On the Moorish Trail

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Córdoba

Córdoba used to be the most cultural city in Europe during the 9th & 10th centuries. . It lies on the banks of the Guadalquivir river a few hours south of Madrid and is one of the hottest city in Spain during summer. Some of the old Roman walls can be seen but only four of the original 13 gates remain.

A gate in the old Roman wall, Córdoba was conquered by the Romans in 206 BC

The Roman Bridge
Calahorra Tower
The gardens of Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos taken from the Las Torres (tower)
Not a really exciting Alcázar but seeing as it had free entry before 8:30-9:30 Tue-Fri, it was worth a visit. It belonged to Ferdinand and Isabel who donated it to the Spanish Inquisition in 1482.

It's most notable building is the Mesquita, a Christian cathedral that has been built within a Mosque.

The Mesquite

The Muslims and the Christians
The Christian section
You can enter for free between 8:30 & 9:30am Monday to Saturday, and as our hotel was literally next door, I was able to go in more than once.

Amazing detail in the Mosque section
Part of the Christian church

The outside of the Mesquite is Moorish architecture that gives you no insight to the Christian church within. 
They are currently restoring the outside as the elements are eroding the stone. It will be a long project.

The unfinished Puerta del Puente - King Philip II arrived early, so why bother finishing it?
There were a number of mills of the Guadalquivir that used the water from the river to grind flour






Location: Córdoba, Spain

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