SPOTLIGHT ON CÓRDOBA

What a deligh�ul city Córdoba is. Charisma�c narrow cobbled streets wind their way between rows of white painted houses leading happy smiling visitors to the many impressive sights of the city which, in earlier �mes, was the home of invading Cartheginians, Romans under the direc�on of the iconic rulers such as Julius Caesar, the less well-known Visigoths, and of course the Moors, who more than any others turned medieval Córdoba into the most advanced and probably most populated city in the known world at the �me.

Under their rule universi�es were born, free schooling was introduced, medical science and philosophy were developed. Today much of the old city walls s�ll stand. Hundreds of small shops have sprung up. Selling amongst other things, the speciali�es of the city, leather goods and filigree silver. The old Roman bridge s�ll straddles the ample waters of the river Guadalquivir as it meanders its way through Córdoba en route to Sevilla and out to the open sea.

Visit the Alcazar, an impressive for�fied palace, with beau�ful gardens, which was once the home of the notorious Catholic monarchs, Isabel and Ferdinand. One of only a few medieval synagogues surviving in Spain is to be found in the Jewish quarter. The famous Córdoba pa�os, filled with stunningly colourful flower displays, are all opened to the public during the annual pa�o fair which is held in the month of May. At other �mes of year these can o�en be glimpsed through the occasional open door or by visi�ng a pa�o restaurant.

Above all in Córdoba you have the unique and incomparable Mezquita. A massive mosque come cathedral. Originally built by the Moors between the years of 784 and 787 A.D. but with the cathedral element added later by the Chris�ans as a result of the Chris�an re-invasion of 1236. Oriental lanterns hang from the ceilings. Hundreds of orange and white striped Islamic arches surround you in every direc�on. You are suddenly engulfed in a fantasy world which was created over one thousand years ago. Then without warning you find yourself in the more sombre cathedral with its beau�fully ornate chapels and sculptured wooden benches.

This architectural coming together of two very different cultures is a unique experience that you are unlikely to be able to enjoy anywhere else in the world. As you step out of the Mezquita back into the buzz of the city, the clip clop of horses hoofs on the cobbled streets as they pull along li�le carriages filled with wide eyed sightseers bring you back from Medieval Córdoba to the pleasant blend of old and new which is Córdoba in the 21st century. A city of Flamenco, guitars, horse drawn carriages, stunning medieval buildings, whitewashed houses, and beau�ful pa�os, which is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the soul.

David’s Coachtrips have various organised trips to Córdoba including the City Trio Trip from 2 - 4 November • Andalucia Trio trip which stays in Cordoba – 24 - 27 October or 14 - 17 November – 249€ pp • Cordoba city trip 2 - 4 November – 185€pp • Cordoba Pa�o fair in May – dates to be advised For more informa�on contact David’s Coachtrips at www.coachtripsonline.com