t Córdoba’s Puente Romano, stretching across the Río Guadalquivir
This city has had a long and illustrious history. Under the Romans Córdoba was famed as the birthplace of philosopher Seneca and in the 10th century Abd al Rahman III made the city the capital of his powerful caliphate. Today, Córdoba is still as awe-inspiring.
t Córdoba’s Puente Romano, stretching across the Río Guadalquivir
Experience Córdoba and Jaén
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Located in a Renaissance mansion, this excellent museum displays the remains of a Roman theatre found beneath the building, including mosaics and pottery, as well as impressive finds from the Moorish era. Highlights include a 10th-century bronze stag found at Medina Azahara. Also on display is a marble sculpted head of the Emperor Augustus, dating to the 1st century AD, which was found in the area.
This palace-fortress was built in 1328 for Alfonso XI. Fernando II and Isabel stayed here during their campaign to conquer Granada from the Moors. Later it was used by the Inquisition, and then as a prison. The gardens are particularly lovely, with their ponds and fountains, and stay open into the evenings in July and August. Behind the palace’s walls are Roman mosaics.
Constructed around 1315, this Mudéjar-style synagogue is one of three in Spain preserved from that era. The other two are in Toledo. The women’s gallery and decorative plasterwork, with Hebrew script, are of particular interest. The synagogue lies in the Judería, the Jewish quarter, which has hardly changed since Moorish times. In a plaza nearby is a bronze statue of Maimonides, a 12th-century Jewish sage who has become a popular local figure.
The name Córdoba may have derived from Kartuba, Phoenician for “prosperous city”.
This 14th-century tower is located at the end of the Puente Romano – an arched bridge with Roman foundations that was rebuilt by the Moors. The tower now houses a museum about the life, culture and philosophy of 10th-century Córdoba, when Abd al Rahman III created the independent caliphate.
Located in a former charity hospital, this museum exhibits sculptures by local artist Mateo Inurria and Seville School paintings by Zurbarán.
Tapestries, furniture, porcelain and paintings are displayed in this 17th-century mansion, which was once the home of the affluent Viana family. Purchased by a savings bank in 1981, it has been kept much as the family left it. Outside, you’ll find 14 beautiful patios and a delightful garden.
These Arab baths were once part of the Umayyad palace, which was later replaced by the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos. Built under the orders of al-Hakam II, these 10th-century well-preserved Arab baths reflect the classical order of Roman baths: cold rooms, warm rooms and hot rooms. A museum recreates the social and religious history and uses of the baths.
Experience Córdoba and Jaén
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EAT Casa Pepe de la Judería An enduring favourite since 1928, with a flower-filled patio. ⌂ Calle Romero 1 ∑ restaurantecasapepedelajuderia.com ¡¡¡ Mercado Victoria This gourmet food court specializes in local dishes and produce. ⌂ Paseo de la Victoria 3 ∑ mercadovictoria.com ¡¡¡ |