For historians, Córdoba is an area offering a tremendous view into times past. Córdoba is broken into two main areas, the city’s former Jewish quarter and the Mezquita, an 8th century mosque.

 

The history of Córdoba is only part of the city’s appeal. Delightful, sunny days turn into busy nights thanks to the city’s varied selection of dance clubs, bars, and restaurants. Córdoba offers many activities for the active partier. Epicureans will find themselves sampling many different regional dishes during their stay.

 

Córdoba always offers something to do. Families will delight in the many opportunities for shopping, eating, touring, and gazing. Córdoba offers a little bit of everything.

Of the three major cities in Andalusia, Córdoba is the city that managed to preserve much of its Moorish/Muslim culture.   Over a dozen centuries ago, Córdoba was the capital of Moorish Spain. First settled by the Romans, Córdoba’s riverfront location made it a perfect area for shipping local products (olive oil, olives, wine, sherry, and grains.) The Romans constructed a large bridge connecting Córdoba with neighbouring areas.

 

When the Moors took over the area, the population grew to well over 900,000 people. The city was a bustling area for trade. The Moors built the Mezquita (mosque). The Mezquita became the largest mosque in all of Islam.

 

The city continued to thrive, bringing it to the attention of Christian rulers. During the 13th century, Christians conquered the area. During the battles for control, scavengers destroyed many buildings leaving the area in ruins. Despite this travesty, the area continued to thrive. The area soon became home to Christopher Columbus, and the rest, as they say, is history!

Start your stay in the old Jewish quarter. Located to the west of Mezquita, the old quarter houses many exceptional museums and historical buildings. The cobble streets lined with silversmiths, jewellers, bars, and restaurants will keep you busy from sunrise to the early hours.

 

Museo Taurino, Museo Arqueológico, Museo de Bellas Artes, and Museo Romero de Torres are all located in the old Jewish quarter. Museo Taurino, a bullfighting museum, offers a replication of the tomb of Manolete, a famous toreador, and the hide of the bull that caused Manolete’s death. Museo Arqueológico is located in a Renaissance mansion and features artifacts from the days of the Romans and the Moors. Museo de Bellas Artes is located in an old charity hospital and features works of art by Mateo Inurria, Valdés Leal, and Zurbarán - all area artists. Museo Romero de Torres is the birthplace of Córdoba’s famed painter, Julio Romero de Torres.

 

Also in the Jewish quarter are a number of impressive buildings. Palacio de Viana is a 17th century mansion linked to the Marques de Viana. Antique porcelain, wall hangings, and furniture are on display. Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos is a 14th century fortress that was home to the Catholic Monarchs. Here the huge water features and gorgeous gardens provide a serene sitting area - the very area where Christopher Columbus, Isabella, and Ferdinand discussed his voyage. Callejón de la Flores is a small alley that receives a large amount of foot traffic every year. Callejón de la Flores’ white walls are covered from top to bottom in flowers.

 

Finally, the Puente Romano is the bridge originally constructed by the Romans. The Roman’s handiwork remains visible today; the footings are all original. The bridge spans the Guadalquivir River and is home to a life-sized statue of San Rafael, the patron saint of Córdoba.

 

In Mezquita, the 8th century mosque offers exquisite period details. Much of the original detail is still intact; also, additions added in the 10th and 16th centuries provide a wide array of period features including arches, pillars, windows, domes, gilt work, and more.

 

Within the walls of the Mezquita, do not miss the Mihrab, a prayer corner that includes a gilt copy of the Koran and flagstones that are worn from pilgrims kneeling to pray.

 

The Puerta del Perdón is the ornate entry way into the Torre del Alminar, a bell tower that stands over 90 metres high and offers great views of the city. Capilla de Villaviciosa is a Christian chapel built in the late 1300s. Patio de los Naranjos is a courtyard studded with established orange trees. The courtyard scintillates your eyes and nose with the glorious blooms and perfumed scents emanating from the blossoms.

Tourism is the key industry of Córdoba. With tourists coming into the area regularly, tourism based businesses thrive. Stores, restaurants, groceries, hotels, bodegas, and local attractions all bring in much needed revenue.

 

Córdoba is also known for having skilled leather crafters and silversmiths. Leather crafters make incredible belts, shoes, purses, and more. Silversmiths are known for some of the world’s most beautiful jewellery. These two industries bring in plenty of money through the business of exportation.

Expect typical Andalusian fare in Córdoba. Vintage wines, fresh seafood, luscious tomatoes, succulent olive oils, ripe oranges, and organic vegetables are plentiful in the area. Dishes usually involve some or all of these local products.

 

Some area specialties include salt cod served with freshly squeezed orange juice, fried morsels of fish served in a gazpacho stew (it’s thicker than soup), bread soup made with local ham, garlic, and tomatoes, and sorbet made from fresh Sevilla oranges that is drizzled with olive oil.

 

There are many restaurants in the area, so many that the selection is endless. Many hidden gems are waiting to be discovered. Restaurante el Burlaero has been in business for over 30 years. Restaurante el Burlaero’s Bream cooked in a salt crust is highly recommended!

There is so much to do in Córdoba when the sun sets. Three area dance clubs attract many tourists and locals. Doors at the Jazz Café open between 11.00 pm and midnight, but the live jazz music does not start until 1.00 am. Music and dancing last until 4.00 am. There is a small cover charge depending on the featured musician or band.

 

La Comuna dance club is popular with the college crowd. One of the club’s talented D.J.’s plays popular music, mostly funk and pop. This is a hopping placed among the singles.

 

La Moncloa is another popular choice among the college crowd. The D.J. of the night plays top Spanish pop. There is a small cover charge at weekends.  Beer and mixed drinks are served.

 

Tabernas Casa Salinas is an old establishment that is frequented by many of the locals. Friendly staff serves drinks into the early hours. In the summertime, an outdoor courtyard is available for customers. If you are lucky, you can catch one of the occasional flamenco shows hosted by the owners.

 

Casa Miguel is believed to be the oldest bodega in Córdoba. The tapas here is the freshest and tastiest in the area.

Grab some money, bring your camera, put on some sunscreen, and explore every corner of Córdoba. The city’s historical sites are mesmerizing, and the food is exquisite. When you travel to Córdoba, you will create lasting memories.

 

Córdoba is packed with so much to delight your five senses. Don’t try to cram the city into a couple of days, plan a whole week. Your vacation in Córdoba will create some of the most unforgettable times in your life!