Córdoba

Population: ~ 308.000

Time difference to London - Time zone GMT/UTC: 1 hour (+/- changes due summertime/daylight saving)

Climate, weather: 12ºC - 17ºC (57ºF - 65ºF) from November to March, 24ºC - 26ºC (75ºF - 85ºF) in April and October, and 32ºC - 36ºC (87ºF - 97ºF) from May to September cool and rain during the winter and hot in the summer with perfect spring and fall weather.

Cordoba was founded by the Romans and due to its strategic importance as the highest navigable point of the Guadalquivir River, it became a port city of great importance, used for shipping Spanish olive oil, wine and wheat back to Ancient Rome.

The Romans built the mighty bridge crossing the river, now called El Puente Romano. But Cordoba's hour of greatest glory was when it became the capital of the Moorish kingdom of El-Andalus and one of the three Caliphates of Islam, and the building of the Great Mosque, or Mezquita. The Moores also built a university and library for study and learning.

Córdoba (Spain) - Things to See:

The Roman Bridge

The Mezquita – The Great Mosque

The Alcazar

The Jewish Quarter and Synagogue

The flower filled Patios

Córdoba (Spain) - Local Fiestas and Festivals:

Patio Contest (First weeks of May)

Medieval Quarter

Cordoba's medieval quarter, once the home of the Jewish community, is called "La Judería" (The Jewish Quarter), a labyrinth of winding, narrow streets, shady flower-filled courtyards and picturesque squares such as La Plaza del Potro. In early May, homeowners proudly adorn their patios with flowers to compete for the city's "most beautiful patio" contest.

Becoming Christian ...

When the city was reconquered by the Christians in 1236, the new rulers of the city were so awed by its beauty of the Mezquita that they left it standing, building their cathedral in the midst of its rows of arches and columns, and creating the extraordinary church-mosque we see today. As well as the unique mosque-cathedral, Cordoba's treasures include the Alcazar, or Fortress, built by the Christians in 1328 and the Calahorra Fort originally built by the Arabs, which guards the Roman Bridge. On the far side of the river from the Mezquita, stands the ancient Jewish Synagogue which is now a museum.

Search for more information on Córdoba/Spain:

Links Córdoba:

» www.ayuncordoba.es

Town hall of Cordoba/Spain (Web site in Spanish only)

» www.guitarracordoba.com

Every June Córboba converts into the "City of the guitar".