Córdoba Things to Do Tips by blint

Christian Cordoba STREETS AND PATIOS OF CÓRDOBA... Review

Many think that the Christian buildings in Cordoba are outdone by those of the Islamic and Jewish buildings; which I have to say is largely accurate. However there still are some Christian plazas and buildings that are beautiful and worth your time.

The Plaza (square featured in the photo can be found near the river and the Roman bridge.

El Zoco La juderia Review

The old Jewish market where you can still buy jewellery with the star of David on it or other Jewish items such as the traditional Candle stick representing all the tribes of Israel.

You can also visit workshops and showrooms in and around this lovely patio.

Address: Calle Judios

Directions: In the Jewish quarter

Patio de Los Naranjos Patio de los Naranjos Review

As you enter the Mezquita complex you happen upon the delightful Patio de los Naranjos (more or less the Orange Tree patio in English). It is nice to walk around the patio where there is a photo in every corner.

You can also see the original fountains used for washing before prayer in the patio and Mudejar Puerta del Perdón (forgiveness gate) built in 1377.

Address: Calle Cardenal Herrero, 1

The Mezquita Cathedral / Mosque Review

After Cordoba fell to the Islams the basílica visigótica de San Vicente, which was a very important Christian place of worship during the fifth century, was destroyed to make way for a new Islamic mosque in around 780 AD. It underwent several amplifications and changes until it was again restored as a Christian temple when the Catholics conquered the moors in 1236. The new Cathedral was established within the mosque's superstructure, maintaining many of it's beautiful features such as the red and white striped pillars and arches. Of course since then there have also been many alterations leading to a unique mix of two cultures and religions. It is also kind of strange to walk into what looks like a mosque to discover the typical Catholic golden icons.

It is so big you could get lost. The white and red arches just seem to go on for ever!!! You'll also notice just how dark it is inside!

I really am left speechless by this place, so you'll just have to go and see it yourself.

It's open from April to September from 10 until 7:30 Monday to Saturday and 3:30 to 7:30 Sunday. The rest of the year it is open 10-5:30 and 2-5:30 on Sundays.

Address: Calle Cardenal Herrero, 1

The Jewish Quarter La juderia Review

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La Juderia is one of the best parts of Cordoba and it is a real treat just to walk around the narrow cobbled streets and alleys.

It stretches from the mezquita right up to Gran Capitan and contains many points of interest along the way such as sime of the most beautiful Andaluz patios in Andalucia, the Jewish market, Sinagoga and the Casa Andaluci on Calle Judios 12.

Basically the Casa Andaluci is a 12th century house with exhibitions on medieval and Muslim culture

You can also see the Puerta de Almodovar which is the old Islamic gate into the city.

The Minaret Cathedral Minaret Review

Minarets usually stand alone away from the main mosque. I have a feeling the the original minaret didn't survive and the one you see here is a later add on.

Whenever it was built it is a beautiful tower especially around 4 o' clock in February (when the photo below was taken). I love the way the orange light of Cordoba casts a spell over the sructure and thows everything else into the shadows.

Address: Calle Cardenal Herrero, 1

Directions: In the Mezquita complex.

The Alcazar Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos Review

The Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos (of the Christian Monarchs) was probably built in the 13th century as a palace and fortress for the king Alfonso X. However during the dark years between 1490 and 1821 it was occupied by the Spanish inquisition (no one expects the Spanish Inquisition!)

Inside you can visit the bath houses and a museum containing some Roman Mosaics which have been moved and reconstructed on the walls of the museum.

The museum is open from 10-8 an closes for the siesta. Be areful as on Sundays it is onlt open until 3pm; the same for festivals.

Outside you can enjoy the wondeful gardens which is full of orange trees and other flowers.

Address: Caballerizas Reales, s/n

Directions: Just south from the Mezquita (the mosque; see tip below)

The Synagogue Sinagoga Review

One of the best parts of the Juderia is the lovely 14th century Sinagoga.

It is open 10-2 then 3:30-5:30 Tuesdays to Saturdays and 10-1:30 on Sundays and festivals. It is free to us lucky EU citizens.

Go while you've got the chance there aren't many other Synagogues in Spain thanks to the Spanish inquisition.

Address: Judios, s/n