Cordoba is an exceptional city; it is one of the most beautiful places in Spain and a UNESCO world heritage site due to it's large, well-conserved historical old town.

The Cordoba Mosque (Mezquita)

Chosen by the Prince of Omeya, Abd-al Rahman I in 716 as the capital of the Kingdom of Al-andalus, Cordoba became the most dazzling city of the known world. Under the Omeyan Reign Cordoba was at the height of it's cultural and commercial powers and had a considerable population.

At this time the famous Cordoba Mosque (Mezquita) was completed and was considered the greatest monument of the Western Arab World, and on the outskirts of the city (6 km away) the luxurious city of Medina Azahara was built for Abd ar-Rahman III. It's name means 'City of Azahar' and it was built in honour of Azahara, the Califa's favourite wife.

The Judería

Moreover la Judería, the Jewish quarter where the Mezquita and the Alcázar can be found, is the most important sector of Cordoba artistically and historically speaking, as it contains a large number of monuments, such as the Synagogue and the Puerta de Almodóvar.

Also in this district is the Gothic style Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos. The construction of this palace began in 1328 by order of Alfonso XI. The Catholic Monarchs, Fernando and Isabel, lived there for eight years and received Christopher Columbus there during his visit. The most beautiful part of the Alcázar is probably it's magnificent gardens but there are also Roman mosaics, Royal baths and vaults to be seen.

Cordoba should be discovered on foot, through the narrow streets until you stumble upon patios with dozens of flowerpots containing the most colourful and fragrant flowers.

The Guadalquivir River dissects Cordoba, running alongside most of the built-up areas as well as the Campo de la Verdad and monuments such as the Torre de la Calahorra.

The squares (plazas) of Cordoba are another important feature of the city and range from the red-brick Corredera, once a stage for bullfights, to the simple beauty of the Capuchinos, with it's Cristo de los Faroles. There are also the Renaissance delights of the Plaza del Potro, fountains and buildings such as the Museum of Fine Arts or the Julio Romero de Torres Museum. There are various other museums in the city, for example the Museum of Archaeology or the Bullfighting Museum.

Cordoba in May

Cordoba really lets its hair down for the local festivals in spring. Of course spring comes early in southern Spain with people taking to the streets in fancy dress for the Carnival in February. Soon afterwards, Easter is celebrated with candle-lit processions through the city streets. The month of May consists of a succession of local festivals including the festival of the crosses (cruces), the wine-tasting festival (la cata), the patios festival.

The Recruitment Fair coincides with the largest of these events, the local fair (feria) with traditional local dances and partying into the small hours, which makes this a special time to visit the city.