Cordoba

This astonishing first century building with its famous rows of two tier arches with mesmerising bands of red and white is an awesome sight. Despite being extensively altered by early Christian settlers it still retains much of the intricacies of the original Islamic structure. Around the Mezquita is the old quarter or Juderia. A maze of narrow streets with white washed buildings and small plazas, it becomes a riot of colour during the spring when flowers burst from the window boxes trailing towards the streets below.

Another magnificent landmark is the Alcazar des los Reyes Cristianos with its fabulous gardens filled with ponds and fountains surrounded by orange trees, flowers and topiary. The city also has several excellent museums including Musco Taurino or Bullfighting Museum, which celebrates Cordoba’s legendary Toreros and the Archaeological Museum Plaza Jeronimo Paez with its extensive collection of Palaeolithic and Islamic artefacts, Iberian stone work and Roman mosaics.

Shopping is also a favourite pastime in Cordoba and the tourist area around Mezquita is an excellent place to find some of the city’s famous leather goods, silver jewellery and distinctive pottery. The Plaza Tendillos is another great place to shop for souvenirs and gifts. Here you will also find several international high street stores and food chains.

Eating out in Cordoba is a most enjoyable experience, with restaurants serving a wide range of cuisine from tapas to burgers, delicious local cuisine to food based on the time of the caliphs. There is a healthy nightlife with most of the music bars and late bars based around the north west of the town. There is also a chance to catch some quality Flamenco at Tablao Cardenal, and the Teatro de Cordoba presents a variety of entertainment including concerts, theatre, dance and occasional film festivals. For those seeking a full nights entertainment, the area around the Avenida Gan Capitan is where to find the best nightclubs, the biggest being Qu. About a half an hour’s ride from the centre you will find Joker Queen, a popular five-room complex catering for all musical tastes. The night usually starts around 12 or 1 am and doesn’t finish until 8am.

Cordoba is a beautiful and unusual city, the modern urban areas to the north contrasting dramatically with the colourful splendour of the old town’s lush parks and diverse architecture. Typically Spanish in so many ways, it is an ideal destination for lovers of city holidays.

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