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Andalusia: Cordoba
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Bus loads of tourists arrive in Cordoba every day for a quick visit to the Great Mosque in Mezquita. It is one of the most important Islamic monuments in Europe. After their visit, the tourists tend to disappear as quickly as they appeared, even though Cordoba has a lot more to offer.
Near the former mosque you can also find the Jewish district or Juderia and its synagogue. The district takes you into a medieval atmosphere. At the Alcazar de los Reyes Christianos you relive the age of Ferdinand and Isabella, who reportedly met with Christopher Columbus here. Also add the Palacio de Viana and the Medina Arahara to your list of places to visit.
Cordoba is a lively city with vast shopping possibilities. There is an El Corte Inglés and a fascinating local market in the middle of a jumble of shopping streets offering unique little shops. There is no chance you will get bored in Cordoba after dark: have some tapas in the Jewish district and taste the nightlife on the Avenida del Gran Capitan.
Are you convinced to go out and explore?
The following short overview discusses Cordoba's points of interest.
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Great Mosque or Mezquita
During the golden age of Cordoba (11th-12th century) there were an amazing 3000 mosques in Cordoba. The city had about 200,000 inhabitants. Some even say there were 400,000 or more. The Great Mosque or Mezquita was the main mosque, which became bigger and bigger as the population grew. This is where the Friday prayer was held, so a lot of room was needed. The mosque has more than 800 pillars, which remain entirely intact.
When the Christians came, they left the mosque largely untouched. Only a small peace in the centre was demolished so that a cathedral could be built. The building was still the most important place of prayer. The minaret was converted into a bell tower, but the arched roof, the pillars' colours and the place of prayer that formerly housed a Koran were all kept. When you visit the mosque/cathedral, you will not believe your eyes. The pillars, the ceiling, the interior and the doors are a sight to behold.
Jewish district or Juderia
At first there were the Jews. Then came the Moors. Both communities lived in Cordoba without any disputes. They lived together with the Christians in peace side by side. The Jews could even build a synagogue during the Moorish 'occupation'. However, when the Christians came, things changed. First the Jews were left alone, but in 1492 Ferdinand and Isabella ordered them out of the country.
The Jewish district is one of the most pleasant parts of Cordoba and consists of narrow streets with shops, restaurants, tapa bars and a market square. A market has been held here since the days of the Moors, an event no tourist should miss. The Calle Judios is a little street most tourists visit. It is the most typical street of the district. Make sure you also pay a visit to the synagogue. It is one of the few medieval synagogues in Europe. Also don't forget to take a walk through the Jewish district at night. The lights make this area really special.
Museums
> The Museo de Bellas Artes is the Museum of Fine Arts. It contains works by Murillo and the Seville School.
> The Museo Arqueologico is the most important archaeological museum in Andalusia. It contains many objects from the rich Roman era and the Moorish era.
Palacio de Viana
This beautiful palace is certainly worth a visit and includes furniture, tapestries and other objects. It gives a good impression of how the rich citizens used to live. The palace is huge and has no fewer than 12 patios and a garden.
Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos
This fortified palace was built in 1328 on behalf of the catholic kings and has delightful gardens and water features. This is where Ferdinand and Isabella had their first meeting with the famous explorer Christopher Columbus.
Medina Azahara
Medina Azahara is the name of an old city that was demolished in the 11th century. It was located less than 10 km from the centre of Cordoba. We recommend taking a trip there with a guide, who will tell you stories that will make the city come to life, even though today only a few remains are left.
In the 10th century, the first caliph of Cordoba established his court in the gorgeous Moorish palace of Medina Azahara, which includes a magnificent residence, mosque and beautiful gardens. Decorations of alabaster, ivory and marble were used to embellish the countless halls. The present ruins are only a slight reflection of their former splendour: the woodcarving in the great hall remains unequalled.
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Photo: ©iStockphoto.com/Jillian Pond
Text: GVDV/RD - © AT-Europe bvba
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