Nowhere else in the world do the cultures of Christianity, Islam and Judaism stand side-by-side the way they do in Cordoba, the former capital of Moorish Spain.


Ruler Abd ar-Rahman II began the construction of Cordoba's Great Mosque, La Mezquita, as an alternative to Mecca. With an original script of the Koran and a bone from the arm of Muhammad, La Mezquita was one of the most sanctified spots in the world.


It's certainly one of the most beautiful, with the multiple columns and Byzantine prayer niche. What makes it unique, however, is the Christian cathedral built inside by Catholic King Ferdinand III, making the Mosque a true synthesis of art, religion and history. Visitors enter through the Patio de los Naranjos, a classic Islamic court which preserves both its orange trees and the fountains for ritual purification before prayer.


North of the Mezquita lies the Juderia, Cordoba's old Jewish quarter, an important world center of Jewish culture in the Spanish Middle Ages. The quarter remains unchanged, just as Seneca and Maimonides saw it, full of narrow streets with white limestone painted houses and charming overhanging balconies overhanging quaint small shops. The best sight is the old Synagogue, built in 1492 and still standing on Judios (Jews) Street. Its walls show the laborious plaster work characteristic of Mudejar art.



Yet another great reason to visit Cordoba is the chance to visit any of the numerous annual festivals, dedicated to various religious figures. Perhaps the most famous is Holy Week, held during Easter. It consists of 32 separate processions and about 60 platform displays with the figures of saints under which thousands of penitents worship. The Crosses of May are also popular, with crosses made of flowers bedecking the public squares and inner courts of local houses.


The month ends with the Fair of Nuestra Señora de la Salud, where the streets are lined with girls dressed in gypsy or typical Cordoba costumes and men on horseback, enjoying the flowing white wine and dancing.

Important Note: Cordoba in July and August can be extremely hot with temperatures reaching over 40 degrees on numerous occassions. So if you are thinking of visiting the city during those months be prepared . The following easy to follow rules aplly: wear very light clothing, stay in the shade as much as possible specially between the hours of 12 and 4 pm and always carry a bottle of fresh cold water, you should drink at least a litre of water every day.

There is an abundace of Hotels with a real authentic Spanish flavour, traditional in design most beautiful to look at and spend a few days exploring the historic city of CORDOBA.

Another top hotel in the area is the Macia Alfraos This stylish, 4-star hotel, built in the Al-Andalus style, is set between Córdobas commercial centre and its main historic sights, all of which are within walking distance. Enjoy the hotel's pool. The Maciá Alfaros' interiors boast ornate patterns, typical tiling, columns and attractive arches. Within the traditional Andalusian courtyard you will find the hotels impressive swimming pool while the second courtyard features aromatic orange trees.

A quite beautiful hotel is the Palacio del Bailio This 5-star hotel occupies a 16th-Century palace in the heart of the ancient city of Córdoba. It has an outdoor pool set in pretty gardens and a luxurious spa. The elegant rooms of the Hospes Palacio del Bailio fuse past and present. Some include original wall paintings, and all have flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. Rich materials such leather and velvet are used throughout the hotel. The bathrooms are particularly luxurious. The Palacio del Bailio offers plenty of space to relax. You can unwind in the flower garden or on the sun terrace surrounded by orange trees. Alternatively, you can enjoy a range of treatments at the hotel's exclusive Bodyna Spa.