Historical Sights At Cordoba, Andalucia
Córdoba is one of Andalucia’s magnificent cities with its many breathtaking sights that contain a colorful history, like the amazing Mezquita. This city was set up by the Romans who wanted to position Córdoba as a navigational point on the River Rio Guadalquivar because of its strategic location; the Romans meant to boost Córdoba into one of its more significant ports as they saw great potential in Córdoba.
Indeed, there was a lot of shipping activity that involved the trading of Spanish produce like olive oil, wheat and wine to Rome during those days. The now renowned “El Puente Romano” was the Romans’ impressive bridge over the Rio Guadalquivar to make their presence felt then and sometimes, now.
However, the Arabs arrived in great force and dominated Córdoba for some years between 711 and 1263 AD, building their exquisite Mezquita or mosque in 784 AD.
It was world renowned in the 10th century as the world’s largest mosque but Córdoba was re-conquered by the Christian Re-conquest in 1236. The Christians appreciated the exquisite beauty of the Mezquita and added on their cathedral lined with equally splendid arches and columns. Today, this unique mosque-cathedral structure displays an architectural beauty that is second to none for its awesomeness and inspiring beauty.
After the Moslem and Christian conquests, the Jewish influence came on in the ancient quarters of Córdoba. An elaborate network of winding and narrow streets formed in that section of the town with beautifully maintained shady courtyards and patios that were lined with colorful flowers. Picturesque squares like the La Plaza were beautiful sights for the locals and visitors.
Today, in early May, the locals hold the most beautifully decorated courtyard competition to continue this tradition; patios and courtyards are ornately decorated with an abundance of beautiful and fresh flowers of various colors. These decorated patios and courtyards are then opened to the public for viewing before they are voted for the grand prize.
Attractions
There are many natural landscapes in Córdoba that visitors can enjoy, like the beautiful gardens at the Alcazar Reyes which is the town’s ancient palace. Further south of the town, is the museum Vivo de Al-Andalus which houses many interesting Roman pieces and architectural beauty. This serves as an excellent starting point when touring Córdoba as the history is recorded in many languages, helping you to understand and appreciate its humble beginnings.
You can climb up to the top of the museum, which is a tower, for a great view of Córdoba. You can also view two ancient water mills of Arabic influence; one of which is quite functional with its restored waterwheel. The city’s archeological museum holds many interesting finds around the region which tell great stories of the past. This museum is a transformed Renaissance palace; European citizens enjoy free entrance. You will have a blast there.