OVERVIEW
Cordoba was the capital of al-Andalus, the highly civilized Arab state in southern Spain. During those days the city was dubbed the 'Athens of the West'. The most important sight of Cordoba is without doubt the Mezquita; a mosque converted into a cathedral in a rather brutal way. When Emperor Charles the V visited Cordoba and saw how the old mosque, famous around the world, had been made into a cathedral he is supposed to have scolded the architects.
A stroll around the Jewish quarter with its maze like streets and nice patio's is also absolutely worth your while.
SIGHTS
Museo Archeologico
This museum had an early stroke of luck - the discovery of an actual Roman patio on site which, with some of its artefacts, is now incorporated.
However it is not only the Roman exhibits which are impressive. Some of the prehistoric sculpteres of bulls and lions are immensely impressive as are the remains from Medinat Al Zahara, including a well known sculpture of a musk deer.
The museum is free to EU citizens but at €1.50 it is unlikely to break the bank for others!
Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
Moorish fortress that exemplifies impressive military architecture.
Conjunto Arqueológico Madinat Al-Zahra
Site of ancient city built as capital, dating from the 10th century, that is vetter known as the Moorish Versailles, though there is little similarity. The building of the city took a third of the Cordoban state revenue for about 10 years and the city was designed to impress all who saw it.
Many arches have been restored but much is at ground level, including the five aisled mosque.
It is now easy to get to the sitewithout a car as there is a tourist bus, bookable at the information centre or most hotels where you pay €5 for the return journey and a good guidebook.
Museum of Fine Art
Medieval paintings from Andalucia and Spanish Baroque art.
Museum of Julio Romero de Torres
Museum dedicated to the Cordoba painter Julio Romero de Torres.
Sinagoga
At the centre of the quarter is the synagogue, one of only three in Spain. A Mudéjar construction dating from 1315 the interior includes a gallery for women and plaster work with inscriptions from Hebrew psalms.
Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba
Built in the 8th century and rivalled only by the mosque at Mecca, the Mosque now also houses a cathedral.
NOTICE
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