Cordoba
Originally
settled by the Romans due to its high strategic placement
alongside the Guadalquivir River, it became the lifeblood
in and out of southern Spain for the trade routes carrying
important produce such as wheat, olive oil, and wine.
The Roman architecture is evident in the impressive bridge
into Cordoba, El Puente Romano, along with many other
sights in and around the city itself. The city became
the capital of the Moorish kingdom during their reign
and became a major religious centre after the Mezquita,
or Great Mosque, was finally finished after hundreds of
years of refurbishments and enlargements.
The Christians reclaimed the city in the early part of
the 13th century. After being struck by the sheer magnitude
and workmanship that had gone into the Mezquita, they
decided to leave it standing and build their Cathedral
in amongst its columns and arches to make one of the most
interesting structures in the western world. The city
also has many other wonders of the religious and historic
past that has left its mark such as the Alcazar, the Calahorra
Fort, the former Jewish Synagogue that has now become
a museum. There is La Juderia, the Jewish Quarte of the
city with its trademark winding streets, flower scented
plazas, and friendly locals all vying for the coveted
“Most Beautiful Courtyard” competition held every May.
|
