Cordova. Old city and Arab market. Districts. Where is the best place to live. When is the season. When is the best time to go

), although a thousand years ago it was the largest city in Europe, and according to some sources, even the largest city in the world. Moreover, the city was considered one of the world's political and cultural centers. The capital of the province of the same name, the city of Cordoba, has a rich history: before the collapse of the caliphate, the city has always played a leading role in Andalusia, and at times throughout the Iberian Peninsula.

If you are a history buff, ancient architecture and culture, Cordoba, with its rich architectural heritage, will leave you with a lasting impression. The city is indeed a unique example of the interaction of Phoenician, Roman, Berber, Arab, Christian and Jewish cultures. Probably, it is thanks to this mixture of cultures that Cordoba is so unlike any other city. The symbol of the city is the largest in Spain, and possibly in the whole world, the Mesquita Mosque (Spanish: Mezquita). Mesquita is 175 meters long, 128 meters wide and has over 856 columns.

Cordoba: the history of the city

The city has a long and eventful history based on the dialogue of different cultures. The first historical references to settlements on the site of modern Cordoba date back to the 3rd century BC. e., when the Carthaginians, under the leadership of General Hamilcar Barca, began their campaign on the Iberian Peninsula. The general gave the settlement the name "Kartuba", which means "city of Yuba". The city was named so in honor of the Namibian leader Yuba, who fought bravely on the side of Carthage and died in a battle near the city.

Cordova had already acquired importance. During the Second Punic War, the Romans defeated Carthage and settled on the territory of the Iberian Peninsula. Under Gaius Julius Caesar, Iberica was divided into three provinces. Baetica corresponded to modern Andalusia, administrative capital which became Cordova. Already in those days it was a prosperous and rich city of the Roman Empire. In those days, such people were born in the city famous people like Seneca (younger and older) and the poet Lucan. Cordoba retained its importance in the Byzantine Empire, as well as later under the Visigoths who conquered it at the end of the 6th century. However, it reached its true heyday under the Muslims.

Cordoba under the Muslims

Cordoba was taken by a Muslim army led by General Tariq in 711. In 750, a coup took place in Damascus, the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate, during which the ruling dynasty was overthrown by the Abbasids. The only survivor of the Umayyad dynasty, Abd ar-Rahman I, managed to escape to the last territory they controlled - Andalusia. In 766, Abd ar-Rahman founded an emirate, with Cordoba as its capital.

The reign of the Umayyads was marked by the flourishing of the city; under them, special attention was paid to the development of culture and architecture in the city. Cordova becomes one of the world's political centers. It is worth noting that the Umayyad dynasty pursued an extremely tolerant policy towards the Christian and Jewish population, which had the same rights as Muslims. At that time, the Jewish population flocked here from all over Europe, which made a significant contribution to the cultural development of the city. In order to emphasize the greatness of the emirate, Abd ar-Rahman I ordered to build on the site of the former basilica of San Vicente one of the most beautiful buildings in the Muslim world - Cordoba Mesquita (Spanish: Mezquita), the grandeur of which will amaze the whole world.

Cordoba under Abd ar-Rahman III

Cordova reached the peak of its greatness under Abd ar-Rahman III, who was both a shrewd and just politician and a brave and competent commander. He became the first Caliph in Europe. In a very short time, he was able to deal with all the internal strife in the empire and eliminate political competitors. Abd ar-Rahman III founded the Western Caliphate, assuming the title of caliph, which Arabic means the heir of the prophet Muhammad. From that moment on, he became the political and religious leader of the state. During his reign, culture, trade, education, and agriculture developed in Cordoba. Caliph becomes one of the most powerful and richest people of that time.

In Cordoba at that time, the favorite at the court of Abd ar-Rahman III was the minstrel Ziriab, who had previously been at the Baghdad court. Ziriab plays a huge role in the development of culture, music and poetry in the city; he also completely changes the traditions at the court in the manner of the capital, Baghdad. The etiquette, interior, fashion and social norms of the local nobility are radically changing.

Cordova completely overshadows Baghdad with the splendor of its architecture under Abd al-Rahman. The architectural diversity and grandeur is expressed in the country residence of the caliph - the palace of Medina az Zahara, in which such a number of marble columns are erected that it is almost impossible to count them.

The greatness of Cordoba and the caliph perfectly reflects the episode of the acceptance of a delegation from the Catholic kings of Spain. In order to impress the arrivals, the caliph ordered to line up from the city gates to his palace on each side of the road two rows of soldiers who held long shiny swords in their hands. The soldiers, standing on different sides of the road, connected the tips of their swords, thus forming a kind of arch. This "arch" had a length of 5.5 km. This spectacle caused the guests an indescribable feeling of fear and admiration. After the delegation entered the palace, they were led through its territory. At certain stages of the route, there were luxurious chairs upholstered in silk and other expensive fabrics, in which people elegantly dressed in silk sat. When the delegation saw these people, its representatives fell to their knees, thinking that this was the caliph. To which they were told: "Get up, these are just servants of the Caliph's servants." From the reaction of the Catholic delegation, one can judge how powerful and luxurious Cordoba was then.

Cordoba under the last Muslim rulers

In Cordoba, by the end of the 10th - beginning of the 11th century, the population was approximately 500 thousand people; the city was the largest in Europe and, according to some historians, even the largest in the world in terms of population. For comparison, only 36 thousand people lived in Paris at that time. Cordoba was one of the most developed cities in Europe, it was in it that street lights first appeared, the economy and politics were booming, schools and universities were built. By the time of the reign of Al-Hakam II, there were 3,000 mosques, luxurious palaces and 300 public baths in the city, as well as a library, which at that time was considered the largest in the world and, according to various sources, numbered from 400,000 to 1,000,000 copies. .

But hard times are coming for Cordova. After the death of the last head of the Caliphate, Al-Mansur, the Civil War for the legacy of his throne, which leads to the fact that the caliphate breaks up into emirates, which are constantly engulfed in internecine strife. At first, the city was captured by the ruler of Seville, and then, in 1070, fell under the rule of the Almoravid dynasty, which was later replaced by the Almohad dynasty. Under them, Cordoba began to lose its influence, yielding the first roles in Andalusia to such cities as Seville and Granada. From the moment the fanatical Almoravids came to power in the city, the times of tolerance and mutual understanding between different peoples have ended. Under the Almoravides, the rights of the non-Muslim population are infringed, many Jews and Catholics try to leave the city.

Cordoba after the Reconquista

Córdoba was taken by the Christian king Ferdinand III of Castile on June 29, 1236, after a siege that lasted several months and ended the Reconquista phase. The Catholics were much less peaceful than the Umayyads. The persecution of the Jews continues and the persecution of Muslims begins. After some time, the Cordoba Mosque was rebuilt as a Christian temple, during which 157 beautiful marble columns dating back to the times of Roman domination on the peninsula were destroyed and lost forever. Several Christian churches are being built in the city. At the same time, the population of the city is rapidly falling: by the 18th century, the number of inhabitants reaches a critical level of 20 thousand people.

The restoration of the population and economy of Cordoba began only in the first half of the 20th century.

Main attractions

Cordoba has a rich history and rich architectural and cultural heritage. It is extremely difficult to describe all the sights of this city. We will only mention the main ones.

Mezquita (Spanish: Mezquita) is an absolute cultural heritage of Spain and a symbol of the city. The mighty mosque, measuring 175 meters long and 128 meters wide, is still one of the the greatest structures Muslim culture. The mosque, converted into a church after the reconquista, has 856 columns; it has remained a living reminder of the former greatness of the Caliphate.
Alcazar of the Christian Kings (Spanish: Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos). Alcazar was built by King Alfonso XI on the foundations of a Muslim fortress, which, in turn, was erected on the site of an ancient Roman temple. Powerful fortress walls and its towers still seem impregnable. A completely different atmosphere reigns inside the castle: beautiful Arab baths still remain here, the castle has graceful gardens with pools and fountains. Within the walls of the Alcazar there is a rich collection of exhibits, including Roman mosaics of the 2nd - 3rd centuries and a marble sarcophagus of the 3rd century. Alcazar is also known for the fact that an army set off from it, recapturing the last Muslim city, Granada, completing the Reconquista.
Torre de la Calahorra - watch tower located on south end Roman bridge. The tower was built in 1325 by order of Alfonso XI on the site of a Muslim structure. Now the tower houses a museum dedicated to the intellectual life of the city in the Middle Ages. Among the exhibits you can see a model of the Mezquita before it was rebuilt by the Catholics.
Medina az Zahara - famous luxury palace and the country residence of Abd ar-Rahman III. The palace, measuring 750 by 1,500 meters, will allow the visitor to get acquainted with the luxury in which the Arab rulers lived. This outstanding architectural ensemble had 4,313 columns, and an innumerable number of craftsmen and artists worked on its construction for 40 years.
Juderia (Spanish: Juderia) is the Jewish quarter, the only one preserved in the city from the time when Muslims, Christians and Jews coexisted peacefully in Cordoba. With its narrow streets, gleaming white walls and graceful courtyards full of flowers and greenery, the quarter is a great place for a walk. Many interesting historical buildings have been preserved in the Jewish quarter.
Synagogue, the only intact synagogue in southern Spain, built during Catholic rule in 1315, which became the present historical monument. Its walls are richly decorated with Mudéjar floral and geometric designs. Of interest is the interior of the synagogue. In 1885, the Cordoba Synagogue was declared a national monument of Spain.
The Church of St. Mary is a Gothic temple, which is the oldest Christian church in the city. Work on its construction began in 1236. In the 18th century the basilica was reconstructed. Particular attention should be paid to the northern entrance with its columns, on the upper part of which the faces of people and animals are depicted, as well as to the interior of the church richly decorated in the Mudéjar style.
The Roman Temple (Spanish: Templo Romano) is a living testament to the greatness of the Roman Empire. Mounted on a wide embossed stone, the temple was built in the 1st century AD. Until our time, only the columns of the temple have been preserved. How the temple supposedly looked 2000 years ago can be seen by looking at its model in the Archaeological Museum of the city.
Museo Julio Romero de Torres (Spanish: Museo Julio Romero de Torres). The museum is entirely dedicated to the famous native of the city, the artist Julio Romero de Torres, and is housed in the former home of the artist's family. Among the most famous works, located in the museum, it is worth highlighting "The Little Coal Merchant" and "The Poem of Cordoba".
Almodovar del Rio is a medieval fortified castle located in the village of the same name in the province of Cordoba. This is one of the best preserved fortresses in all of Andalusia.
Other attractions located in Cordoba and its surroundings.

Cordoba - the pearl of Andalusia, ancient city, in which three cultures harmoniously coexisted for centuries: Christian, Jewish and Muslim. Founded before the arrival of the ancient Romans, Cordoba reached its peak in the Early Middle Ages under powerful Moorish rulers. Conquered from the Arabs by Christians, it gradually turned from the brilliant capital of the caliphate into a provincial, but not without charm, city.

Today, Cordoba is a picturesque city literally immersed in the aroma of spring flowers. Every year there is a competition for the most beautiful patio. Tablao taverns hide among the narrow streets of the Jewish quarter, where dancers perform an incendiary flamenco dance in the evenings and guests are treated to hearty Andalusian dishes.

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What to see and where to go in Cordoba?

The most interesting and Beautiful places for walks. Photos and a short description.

Mezquita is one of the iconic sights of Andalusia, the former main mosque of the great Caliphate of Cordoba, which has turned into a Catholic cathedral since the 13th century. grand building in the style of traditional Moorish architecture was built in the 8th century under Emir Abdar Rahman I. The best masters of the Islamic world were invited to work, who eventually created a masterpiece that survived the centuries.

