The Most Beautiful In All of Spain Live Here
Written: Aug 26 '02 (Updated Aug 26 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Beautiful, Peaceful, History
Cons: None that I can think of..
The Bottom Line: A Very beautiful and rich in history city in Spain worth seeing.
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| Melaney's Full Review: Spain |
I wanted to write about Cordoba Spain and couldn't find an exact city category to place it in so I'm putting it here under Spain.
Cordoba Spain is to Spain like the Washington, DC to the United States. Cordoba is a key city but so distinct on its own that it has many tales told about it by Spaniards and visitors.
Home to bull breeding and fighting bulls and home to supposedly the most beautiful people in all of Espana.If you are born in this city , you truly can't be ugly! I don't know if this is true but I have to admit I've never seen an ugly person in this place. Ha ha.
If you are traveling within Andalucia and you want to see a very beautiful city which is amazingly peaceful and quiet , go to Cordoba. you'll get a chance to rest and relax all the while learning a bit about it's history .
Being one of the trio of Moorish influenced cities in Spain , Cordoba is lined with the famous white stucco and white washed narrow houses. The biggest difference in the houses found here is that most all are adorned with many geranium plants all outside along their walls. Making this a very romantic and beautiful sight to see.
Iron grills and balconies and little fountains can be found in the patios and can be seen on a stroll going by. You can get lost for an hour or more just walking and taking it all in.
If you prefer you can always take the car and cover a little more area within the citys limits but be sure to get out and walk some.
There are many old widows you'll see dressed in all black as they walk to the local bakeries for fresh bread and you will see children playing jump rope in the streets. During Summer months however this city takes it's siesta seriously as it can reach 110 degrees in the middle of the day. So streets will be much deserted between 12-4 pm.
As with other cities and towns of Spain be advised that stores and shops close for a few hours each day and this is the time to rest and relax at home until the cooler air is about.
Some Key Points Of Interest In Cordoba Are :
The Mezquita
This is one of the most famous and great architectural buildings in Spain influenced by the Moors. It is unique with Islamic architecture but also features a Christian Cathedral built inside. the main view of this building inside is lined with red and white arches that remind me of candy canes everywhere.
If you want to go and visit this Mosque/Building/Cathedral you would go by way of the Puerta Del Perdon which is the Gate of Absolution which features some really beautiful bronze doors and are breathtaking . Another area which you could enter here if allowed is just across diagnally where there is an orange grove of trees but its not permitted to use that entryway. A man guards the entryway as you pass.
There are different sections of the mosque also that feature different patterns like mosaics and a prayer area...and then the cathedral .
Another are to see is the Barrio Juderia which basically translates to the Jewish Quarter. although Spain is predominantly Catholic there has and will always be a relatively large Jewish influence throughout. As with Cordoba having its own little community as well.
The former synagogue can be found on calle Maimonedes.There are many restaurants, tourist shops and bakeries to be found along this area since this area is situated close to the main attractions of the city.
You will see Hebrew script around and not the Arabic in this area. Flamenco shows are performed nightly here by the Gitanos (Gypsys) so be sure to catch one or more of those too!
Next thing to see would be the famed Alcazar, not to be confused with the famous Alcazar of Toledo where the Spanish Civil war took place but nonetheless a great old castle and made famous for the Catholic Monarchs during the wars with Granada.
Roman Mosaics and also a interesting sarcophagus are an interest to all to see in the Alcazar. The best thing though in my opinion is the Torre de Leones Tower of lions which sticks out like a monument as part of this great old castle..You can catch some great views to the other side of the Guadalquivir River where stands another tower called the Torre de Calahorra.
Be sure to check out the away from the Mezquita area to an area called Plazuela Del Potro which has even been mentioned by famed author Cervantes as being the Den of thieves Area in days gone by . It was also once home to many a bull fight. There is the Palacio de Viana as well in this area to see as well as half a dozen or so refurbished 13th century churches. It makes for a nice walk.
The Museo Taurino for all of you who might be interested in seeing the most legendary bullfighter in all of Spain,Manolete. the museum houses his blouse from the day of his death when he went in for the kill and the bull gored him . There is also the head of the bull preserved for all to see.
The Museo de Bellas Artes
Like most art museums this one houses some works by Morales, Cano and Goya.
The Museo Archeologico The archeology museum which features old Roman artifacts from the Iberian Peninsula.
Last but not least...I'd say go see the Museo Julio Romero De Torres which was a local famous painter who painted most of the women in Cordoba during the the early twentieth century.
So, anyway...I highly recommend that if you are in southern Spain please check out Cordoba. you may not be able to get into the bull ranches of breeders here but there is so much more to see in this beautiful city and so much history. The people are a delight and the views are beautiful and one of a kind as well. Gracias-
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Mar - May
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Epinions.com ID:
Melaney
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Reviews written: 23
Trusted by: 87 members
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