Córdoba: A Visit To The Mezquita And The Alcázar

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The Puente Romano over the Guadalquivir River in Córdoba, Spain,  just as it started to rain...again.

The narrow streets of La Judería, the former Jewish center of Córdoba

Geraniums growing everywhere.

Winding streets that connect to more winding streets, until you get lost

Evening light: Bougainvillea, Cypress trees and a bell tower.

The Mezquita: Former Muslim Mosque, now Christian Cathedral

The intersection of Muslim and Christian architecture

Muslim arches

Arches as far as the eye can see.

The Christian Chapel, built inside the former Mosque

Moorish tiles and Christian painting

The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, the former palace 

Palace gardens with orange trees

Perhaps the most interesting stop on our trip through Spain so far has been Córdoba, Spain. Much like Toledo, the City traces its history back to the Romans. The City was then taken over by Visigoths in the late 6th Century, before it was captured by the Umayyad Caliphate in the eighth century. King Ferdinand III of Castile recaptured the city in 1236 during the Christian Reconquest of Spain.

There is much to see in Córtoba, especially its historic center, which includes the former Jewish section. The medieval Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, the primary residences of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, is particularly lovely, especially its garden, which was in full bloom during our visit.

The Mezquita, however, was a real revelation. Built on the site of a Visigoth church, it was first a mosque, before being converted into a cathedral after the Christian Reconquest.  It represents the ultimate adaptive re-use of a beautiful structure. The former mosque's minaret was turned into a bell tower, and an elaborate Christian chapel built right inside the mosque.

The various styles make this edifice quite unique and stunning.

The next stop on our trip is Sevilla. More soon.

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