Located in the southern region of Andalusia in sunny Spain, the city of Cordoba is a place worth visiting. The city is known for its mix of cultures: here you will find religious and cultural attractions dating from when the Muslims, Jews and Christians ruled the region.
Enjoy the Battle of Flowers and the Feria de Cordoba
This city can be visited all year around- the warm winter temperatures mean that Cordoba is the ideal destination for a city break in the colder months. Try to avoid the city during summer: the month of May guarantees bearable heat and plenty of outdoor events. In May you will be able to witness theBattle of Flowers parade and the Cruces de Mayo, a competition of large crosses decorated with all kinds of flowers.
The Festival of the Patios is another event not to be missed. During this festival, plenty of traditional Andalusian houses open the doors and allow guided visits to their interior courtyards, which are always decorated with blooming flowers. Another major event is the city's spring fair, the Feria de Cordoba, during which locals and visitors gather in tents filled with music, food and drink.
Take a themed tour around the city center
Cordoba's main attractions can be found in the historical city center, which makes it ideal for exploring on foot. Take a historical tour around the Mosque-Cathedral, visit the old Jewish Quarter and the Synagogue and enjoy the views from the Roman bridge over the Guadalquivir River. If you want to explore the city's flamenco scene, take a flamenco tour: the districts of St. Agustin, St, Andres and Sta. Marina are filled with traditional flamenco bars.
Explore the historical monuments
There are plenty of cultural attractions in the city, including several palaces. Try to visit the Orive Palace, a place filled with legends; spend an afternoon in the Viana Palace, a National Historical Monument with 12 courtyards worth visiting; and drop by the Christ of the Lanterns, one of the most mysterious squares in the city. Do not miss the ruins of the Medina Azahara, an Arab medieval palace with halls covered in decorative panels and triple arches.
Take a tour around the Mezquita, a large religious temple that used to be a mosque and is now the city's main cathedral. Walk around the gardens and ponds of the Alcazar, a fortress that used to be the official residence of the Kings. Check out the Puerta de Almodovar, a gate that used to be part of the walled city. Built during the Muslim rule, it led into the ancient Jewish Quarter.
Spend an afternoon in the city's squares
Cordoba is filled with squares, and each square has its own character. Do not miss the central Tendillas square. This square is a popular meeting spot, with the statue of the “Great Captain” in the center. The square's clock marks the hour with flamenco chords and a Spanish guitar, giving the square a very traditional flair. The main commercial streets are located just off the square, ideal for some last-minute shopping.
If you want to relax while enjoying a beer or a glass of sherry, then the Corredera square is for you. This large square is often the setting for local events, and is lined with many traditional bars and restaurants.
(Photo by luc-mechelen via Flickr)
Article written by Marina
This city can be visited all year around- the warm winter temperatures mean that Cordoba is the ideal destination for a city break in the colder months. Try to avoid the city during summer: the month of May guarantees bearable heat and plenty of outdoor events. In May you will be able to witness theBattle of Flowers parade and the Cruces de Mayo, a competition of large crosses decorated with all kinds of flowers.
The Festival of the Patios is another event not to be missed. During this festival, plenty of traditional Andalusian houses open the doors and allow guided visits to their interior courtyards, which are always decorated with blooming flowers. Another major event is the city's spring fair, the Feria de Cordoba, during which locals and visitors gather in tents filled with music, food and drink.
Take a themed tour around the city center
Cordoba's main attractions can be found in the historical city center, which makes it ideal for exploring on foot. Take a historical tour around the Mosque-Cathedral, visit the old Jewish Quarter and the Synagogue and enjoy the views from the Roman bridge over the Guadalquivir River. If you want to explore the city's flamenco scene, take a flamenco tour: the districts of St. Agustin, St, Andres and Sta. Marina are filled with traditional flamenco bars.
Explore the historical monuments
There are plenty of cultural attractions in the city, including several palaces. Try to visit the Orive Palace, a place filled with legends; spend an afternoon in the Viana Palace, a National Historical Monument with 12 courtyards worth visiting; and drop by the Christ of the Lanterns, one of the most mysterious squares in the city. Do not miss the ruins of the Medina Azahara, an Arab medieval palace with halls covered in decorative panels and triple arches.
Take a tour around the Mezquita, a large religious temple that used to be a mosque and is now the city's main cathedral. Walk around the gardens and ponds of the Alcazar, a fortress that used to be the official residence of the Kings. Check out the Puerta de Almodovar, a gate that used to be part of the walled city. Built during the Muslim rule, it led into the ancient Jewish Quarter.
Spend an afternoon in the city's squares
Cordoba is filled with squares, and each square has its own character. Do not miss the central Tendillas square. This square is a popular meeting spot, with the statue of the “Great Captain” in the center. The square's clock marks the hour with flamenco chords and a Spanish guitar, giving the square a very traditional flair. The main commercial streets are located just off the square, ideal for some last-minute shopping.
If you want to relax while enjoying a beer or a glass of sherry, then the Corredera square is for you. This large square is often the setting for local events, and is lined with many traditional bars and restaurants.
(Photo by luc-mechelen via Flickr)
Article written by Marina
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