Advertisement
Published: October 8th 2022
Edit Blog Post
I could have done with an extra hour in bed this morning but equally we can’t handle the heat later in the day so we’re out of our hotel by 9am and walking down the cool narrow streets of this photogenic town.
Ian has worked out a walking circuit and we start off at the old Roman Bridge and the town gate. It’s still a pleasant temperature and there’s not too many others hanging around. We had hoped to beat the crowds to see the Mezquita, the highlight of the city, but today they are not opening till 10am so we decide to visit this later when the majority of tour groups will be at lunch. Well that’s the plan anywa
IAN’s ACCOUNT OF OUR CIRCUIT
Córdoba was established in 125BC as a Roman trading post in olive oil, but was in decline by the third century AD. Moors invaded in 711, only to be replaced by Christians in 1236. It was known as the capital of cultures during the middle ages since Muslims, Jews and Christians co-existed without problems.
We embark on a walk through the narrow cobbled streets surrounding the mosque. We find
several examples of Roman architecture being incorporated into more recent buildings; columns being used as load-bearing corners. We complete the circuit at the Alcazar - the 14th century Catholic palace-fortress, and head to the Mezquita.
The Moors built their first mosque here in 785, and then substantially extended it three further times. It was deconsecrated when the Christians arrived, and in 1523 the centre of the mosque was demolished to accommodate the cathedral.
Entering the building we see more than 850 stone columns supporting the mosque roof; most of which had been taken from earlier Roman buildings. The moorish architecture is still evident; rather than destroy it all, the cathedral builders incorporated into the design - it is difficult to see exactly where the buildings join. They even retained the highly ornate mihrab - prayer niche. The cathedral itself is stunning - highly ornately decorated with masses of light entering from the high vaulted domed roof.
I suppose we should have made the effort to visit the Alcazaba as it’s listed as a highlight, but honestly…we are all Akcazaba’d out! There’s a 17th century market place that we should also visit but we decide to
siesta first!
Back at the hotel we both zonk out under delicious air con and don’t much stir till 7pm! Now we must get a move on or it will be dark!
We have arrived at Plaza de la Corredera (the market place), just as the light is fading. The square is lit up and literally buzzing. It’s obviously the hip place for dinner with lots of outdoor eateries. It’s tempting to stay fir food ourselves but we decide to return to the small local place we found last night. It’s really friendly and the food is good.
Back at our little taberno the waiter brings us a beer and sparkling wine (he has remembered what we ordered yesterday). We decide ti be a bit more adventurous in our ordering tonight but the waiter tells us what we have ordered will be massive, so with his help we park it down. I am trying an Andalucian speciality…pork or beef cheeks (it doesn’t specify).
Our food has turned up and I have beef…it’s so tender that it almost melts in the mouth…and quite salty. Ian helps me out as it’s a very large portion.
I am
practicing my Spanish much to the amusement of the locals. As we leave, I tell the waiter Adiós as mañana… oh mañana we are closed he says, no mañana we are on the bus to Seville I say in Spanish…so Adiós and muchas gracias - everyone is in stitches.
On the way back we take note if the bus stop, which is literally two minutes walk from our hotel…as we are not getting ripped off by the taxis again tomorrow.
Advertisement
Tot: 0.064s; Tpl: 0.011s; cc: 11; qc: 26; dbt: 0.0439s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb