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Situated in the Andalucia region of southern Spain, the city of Córdoba is for lovers of traditional Spanish culture, where architecture dating back to ancient Roman times has been exceptionally well preserved due to the relatively modest climate of the region. Cordoba is a very unusual city in many respects, one of the more prominent being that the city now has a considerably smaller population now, than it did one thousand years ago. Today’s Cordoba is home to around 300,000 Cordovans, yet in the year 1,000 it was estimated that the city housed around one half a million, making it the largest city in all of Europe at that time if not the World.
It goes with saying that Cordoba is steeped in history going back even further than the tenth century, and the city acts as a magnet for visitors from all over the World. Cordoba nestles in the south of country on the main highway leading between Madrid and Seville. Difficult to access by plane, the best way to reach Cordoba is by car, bus or train. Far away from the concept, of your typical Spanish seaside resort or city, what makes Cordoba so special that it was once the heart of Islamic culture in Western society? This culture is still very much in evidence and the city boasts an atmosphere that is very special. The historical sites, the labyrinth of narrow Winding Street, sprinkled with small family run shops and restaurants, with menus that mirror all that is best in oriental cooking. There are also small shops offering a variety of hand made local produce.
Evidence of Islamic culture is everywhere, and especially the Great Mosque regarded as being one of the finest examples in the World of all Muslim monumental architecture. Interestingly enough Jews and Muslims lived in harmony for hundreds of years in the city, and there is still an ancient Jewish quarter to be found in the city. Known as “La Judería", the neighborhood again consists of a network of winding, narrow streets leading to small and colorful courtyards. One of the most famous is the La Plaza del Potro, where a popular tourist attraction for people of all domination, the ancient Jewish Synagogue can be found. The synagogue has been converted to a museum, depicting Jewish culture in the Mediterranean region at that time. Another modern, popular spot of culture lovers who visit Cordoba is the Diocesan Museum of Fine Arts. The museum is housed in a beautiful example of traditional architecture and displays work from Cordovan artists of modern time contrasting with displays of ancient tapestries and psalm books collections the city’s Cathedral. Cordoba is a very picturesque city, with locals as well as visitors can take in some of the most beautiful gardens in all of this vast country. Most well known is Diego de Rivas Gardens or the ‘Duck Gardens'
The main square in Cordoba, the Corredere was at one time housed the city’s bullring and other outdoor performances. Now is the center for the city’s entertainment. The atmosphere on a warm summer evening in Cordoba is very special. The streets area crammed with people strolling through the square and surrounding streets, stopping only to sample some of the local tapas, or enjoying a beautiful meal in one of the many authentic restaurants of the town. Cordoba the city is capital of the region of Cordoba. Visitors, who arrive at the city by car, are advised to spend a day or so traveling and sightseeing around the southern part of the province. Mountainous by nature, there are some really pleasant villages to be visited, providing a more laid back opportunity to learn about the special culture of Cordoba. Renting a car can be an economical way to travel around Cordoba and the greater region. There are several pick up areas around the city with discounts are on offer for rentals of three days and over. Car Hire in Cordoba comes as a ‘fully inclusive’ package which includes unlimited mileage, collision damage waiver, passenger indemnity insurance and cover for third party, fire and theft -and usually insurance excess. To rent a car anywhere in Spain, you must show a full driver's licence and a credit card in the driver’s name. Cars are usually rented to customers between the ages of 21 to 70 years. Hiring a car is a great idea if you want to use Cordoba as your base for a three day minimum travel experience around the greater region. |