Medieval fortress located in the historic center of Cordoba. During the Reconquista, it served as the main residence of the Catholic kings - Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile. The Alcazar was erected on the site of an ancient Visigoth fortification, destroyed by the Moors during the conquest of Spain. Subsequently, the rulers of the Cordoba Caliphate rebuilt the fortress and began to use it as royal palace.

The Jewish Quarter in Cordoba was built during the Arab rule. Until the end of the 15th century, Jews lived on its territory, until Isabella of Castile ordered to expel them from the city. The narrow streets of "Juderia" (as the quarter is called in the Spanish manner) still retained the spirit of the medieval Mauritanian Córdoba. The appearance of the area has not changed for many centuries.

The Jewish temple was built at the beginning of the XIV century, when favorable times came for the Jews in Cordoba. The synagogue was built in the Mudéjar style, harmoniously combining elements of Moorish and Gothic style. After the expulsion of the Jews, the building housed a hospital, then a chapel and a school. Since the beginning of the 19th century, the temple has been recognized as a valuable architectural monument. Today, there is a museum on its territory.

Stone arched bridge across the Guadalquivir River, 250 meters long, consisting of 16 arches. It was built in the 1st century BC and was part of the August road. In the 10th century, the Arabs restored the bridge. The structure was maintained in working condition throughout the Middle Ages and the New Age. Moreover, until the middle of the 20th century, this bridge was the only crossing over the river. Only since 2004 it has become pedestrian.

defensive structure XII century, erected under the Almohads on the banks of the Guadalquivir. The architecture of the building is an example of the late Islamic style. During the liberation of Cordoba from the Moors, the tower was damaged, but in the XIV century it was restored. Since the 1930s, it has been included in the list of protected cultural objects. Today it houses the Museum of Three Cultures.

The gate is located in front of the entrance to the Roman bridge. In the Middle Ages, they were part of the fortress wall and performed a defensive function. On the other hand, the construction of Puerta del Puente was supposed to expand the entrance to the city and increase the flow of merchants, which had a positive effect on the city's economy. The gate was built in the Renaissance style according to the design of F. de Montalbanu.

The remains of an ancient Roman sanctuary are located right in the middle of a busy city block at the intersection of streets. They were discovered in the 1950s during construction work. Obviously, in the ancient period of the history of Cordoba, the temple was the main city sanctuary. The building was erected in the 1st century. It is believed that it was used for the worship of the Roman emperors.

A Moorish city built in the 10th century under Caliph Abd ar-Rahman III, about 8 km from Cordoba. Translated from Arabic name means "shining city". The ruler built Madina al-Zahra in order to demonstrate his own power and superiority over other caliphs, as required by the etiquette of that time. Only ruins have survived to our time, but even they give an idea of how beautiful the city was.

A magnificent building in the Spanish Baroque style that adorns the Plaza de Colon. The building acquired its present appearance in the 18th century as a result of reconstruction. Earlier on the site of the palace there was an early Christian basilica of St. Eulalia and a monastery. Nowadays, the residence of the city and province governments is located on the territory of the palace.

In the 16th century, the stables were built to breed a special breed of horses - the Andalusian. The result of careful crossbreeding is one of the most beautiful horses in the world. Today at historic building there is an equestrian association, which includes a school, a small museum of carriages and a theater for tourists, where you can see interesting shows and performances with the participation of horses.

The museum was built on the ruins of a Roman villa in the 14th century. The main facade was built later - in the 16th century (architect J. de Ochoa worked on the project). Until the middle of the 20th century, a private palace was located here, which passed from owner to owner over the centuries. The last owner of the building was the Cajasur bank. By decision of his administration, a museum was founded in the palace, where art collections were placed.

Julio Romero de Torres is a Cordoba painter of the 19th-20th centuries who worked in the style of realism. The museum named after him is located in former building hospital, which stands out from the general urban landscape with intricately painted walls. The Museum of Fine Arts is also located here. The exposition consists of the artist's works, as well as paintings by the masters of bourgeois realism of the early 20th century.

