CORDOBA
Cordoba | Things to do: sightseeing | eating out | sports | shopping | festivals
The city of Cordoba lies to the immediate south of the mountains of Sierra Morena, in Andalusia, in southern Spain . The river Guadalquivir runs through the south of the city.
Cordoba has played an important role in history, being capital of Hispania Ulterior when part of the Roman empire, and under Muslim rule in the 10th century was one of the most important cities in the world.
Cordoba was the birthplace of Seneca, Maimonides and Averroes. Between the 8th and 15th centuries it was the city of three religions, with Muslims, Jews and Christians living peacefully side by side.
The old quarter of Cordoba was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984. At present, Cordoba is a candidate to become the European Capital of Culture of 2016.
The population of Cordoba is approximately 350,000.
The local climate is continental; winters are mild and often sunny, while summers are hot and dry. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant times of year. To the north of the city lie the mountains of Sierra Moreno, 700 metres ( 2,100 ft .) being the highest. To the south, fertile valleys of orange and lemon trees, olive groves and the renowned vineyards of Montilla and Moriles.
Cordoba's geographic location is ideal for high-speed rail travel to Madrid (1hr. 40 mins.), Seville (40 mins.) and Málaga (1hr.) - the perfect base for one's stay in southern Spain, and from which day trips to most of the major cities of Andalusia, or to Madrid, are perfectly feasible.
THINGS TO DO IN CORDOBA
VISIT MONUMENTS AND MUSEUMS
Many important historical monuments are to be found in Cordoba : the world famous Mosque, the Synagogue, the Alcázar (castle), as well as many churches and convents of a variety of architectural styles.
Also of note are the Museum of Archaeology , the Museum of Fine Arts , the Julio Romero de Torres Museum, the Medina Azahara Museum and archaeological site, the Bull-fighting Museum and the Museum of Al-Andalus, amongst others.
ENJOY THE CUISINE
The nationally renowned gastronomy of Cordoba as enjoyed today has its roots deeply set in tradition and can be savoured in the wide variety of dishes to be found in the city's abundance of restaurants, traditional taverns and bars.
The different cultures and civilizations which bestowed their heritage upon the city of Cordoba in many ways, also clearly left their mark on the local cuisine. Olive oil was introduced by the Romans and continues to be a vital element of Mediterranean cooking.
The Arabic influence, in turn, is to be found in the use of nuts, vegetables, in blending sweet and sour flavours, and in desserts and pastries. Sweet dishes and desserts have also seen the influence of Jewish preferences.
Consequently, in getting to know Cordoba , treat yourself to sampling its particular gastronomy in the city's excellent restaurants and taverns.
MAKE USE OF SPORTS FACILITIES
In Cordoba you will find sports centres open to the public, offering heated swimming pools, tennis courts, gyms and facilities for a variety of other sports. There are also very reasonably priced private sports clubs.
In addition, in the Civic Centres to be found in different areas of the city, sessions of yoga, tai chi, Pilates and other activities are available.
GO SHOPPING
Cordoba is a very enjoyable city to go shopping in. You will find all sorts of establishments, ranging from shops in the old quarter specialising in the traditional crafts of leather, silver and pottery, to modern stores around the city centre offering leading designer goods and the latest fashions – all within walking distance of each other.
EXPERIENCE THE FESTIVALS AND FIESTAS
Cordoba takes full advantage of its warm climate to celebrate many festivals and events outdoors.
- Holy Week processions
- The Festival of the Crosses
- The Patio Festival
- The May Fair
- The International Guitar Festival
- The Wine-tasting Festival
- The Flamenco Festival
- The “Enchanted Nights”
These special occasions have maintained their original character in a genuinely Spanish city which has not succumbed to forsaking the true nature of its traditions as a result of tourism.
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