CORDOBA
Home of the famous Mezquita (little one armed lady) Mosque
Cordoba presents itself to today's visitor, as impressive, beautiful and surprising. Not many know that in 11th century it was one of the most important capitals in Europe. People of the most different cultures and religions - Jews, Muslims and Christians - were living peacefully together, and important philosophers, scientists and artists emerged from here.
A LITTLE BACKGROUND
Cordoba is a very lively town thriving in the best Andalusian traditions, a town of Flamenco and bullfighting, and certainly one of the most attractive destinations in southern Spain.
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 shipping Spanish olive oil, wine and wheat back to Ancient Rome. The Romans built the mighty bridge crossing the river, now called "El Puente Romano". But Cordoba's hour of greatest glory was when it became the capital of the Moorish kingdom of El-Andalus, and this was when work began on the Great Mosque, or "Mezquita", which – after several centuries of additions and enlargements – became one of the largest in all of Islam.
When the city was reconquered by the Christians in 1236, the new rulers of the city were so awed by its beauty that they left it standing, building their cathedral in the midst of its rows of arches and columns, and creating the extraordinary church-mosque we see today. For more information please see our excursions page.
ALCAZAR DE LOS REYES CRISTIANOS
The Palace of the Christian Kings, built in 1328 by Alfonso XI, was residence until the reconquest of Granada. Here was kept prisoner the Moorish caliph Boabdil. In the interior of the palace there are remarkable Arabian baths, Roman mosaics and a sarcophagus of of marble from 3rd century. Originally there were four towers at the corners of the Alcazar, three of which can be seen still today: the Torre de Los Leones, the oldest, which forms the entrance to the palace, the octagonal Torre del Homenaje and the round Torre del Rio. The fourth tower, Torre de la Vela, was destroyed in 19th century. At the Eastern limit of the gardens there are fortification-walls and the Door of Seville, with a monument to the poet Ibn Hazm
Sights of Cordoba
Mezquita Mosque
LA JUDERIA
The Jewish quarter, going back to the time
of the Romans and Goths, was always an important cultural and
intellectual center. Monuments recall the most important sons
of Cordoba: Roman philosopher Séneca, Arabian philosopher Averroes
and Jewish philosopher Maimonides.
Here you can find also one of the few synagogues existing today in
Spain, this one built in 1315. Close to it there is the
Bullfighting-Museum. In the Zoco you can find traditional artisanry
and, in summer, watch Flamenco performances. Also to
be found in the hewish quarter are the Chapel of San
Bartolomé in Gothic-Mudejar style, the Casa del Indiano
and the 11th century minarets which today form part of Iglesia de
San Juan and Convento de Santa Clara, respectively. In Calle de
Comedias there are old Arabian baths
MUSEUMS
Archaeological Museum: Inside a Renaissance palace and specially interesting for the old-iberian Lion of Nueva Cartella, the Roman Head of Drusus, the visigothic Treasure of Donjimeno and the Arabian Bronce-Stag of Medina Azahara
The Museum of Arts: in the interior of the old Hospital de la Caridad de los Reyes Católicos, has an important collection of paintings and sculptures, of Zurbarán, Murillo, Goya, Sorolla and Mateo Inurria among others.
The Museum of Julio Romero de Torres: is dedicated to this painter, who is known specially for his pictures of the Womanfrom Cordoba.
The Palace of Viana: has an extraordinary collection of furniture, tapestries, porcelains, ceramics and paintings and a cynegetic library of 7000 volumes. The building itself is impressive with its 14 courtyards and beautiful gardens.
CUISINE
When visiting Cordoba in summer, be sure to try Gazpacho and Salmorejo, delicious and refreshing cold soups made mainly of mashed vegetables and olive oil, they are very popular in Cordoba and are the indispensable first dish of the hot season for the locals! Equally irreplaceable is Jamon, cured ham, which is produced for extraordinary quality especially in Valle de los Pedroches. Maybe also try Salchichon de Pozo Blanco, a common sausage, or Caña de Lomo and Morcilla,a Cordoba speciality blood sausage. Despite the hot climate, there are several popular hot dishes to tuck into: you should try the ragouts of oxtail, Estofado de Rabo de Buey, and Cordero en Caldereta. Desserts with Arabian influence are very popular in Cordoba: Alfajores, is made of almonds and honey, Pestiños, a sweet fried in oil and covered with honey is one of the more naughty options, and Pastel Cordobes are the best known.
ROMAN RUINS
In Calle Claudio Marcelo there are remains of a Roman Temple, and, in the North-East of the town, there are more ruins close to the Tower Torre de la Malmuerta.
SHOPPING
Cordoba offers everything a shopper could ask for. The modern part of downtown has large-sized department stores, shoe and clothing stores, specialty shops and much more. Spacious pedestrian areas allow extensive window-shopping tours before entering one of the numerous stores. Also, as the city of Cordoba is renowned for its manufacturers of world-class silver ware or leather works, many craftsmen operate shops to sell their handmade products. So Cordoba is truly a shopping paradise. Thanks to extensive business hours, the city center is an ideal place for unhurried shopping expeditions after nightfall.
No trip
to Cordoba is complete without taking home a local souvenir. There
are plenty of ideas to choose from, including local pottery, to
decorate your home, the most fabulous silver jewellery, hand
crafted leather work, Cordobese hats or you could even invest in
your very own Spanish classical Guitar.
Mezquita Mosque at night
COMMON SIGHTS OF CORDOBA
Opening out onto our colourful Mediterranean gardens, La Hacienda is a beautifully decorated traditional Andalucian cottage with all the comfort of a modern home. Look out for it's original Andalucian features including a high vaulted ceiling, wide windows to take in the view and gorgeous marble staircase. La Hacienda has stunning views and caters for up to 4 people. please click to find out more.
La Finca is Cortijo Las Olivas' largest cottage and caters for up to 5 people. Opening out onto our colourful Mediterranean courtyard, La Finca boasts a balcony with panoramic views of the mountains, pool and gardens, beautiful marble staircase and fully equipped kitchen, please click to find out more.
Opening out onto our large 'Mountain Spring water pool', La Casita is a quaint little cottage which caters for 2 people. La Casita is open plan and consists of a fully equipped marble topped kitchen, double bed and bright airy shower room. Perfect for romantic getaways. please click to find out more.
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Cortijo Las Olivas is a fully licensed guest house. License no: VTAR/CO/074