Andalusia is considered the birthplace of bullfighting. It is here, according to many Spaniards, that the last bullfight will take place, when animal protection organizations finally send this beautiful, but rather cruel tradition into the past. In the Cordoba Museum you can learn about the history of the competition, its rules, as well as the famous matadors. The ceremonial clothes and weapons of the bullfighters are also available for inspection.

The museum exposition is located on the territory of the palace, which once belonged to one of the noble families of the city. The building was built in the 16th century according to the design of E. Ruiz. The collection is based on ancient artifacts confiscated from monasteries in the middle of the 19th century. Here you can admire exhibits relating to the Roman, Visigothic and Iberian eras. The museum has a library where literature on archeology is stored.

The name of the square comes from a small fountain crowned with the figure of a colt (“potro” in Spanish means “foal”). Here is the hotel of the same name, mentioned in the immortal work of Miguel Cervantes. Plaza del Potro is a classic Andalusian square: small, cozy and quiet, surrounded by the facades of old houses. Here you can relax, think about the beautiful, or just enjoy the atmosphere of Cordoba.

One of the central squares of Cordoba, located at the intersection of two main shopping streets of the city. In the middle is a monument to Gonzalo Fernandez de Cordoba, the famous commander who made a significant contribution to the treasury of Spain's military victories in the 15th-16th centuries. New Year's Eve and other celebrations take place in Tendillas Square public holidays, regional fairs also often come here.

The architectural appearance of Corredera Square is quite atypical for Cordoba and Andalusia as a whole. The place resembles the famous Plaza Mayor in Madrid, as it was built in the "royal" Castilian style. Like the main square of the Spanish capital, Corredera has the shape of a rectangle, along the edges of which are perfectly smooth facades of houses. Her appearance has remained unchanged since the 17th century.

A small square, previously located on the territory of the Capuchin monastery. Through it passed the path from one residential quarter to another. At the end of the 18th century, a monument in the form of a crucifix by the sculptor H. Navarro-Leon was erected here. The figure of Christ is surrounded by lanterns, which is why the statue was called El Cristo de los Faroles (“farol” in Spanish means “lantern / lighthouse”).

One of the most beautiful streets in the city and a symbol of Cordoba. White facades of houses, balconies, patios and windows are decorated with pots of bright flowers. The street looks especially picturesque in spring, when the plants begin to bloom and the walls are covered with a bright carpet of roses, hydrangeas and geraniums. At this time, a competition is held for the most beautiful courtyard. Residents open their patios to the public so tourists can appreciate the beauty of the setting.

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Alcazar

For more than two millennia, serving as the residence of the rulers of Cordoba, the Alcazar castle has incorporated ancient Roman, Visigothic, Arabic, and Andalusian features. Alcazar became the palace of Christian rulers (namely, this is its second name) at the turn of the 13th-14th centuries.

No matter how trite it sounds, Cordoba is a city of contrasts, where ancient Roman, Muslim, Christian and Jewish features are intertwined, creating a unique spirit of wholeness. There are many sights in Cordoba - after all, the history of the city begins long before our era, in Phoenician times. Incredibly, any monument of the city will almost certainly have several components: each people who came to Cordoba sought not to destroy what was erected by their predecessors, but to ennoble it in their own way. So, in the Palace of Christian Rulers you will be met by ancient Roman mosaics and Visigothic stucco molding, in the middle of the Roman bridge there is a sculpture of the Archangel Raphael, and in the medieval caravanserai the best flamenco museum in Andalusia is open.

Calling card of Cordoba

The tour of Cordoba rests on three whales: Mesquite, Alcazar and Medinat Ezzahra. Under the melodious words of the language of Cervantes, respectively, the cathedral mosque and the cathedral are hidden together, the palace of Christian kings and the "shining city" - the capital of the Cordoba Caliphate in the 10th century.

