Córdoba and Sevilla, March 19, 2016

We were off on an optional trip to Cordoba.

It was one place really wanted to go

and I wasn't disappointed







In the tenth century Cordoba was thought to be the most populous city in the world.  It had been conquered by the Moors and became the capital of the Islamic Emirate and then Caliphate of Córdoba, including most of the Iberian Peninsula.  In the 1200's it was retaken by Christians.  As you can see in the picture above, the Romans were there far earlier as well. 










Just coming into Cordoba has a magical feeling









There are many special places in Spain but Cordoba is really special.





It is situated on the  Guadalquivir River








We were met by an excellent local expert who knew everything there was to know about Cordoba.

































Once again we deal with a church that became a mosque that became a cathedral.












Below is the bell tower once the minaret where Muslims once were called to prayer.









Entering the grounds of the Mesquita




























Entering the cathedral or mesquita is just awesome!






These 850 columns date from 786 and are topped with double arches- a round Romanesque arch above a Visigothic horseshoe arch.  The columns were so tall they required the extra bracing the double arches gave.



















I am not going to attempt to give you all the information about this cathedral.









But is totally amazing and it wasn't too crowded when we were there so we were able to appreciate the artistry and beauty.



















































The cathedral was built right in the middle of the mosque.


















































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Below is one of the statutes that would be part of the procession held in Cordoba on Holy Week.




























































When we left the cathedral we were toured through the narrow streets into what was once the Jewish Quarter dating from the late Middle Ages, after Muslim rule and during the Christian Era.
















































































































This is actually the synagogue built in 1315 during a period of religious tolerance, a joint effort by Christian, Jewish, and Muslim craftsmen.























Here is a statue of Malmonides, the famous doctor who was driven out of Cordoba in 1147.






































I was fascinated by this musical instrument he is blowing on and making beautiful music.  I bought one but you may wait awhile for getting a concert from me!





We headed back to Sevilla, arriving in early afternoon.








We got off the bus near the old city










to give us an opportunity to get lost in the beautiful streets







which we did eventually find.











Here we are back at the cathedral









and by the Alcazar where people were lined up to get in.












































We found our way into a lovely plaza




















and of course had a cafe con leche and enjoyed the sunshine.









Then we found our way to the main street to get a taxi back to our hotel.

We ended our day with a flamenco performance with dinner.  Great fun!!