Day 9-Day 11 – Cordoba

Day 9 – Mainly a travel day by bus from Malaga to Cordoba, a 2 1/2 hour drive.

Córdoba is a city in southern Spain and the capital of the Andalusia region, famous for its rich history as a former capital of the Moorish Caliphate. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its unique blend of Roman, Islamic, and Christian cultures, visible in its architecture and historic old town.

In the 10th century, Córdoba was a major global center, one of the largest and most advanced cities in Europe, and the capital of the Caliphate of Córdoba.

The city’s heritage is a mix of Islamic, Christian, and Jewish influences, evident in its architecture and planning.

The historic center of Córdoba was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1994.

More in depth information can be found HERE.

Olive fields.

From my wander around after I arrived.

A plaza with no name at the end of the block my hotel is on.

The Puerta del Puente is a Renaissance gate in Córdoba, Andalusia. Built in the 16th century to commemorate a visit to the city by King Philip II, the gateway is located on the site of the previous Roman gates, linking the city with the Roman bridge.

The Triunfo of San Rafael – a commemorative monument dedicated to the triumphs of the Archangel San Rafael.

The building opposite the Mosque-Cathedral, was a former 16th-century hospital now transformed into a conference center. Combining history and heritage, the Córdoba Conference Center with Renaissance courtyards, arcaded galleries, and a deconsecrated chapel transformed into an exclusive event space.

The inner courtyard of the Mezquita de Catedral de Codoba.

Day 10 – The highlight of the day was the tour of the Mezquita Catedral of Cordoba. The location was thought to have originally been the site of a Roman Temple. The site was then built over by the Visigoths who invaded in 572. Next, the church was converted into a mosque and then completely rebuilt in the 5th century as an Islamic Mosque. It was expanded to it’s present size over a period of 200 years. This was when it was enlarged to it’s present size (huge).The Mosque was converted to a Cathedral in 1236 when Cordoba was re-captured by the Christians.

The photos do litle to convey the size of the place. I did take a photo from Google Maps which shows the scale better. It’s probably the most amazing place of worship I’ve been in. Particularly with such a mix of religions combined in the building.

For more info click HERE.

Many of the columns are recycled from Visigoth and Roman times. It is thought that the two tone arches are to evoke images of Middle Eastern palms.

Apparently Christians and Muslims shared this building for a short time before the emir purchased the building and began building the mosque.

Not to be outdone, when the Catholics took over again, they built their own huge chapel smack bang in the middle of the mosque.

With an organ on each side – really big organs!

Some items they have excavated from the site over the years.

Things that caught my eye on my aimless wandering.

Captured by Rome in 206 BC, the settlement of Cordoba and the surrounding Guadalquivir valley were under Roman rule for 760 years. During the early period, streets were laid and buildings constructed and a walled city was built.

Initially prosperous during Julius Caesar’s rule, Cordoba fell out of favour after they sided with his rival Pompey.

The subsequent emperors Augustus and Claudius relieved Cordoba’s troubles and rejuvenated the city. It is thought the temple was built to honour this change of fortune.

The gardens of Alcazar.

Day 11 – Travel day to Albacete. I went by train, which meant changing trains in Madrid which I didn’t realise until yesterday.

Top speed on both trains was 300kph.