Mezquita is an honorary member of the list of twelve architectural wonders of Spain, and once the second largest and most important mosque on the planet. Literally everything is amazing here: the grandiosity of the structure and the forest of columns made of precious stones, recognizable red and white arches and intricate carvings on limestone - and finally a full-fledged cathedral with its Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance features. The Alcazar Palace is practically a "memory of Granada": a series of luxurious gardens with cascading ponds and statues frames the pearl - the residence of many Spanish kings, including Ferdinand and Isabella, the unifiers of Spain. Medinat Ezzahra is a brilliant palace city, invented by the fantasy of Caliph Abderrahman, with government buildings, treasury, salons, residential buildings, mosques ... And even though the interior decoration has almost not survived to this day (the city existed for only 70 years, after which it was destroyed by the Berbers ), here you can still admire the grandeur of the ambitious caliph's plan and the perfection of the city planning.

And in Cordoba, you should definitely look at the Guadalquivir from the Roman bridge and admire the elegant statue of the Archangel Raphael.

The main attractions of Cordoba are the mosque-cathedral of Mezquita, the palace of the Christian kings Alcazar and the fabulous fantasy city of Medinat Ezzahra.

Museum collections

Archaeological Museum of the Cow has been repeatedly recognized by experts best museum of this profile in Andalusia, and sometimes in all of Spain. Tourists who are not deterred by the mention of archeology in the title are waiting for a literally magical journey into the depths of centuries. long history Cordoba. Here you can see amazing exhibits, it seems, from all periods of human history - from prehistoric primitive tools to the most elegant caskets of the caliphs of Cordoba, openwork chasing and skillful woodcarving.

A museum that is guaranteed to appeal to all those whose blood boils with castanets and a whirlwind of colorful skirts, the magnificent Fosforito flamenco museum offers visitors an exciting journey into the world of this traditional Andalusian art, inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List. In the museum you can learn everything about the history of flamenco, listen and watch famous performers and try to beat out various rhythms yourself.

Where to stay: In democratic and pompous, budget and expensive hotels, boarding houses and hostels ancient cities Andalusia: in the colorful Granada, where Catholicism and Islam coexist perfectly, in the brilliant Cordoba, equally glorious for its art, history and gastronomy, in the ancient and alpine Ronda, the cradle of bullfighting, in the city of passionate flamenco and incendiary bullfighting - Seville. Huelva will surprise you with the atmosphere of Victorian England, and

Cordoba (Spain) - the most detailed information about the city with a photo. The main attractions of Cordoba with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Cordoba (Spain)

Geography and climate

Cordoba is located in the center of Andalusia in Southern Spain. To the north of the city are the hills (some call them mountains) of the Sierra Morena. Average Height they are about 400 meters. The city is located in the basin of the Guadalquivir River.

The climate is Mediterranean. Winters are usually mild. Although sometimes there are frosts due to the distance from the coast. Summers are very hot, with significant diurnal thermal fluctuations and maximum temperatures, which are among the highest in Europe.

Story

A settlement on the site of Cordoba has been known since the time of the Phoenicians. In the 3rd century BC, it was captured by the Romans. Under Emperor Augustus, Cordoba became the center of the Roman province of Baetica. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the city was conquered by the Vandals, then by the Visigoths and Byzantium.

In 711, the Iberian Peninsula was captured by the Arabs and Berbers. In 756 Cordoba became the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate. During their reign, the city reached the peak of its power and development. By the 10th century, Cordoba had become one of the largest cities Europe, the center of Arabic science and culture. During this period, the population of the city approached one million.

In 1031, the Caliphate of Cordoba collapsed. In 1070 Córdoba was captured by the emir of Seville. After that, the city lost its importance. In 1263 Cordoba became part of the Kingdom of Castile. Today it is one of the best preserved ancient cities in Spain, with an extensive historical center and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

How to get there

Cordoba Airport almost does not receive regular commercial flights. Immediate major airports are located in Seville, Malaga and Madrid. From the airports of these cities, by train or bus, you need to get to the main stations, and from there you can easily get to Cordoba.

The railway station is located in the northern part historical center. There is a bus station across the road. high speed trains go to Madrid, Seville, Malaga and even Barcelona. Regular bus service is available from almost every city in Andalusia, as well as the capital of Spain.

