Cordoba Travel Tips

Posted on Sunday, March 22, 2009

Set in Spain's historic Andalusia region, Córdoba was once the largest and most impressive city in Europe. Today, Córdoba retains traces of its former glory, especially in the old Arab and Jewish Quarters, with their narrow, winding streets, lovely whitewashed homes, and balconies overflowing with colorful blooms. The old quarter is also home to the world-famous Moorish Mezquita (mosque), which dates from the 8th through the 10th centuries, as well as one of the few synagogues that survived the expulsion of the Jews in 1492.

In spring, Córdoba bustles with fun-filled festivals, including a competition for the most beautiful, flower-filled patio. Visitors are invited to stroll through the city and gaze into the courtyards. While touring the city, don't forget to take in the historic fortresses, ancient architecture, informative museums, and impressive churches.

Besides a rich and diverse history, Córdoba also offers a wide variety of tempting restaurants, tapas bars, and flamenco clubs.

Things to See & Do:

Mezquita (Mosque): This world-famous mosque dates from the 8th century, and boasts some 850 columns made of jasper, marble, granite, and onyx. A dazzling, domed prayer niche was added in the 10th century, and once housed the Koran.

Sinagoga (Synagogue): The only Jewish temple to survive in Andalusia after the expulsion of the Jews in 1492, it's no longer used as a place of worship. It now stands as a symbol for Spain's modern Jewish communities.

Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (Fortress of the Christian Monarchs): Built by Alfonso XI in 1328, this fortress is also a palace-like residence with impressive gardens. This is where the Catholic Monarchs held court in the 15th century, and for nearly 300 years the Alcázar served as the "headquarters" of the Inquisition.

Torre de la Calahorra: This tower was built on the far side of the Roman bridge in 1369 to guard the entrance to Córdoba. It now houses the Museumof Al-Andalus, with English-language guides on the city's history. The top of the tower provides a spectacular view of the Roman bridge.

Museo Arqueológico (Museum of Archaeology): Located in the Old Quarter, this museum has treasures from Córdoba's varied cultural past, including Roman statues, mosaics, and artifacts, as well as ancient Iberian statues. The upper floor is devoted to Moorish art.

Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts): The paintings found here include works by Murillo, Valdés, Leal, Zurbarán, Goya, and Sorolla.

Museo Diocesano (Diocesan Museum): Set in the former Bishop's Palace, this museum is dedicated to religious art, with illustrated prayer books, tapestries, paintings, and sculptures.

Museo Taurino (Museum of Bullfighting): Adjoining restored mansions on the Plaza de las Bulas make up this museum devoted to bullfighting. Visitors peruse posters, Art Nouveau paintings, and memorabilia of famous toreadors.

Palacio de los Marqueses de Viana: This 17th-century palace contains 12 interior patios planted with cypresses, orange trees, and myrtles. Inside is a carriage museum, a library, embossed leather wall hangings, filigree silver, and grand galleries and staircases.

Jardín Botánico (Botanical Gardens): These gardens have an outdoor area devoted to aromatic herbs, along with greenhouses full of exotic plants from South America and the Canary Islands. An on-site museum examines our relationship with the plant world.

Zoco: This courtyard holds a daily crafts fair where shoppers can watch artisans work. In the summer, there are evening flamenco shows.