former minaret) resembles the Giralda tower — the main attraction of Seville. The pearl of the interior is a gilded altar, skillfully painted by Italian craftsmen.
Church of San Miguel
This Catholic church, glorifying St. Michael, belongs to the so-called “fernandinhas”. They were erected immediately after the conquest of Andalusia by Christians from the building material of past eras. In the architecture of such religious buildings, one can find ancient Roman columns and Moorish arches.
The Romanesque church of San Miguel features decorative elements from the Caliphate period, and Jewish symbols can be seen on some of the bricks. The bell tower of the temple is the highest point of the city.
Historical landmarks
Roman temple
The ruins of an ancient Roman temple are located in the very center of Cordoba. Majestic columns with porticoes and the remains of massive walls look strange against the backdrop of busy streets. The temple was found by chance in the mid-50s during construction work.
It is believed that the building was built in the 1st century. Tourists love to visit this place — original selfies are obtained here.
Gate of Puerta del Puente
In the 16th century, the then mayor of Córdoba, Alonso González de Arteaga, ordered the construction of a gate in the fortress wall. He wanted merchants and people to rush to the city, which would have a beneficial effect on the economy. The gate was erected for 4 years, however, due to financial difficulties, the project remained unfinished.
During the reign of Alfonso XIII, the fortress walls were completely dismantled, and the gates acquired the status of a memorial. Their internal part was rebuilt so that it completely repeats the external one.
City of Madina al-Zahra
About 8 km from Cordoba are the ruins of the Moorish city of Madina. The ruins of the once luxurious palace, built by Caliph Abd ar-Rahman III in the tenth century, are located on a hill. From there you have a picturesque view of the surroundings.
On the slopes there were residential quarters and public buildings. They have yet to be dug out of the ground. There is a museum on the territory of this historical reserve. It presents artifacts found by archaeologists in the ancient city.
roman bridge
The massive 16-arch bridge over the Guadalquivir was built in the time of Caesar. It was part of the Via Augusta, an ancient paved road leading from the Eternal City to Cadiz. Despite its age and minor damage, the construction has been perfectly preserved and has become a favorite place for tourists and locals to walk.
Gate of Almodovar
The only one of the nine gates, erected by order of Emir Abdar Rahman I and survived to this day. They were renovated in the 14th century but have retained their authenticity. Near the gate there is a nice park with comfortable benches and fountains.
Architectural monuments of Cordoba
Viana Palace
The palace grew on the remains of an ancient Roman villa of the 14th century. The Renaissance facade was rebuilt in the 16th century and acquired the features of a Mannerist style. The castle for a long time remained the residence of the family of the Marquis de Viano. And in the middle of the 20th century, it became the property of the Cajasur bank and turned into a museum.
Today, you can admire antiques and paintings here. The main asset of Viana is 12 courtyards surrounded by greenery. They occupy 4,000 sq.m, with a total area of the complex of 6.5 thousand.
Alcazar
The royal residence, built in the XIV century, combines a luxurious castle, impregnable fortress and gardens of Eden. During the Reconquista, the Alcazar became a haven for Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile.
Within the walls of the castle, issues were resolved about the allocation of funds for the equipment of the expedition of Columbus to new shores. This epoch-making event is reminded by the sculpture of the discoverer, who bowed before the royal couple.
You should definitely see the mosaic hall, the ancient Roman sarcophagus made of marble with intricate carvings and the local baths. A walk through the courtyard with fountains and shady alleys will refresh you even on the hottest day.
Arab baths
Caliph hammams, which appeared in the 10th century, are part of the Alcazar architectural complex. They attract tourists with their safety and size. Here you can admire horseshoe arches, massive stonework, columns and small star-shaped windows. You should definitely visit hot, warm and cold rooms.
Calahorra Tower
The tower was erected by Islamic rulers at the end of the 12th century. on the left bank of the Guadalquivir. The sentinel post with massive walls has three floors, the last one is crowned with battlements. During the Reconquista, the fort was significantly damaged and rebuilt in the 14th century. Castilian monarch.
Today in Calahorra there is a museum of three cultures: Christian, Jewish and Muslim. The hall of “transfer of knowledge” tells about outstanding philosophers. The hall of “medicine” tells about the intricacies of healing in medieval times — the first astrolabe is also exhibited here. The historical exposition is dedicated to outstanding rulers and their achievements.
Merced Palace
The magnificent palace with a white-brown facade in the Baroque style was built on the site of a 13th-century basilica. It consists of two side wings, where the municipality sits, as well as covered galleries and the church of St. Mary. Its interior decoration is replete with skillful frescoes, sculptures and bas-reliefs. In the middle stands a colossal gilded altar with a gigantic statue of the Virgin.
In addition to the temple, tourists in Merced can visit some of the halls of the palace, where works of art are exhibited, as well as walk along the corridors with marble stairs and go out into the courtyard.
Museums of Cordoba
Flamenco Museum “Fosforito”
The museum is located in a unique building of the XIV century. Here, on interactive stands, you can learn everything about the most popular dance in Spain. Videos show the origins of flamenco, and touch screens show simple movements that can be mastered right in the exhibition hall.
Archaeological Museum
The rich museum collection tells the rich history of Cordoba. Tourists will be able to learn about the life and culture of the townspeople, from ancient Roman times to the beginning of the Reconquista.
The expositions include marble sculptures, jewelry, coins, weapons, as well as objects of religious worship. The lower floor of the museum is occupied by the real ruins of the Roman theater. You can walk around and take photos.
Museo Julio Romero de Torres
The museum, housed in a former hospital, is dedicated to the famous local artist Julio Romero de Torres. His paintings, written in the author’s style, sing of the beauty of the Andalusian woman. Also noteworthy are the series of works devoted to flamenco and bullfighting.
Art Museum
The museum, founded in 1862, occupies an old building of a hospital for the poor. Its funds contain masterpieces of outstanding Spanish masters of the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Romanticism periods. Many exhibits were donated to the museum by the churches of Andalusia.
Among the paintings presented, the creations of Fernandez, Zurbaran, Inurria and Murillo are obligatory for viewing. It is also worth looking into a separate room, which displays Goya’s graphics and prints.
Andalusian House Museum
The museum, located in a restored building of the XII century, invites you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere and life of Cordoba during the caliphate era. The walls of the house are decorated with intricate multi-colored mosaics, carved furniture is replete with many meticulously crafted details. On the tables are copper jugs and porcelain dishes with floral ornaments.
A fountain in a picturesque courtyard surrounded by trees creates the effect of complete immersion in bygone times. There is a gift shop at the exit of the house-museum.
Interesting places
Calleja de las Flores street
The most picturesque street of Cordoba is located in the Jewish quarter. Small buildings, perched at arm’s length from each other, are buried in flowers. Snow-white facades are decorated with baskets with colorful plants, wrought-iron balconies are another colorful decoration. No wonder this is a favorite place for tourists for memorable photos.
Correder Square
The grandiose square, built in the 17th century, has survived unchanged to this day. It has a regular rectangular shape and is surrounded on all sides by neat facades of houses.
This architecture is not typical of Andalusia, which is why Corredera Square is often compared to Plaza Mayor in Madrid. Today, there are many cafes and restaurants on its territory, and a farmer’s market on weekends.
Botanical Garden
Located almost in the very center of Córdoba, the botanical garden abounds with trees and shrubs native to the Mediterranean region. Particular attention is paid to the flora of Andalusia.
The garden is divided into sections: medicinal and spicy herbs grow on one, vegetables on the other, and the third is replete with fruit trees. There is also a greenhouse and an arboretum. A long shady alley with a fountain, gazebos and benches invites you to walk.
royal stables
An elegant two-story complex with arches and porticos was built in 1570 by order of King Philip II to breed a special breed of Andalusian horses. They had to be distinguished by special endurance, fearlessness in combat battles and grace. The will of the monarch was carried out.
Until now, these beautiful horses are bred in the royal stables, riders are trained and riding lessons are given. Twice a week there are demonstration performances to the music of flamenco.
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