Shopping and shopping

The main shopping area of Cordoba is located near Plaza de las Tendillas. Of the traditional products, ceramics and jewelry are in demand.

Food and drink

Cordoba is one of the gastronomic capitals of Andalusia, a delightful blend of traditional Spanish and Oriental cuisine. typical meals: salmorejo and gazpacho, beans and asparagus with scrambled eggs, lamb casserole, roast suckling pig, stewed ox tail, flamenquins (sliced ham stuffed with cheese), artichokes with pork loin. Olive oil and excellent local wine are the perfect accompaniment to this delicious cuisine.

Panorama of Cordoba

Attractions

Old city Cordoba has preserved the unique sights of the Arab period. The most grandiose monument is the Mesquite.

The Mesquita or Great Mosque is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and is considered one of the most striking monuments of Moorish heritage in Spain. The construction of the mosque began in the 8th century. It has expanded several times throughout its history. The mosque was rebuilt into a Christian cathedral in 1523. Despite this, the building has retained many of the original elements and structure. The contrast between Christian and Islamic architecture serves as a reminder of Cordoba's multicultural past.

The structure is famous for its "forest" of columns (of which there are more than 800), topped with red and white stripes and Arabic-style arches. The Puerta del Perdon gate leads to the picturesque Patio de los Naranjos, which is lined with orange and palm trees. Massive bell tower north side buildings in the 16th century replaced the minaret.

The Roman bridge or Puerto Romano is one of the symbols of the city. This ancient bridge consists of 16 arches. It was built after Caesar's victory over Pompey the Great. The medieval bridge was built during the Umayyad period on a Roman foundation.

The tangle of narrow medieval streets surrounding the Mezquita hide other interesting sights of Córdoba.

Juderia is the old Jewish quarter. This is one of the most atmospheric places in the old city with narrow streets, old houses, cozy flowering courtyards and quiet small squares. This area has a special charm. There are two important Jewish monuments here: the 15th century Mudéjar synagogue and the Casa de Sefarad museum.

Palazzo de Viana is an aristocratic palace famous for its patios designed in the Andalusian style with decorative fountains and lush landscaping.

Alcazar de los Reyes

Alcazar de los Reyes is a castle of the Christian Monarchs located near the Roman bridge. This is one of ancient places a city where you can even find traces of the ancient Roman past. This former palace was home to the Moorish rulers of Córdoba until the city was conquered by the Castilian kings. In front of the main building is a square where Christian martyrs were executed during the caliphate. Some of the ancient defensive walls and towers of the castle date back to the Moorish era, but most, including the tower of the Inquisition, were built later, when the monarchs of Castile improved the citadel. The Alcazar is a typical example of Andalusian architecture, which consists of various halls and picturesque courtyards. The fortress museum contains a collection of antiquities, including fine Roman mosaics. Inside the ancient walls are beautiful gardens in Arabic style with decorative pools and fountains.

San Lorenzo is one of the most beautiful medieval churches in Cordoba. Like many ancient religious buildings Andalusia, it was rebuilt from an old mosque. In front of the main entrance there is a portico with three arches. Other notable features are the tower built on top of the minaret of the former mosque. It is made in the style of the famous Seville Giralda. Inside there is a beautiful baroque altar and many paintings by Italian artists.

The Church of San Miguel was built after the Reconquista on the site of a Muslim mosque. The building contains Romanesque and Mudéjar features.

This place is just a unique combination of different cultures and different architectural styles.

In the heart of the mosque, the Cathedral was built, richly decorated with carvings, pink marble, paintings by Palomino. Two magnificent pulpits are made of mahogany and marble.

The majestic, grandiose prayer hall, 11.5 m high, seems like an endless forest of columns, with a perspective that changes at every step. The perception of space here is truly stunning.

There are 856 columns of marble, jasper and porphyry, connected by red and white arches in the form of horseshoes.

Prayer room (maksura) - decorated with magnificent mosaics donated by the Byzantine emperor. The royal chapel is a masterpiece architectural style"Mudejar", and in the Hall of the Chapter is the treasury of the cathedral, where precious relics and religious objects are exhibited.

A visit to the cathedral in Cordoba can awaken in you a feeling of great beauty, which has no spatial or temporal boundaries.

roman bridge

The 26-arch Roman bridge, 176 meters long and 3.70 meters wide, stretching across the Guadalquivir River, connects the areas of the historic center of Cordoba - Campo Santo de los M rtires and the Cathedral. Some historians believe that the bridge was built in the 1st century AD. during the reign of Emperor Trojan.

Here was the customs post of Cordoba, through which passed numerous travelers arriving from the south of Spain. In fact, for twenty centuries the Roman bridge was the only one in the city, until the bridge of St. Raphael was built in the middle of the 20th century.

At the southern end of the bridge rises the oldest fortress defensive tower of the city - Calahorra, built in 1369. The opposite end of the bridge is decorated with the Puerta del Puente arch, built by the architect German Ruiz in 1571 on the occasion of the reception of King Philip II by the city authorities. The arch is made in the Renaissance style and is located on the site of the old entrance gate, built by the Romans.

The middle of the bridge is decorated with the figure of the Holy Archangel Raphael (1651), the patron saint of Cordoba, at the foot of which there are always flowers and candles burning. Passing this place, many take off their hats or say a short prayer.

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Old center of Cordoba

Since ancient times, Cordoba has been famous throughout the world as a center of education and culture. It was here that three great philosophers were born: Seneca, Averoees and Maimonides, and the hand of Mohammed himself was once kept in the mosque of Cordoba. Already in the Middle Ages, a university and a library appeared in the city. The Jewish Quarter not only keeps the ancient treasures of Moorish culture, but also showcases the work of modern craftsmen producing unique silverware.

To date old center Cordoba has not lost its splendor. Medieval houses, the famous Mesquite Mosque, the complex of palace buildings Palacio de Viana, the Arab market, the Alcazar of Christian Kings, which remembers the bold ideas of Christopher Columbus - it is no coincidence that the quarter was declared a world cultural heritage of mankind by UNESCO.

The Church of Consolation is located in Cordoba, Spain. The church was designed in 2011 by the architectural firm Vicens+Ramos. It is built in a minimalist style.

Outside, the church is dazzling white. Solved in the same color scheme and interior churches. The only exception is the gold-colored wall where the altar used to be.

Castle of the Christian Kings

The castle of the Christian kings, also known as the Alcazar of Cordoba, is old castle, built in 1328 by order of Alfonso the Just.

The castle became the residence of the kings of Cordoba and ranks second among the residences of the Spanish monarchs after Seville, which is considered the most luxurious. Within its walls, an important decision was made, the result of which was the voyage of Columbus.

Its area is 4.100 square meters, and the area of its gardens is 55.000 square meters. Outwardly, the almost perfect square building reflects the influence of the Arabic style and European Gothic in its architecture. It is built on the foundations of a Moorish fortress built on the site of a Roman bastion. In the XIV - XV centuries, the territory of the castle was expanded, gardens and baths were added to it. To date, the main and Lion towers of the main facade of the castle have been preserved in their original form, but the Pigeon Tower was completed already in the 20th century during its reconstruction.

Palace of the Alcazar of the Christian Kings

Alcazar of the Christian Kings - the palace and residence of the Spanish monarchs, famous for its collections of antiquities from ancient rome before recent history XX century.

Cordoba Alcazar (the second name of the castle) occupies next place after the Alcazar in Seville, thanks to the rich history, architecture in gothic style and beautiful gardens. The palace in form is a regular square, based under the influence Arabic architecture, and bears character traits Gothic European style. The fortress was the main symbol of the victory of Christians over Islam.

The halls of the Alcazar are richly decorated with carpets, tapestries, old paintings and furniture from the 16th-17th centuries. Cultural events, wedding ceremonies, presentations and exhibitions are held on the territory of the Cordoba Castle. The Alcazar is open for visits from Tuesday to Sunday, on Mondays and public holidays fortress does not work.

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