If you live in Spain or come from outside but have the opportunity to go to the south, the city of Córdoba should be a must-visit. Not only because it is one of the corners of the Iberian Peninsula most full of history, but also because here you will find architecture of singular beauty and places that seem straight out of the tales of the Arabian Nights. Prepare your weekend trip y get to know Córdoba, because you will be glad you did.
This Andalusian city has a lot what to see and do, among other charming places we recommend you visit the Jewish quarter, Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs, Royal Baths of Doña Leonor, Palace of La Merced and the Torre de Calahorra. Don't forget to stroll through the impressive patios of Cordoba and, of course, by the Roman bridge. Also visit the cathedral of cordoba and let yourself be seduced by his typical food.
What to see and do in Córdoba
In this article we are going to show you these beautiful places one by one, so that you know something about their history when you visit. Are you ready for enjoy a getaway or weekend trip spectacular?
Getting to know the Jewish Quarter
Each city has its most popular neighborhood, the one that keeps within its walls the part of its history that left its people the most marked, even though hundreds of years have passed since then and that still allows the visitor to breathe and soak up the memories that wander in. the air in the form of energy that each visitor feels with more or less intensity.
In the case of Córdoba, this neighborhood is from the Jewish Quarter. A historic neighborhood made up of stone streets that transports us to medieval times. Along these streets it seems that no time has passed, because their houses are whitewashed, you find the synagogues or what remains of them that are now occupied by churches and, if you look inside their houses, you find shady patios full of color and charm, like the entire street, which the neighbors decorate with colorful pots.
A walk through the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs
El Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs It is called that because it was the residence of the monarchs during the time of the Reconquista. It has Roman origins and, if you like art history, you will be able to admire in its architecture details from several of its historical stages such as Gothic, Mudejar and also Renaissance elements.
It is a palace made to rest and relax and, for this purpose, it is full of fountains and ponds that relax with the sound of its waters and adorned with lots of vegetation to delight the senses.
The Royal Baths of Doña Leonor
During your visit to the Alcázar, be sure to also see the Royal Baths of Doña Leonor. Of Mudejar origin, these bathrooms are just below one of the halls of the palace, specifically, under the mosaic hall. They are Arab baths, with barrel vaults and eight-point star-shaped skylights on the ceiling.
It has four rooms: the changing room, the cold room, the warm room and the hot room.
The Palace of Mercy
El palace of Mercy It is another of those beautiful spaces that Córdoba has among its treasures and that can still be admired, fortunately for us. Currently, it has been used as the headquarters of the Provincial Council and you can go inside to see it.
Baroque in style, this old convent that belonged to the order of La Merced, is built in two phases and as a dividing axis it has an impressive church whose construction dates back to 1745. In it, in addition to giving free rein to your religious fervor if you you have, you can admire what is considered the best altarpiece in Córdoba.
If you want to come see it, this palace is very close to the Plaza de Colón.
A look at the river from the Roman Bridge
El Roman bridge was built in the 1st century BC, although it has undergone different modifications throughout history, so the one you see now is not the initial one. It is made up of 16 arches, four of which are pointed and the rest are semicircular arches. In the XNUMXth century, the statue of San Rafael, patron saint of Córdoba, was placed.
Calahorra Tower
We continue our route through Córdoba visiting the Calahorra Tower. It is located right at the southern end of the Roman Bridge, so you can't miss it either. Formerly it served as defense and control of the city against invaders.
It is worth going up to see it, because in the 20th century it was declared a historical artistic monument. And so that it does not fall into oblivion, it is being used as the headquarters of the Living Museum of al-Andalus.
Fill yourself with positive energy seeing the patios of Córdoba
The people of Córdoba love flowers and to confirm this you only have to walk around the neighborhood and see the patios decorated with brightly colored flowers. They are so important that every year they celebrate a patio festival that has been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Another point of reflection: the Cathedral of Córdoba
After replenishing energy in the patios, we have to visit the Cathedral. Because you cannot leave Córdoba without knowing this monument. Not only for the people of Córdoba, but the Cathedral Mosque of Córdoba It is considered the most important monument in the world for the Islamic West. It consists of several extensions and also style details from different cultures that have passed through here over time.
Umayyad, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque are the styles that can be seen within its walls.
What is the typical food of Córdoba?
So much walking and learning about history has made us burn calories, so it is also time to enjoy the typical food of Cordoba. You won't leave hungry, because they have spectacular, very typical dishes, like salmorejo with ham and egg, fried eggplants with honey and, of course, the Cordoba flamenquin. Be sure to try the latter, especially if you are a good eater. And, to top it off, a dessert, like the cider-filled Cordoban cake that is tempting for those with a sweet tooth.
Get to know Córdoba and enjoy its beauty and history, without forgetting its gastronomy. Start planning your weekend trip to this city with history and charm.