Experience the Enchanting Multicultural Fusion in Cordoba: A Day 5 Adventure

[Rainbow R] Córdoba is a city in southern Spain and the capital of the province of Córdoba. Originally an ancient city of the Phoenicians and Carthaginians, it became a Roman colony in the 2nd century BC. From the 8th to the 11th century, it was the capital of the Caliphate of Córdoba, a period of great prosperity for the city.

In the 10th century, Córdoba had 500,000 inhabitants and was the largest city in Western Europe. Since the 12th century, it has been an important military base and railway hub for the Kingdom of Spain.
[Star R] The Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba (p1-8) is a building where Islamic and Christian cultures coexist, with a mixed aesthetic full of contradictions and conflicts.

The reason why the church is not called a church but a mosque is due to its strong Islamic style. It is one of the extremely rare and exquisitely beautiful buildings in the world that blends Catholic and Islamic styles, breaking the traditional mindset that Catholics and Muslims are irreconcilable. Although the Great Mosque has stood for a thousand years and its stone columns and walls have become mottled, this tall golden door still shines brightly.

The mosque is divided into two main parts: the courtyard and the prayer hall. The outer courtyard can be visited for free, while entering the prayer hall requires a ticket.
🏰 Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (p9-11)
A 15-minute walk from the Great Mosque of Córdoba will take you to the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, one of the main residences of the Catholic Monarchs who rewrote Spanish history, also known as the Palace of Córdoba.

The castle is built on three levels, with the upper level being the palace, the middle level consisting of auxiliary buildings and a small mosque, and the lower level being the garden. The interior of the castle is unremarkable, with simple white walls, but climbing to the second floor offers a panoramic view of the entire palace garden.

The highlight is the beautiful Arab-style courtyard, with the garden divided into three fountains surrounded by flowers. In the center of the garden, there is a statue of Queen Isabella and Ferdinand III meeting Columbus. The entire palace is not large and can be toured in about an hour.
🌉 Puente Romano de Córdoba (p12)
Originally built in the 1st century during the Roman era, it was expanded to its current size during the Moorish period (13th to 19th centuries) and is still in use today.

The bridge, constructed of massive stones, has 16 arches. The Roman Bridge at sunset is one of the most beautiful sights in Córdoba. Standing at the southern end of the bridge, the mosque on the opposite bank and the ancient bridge complement each other beautifully.
[Rose R] Calleja de las Flores (p13)
Located in the old Jewish quarter, this is one of the most typical streets in Córdoba.

As its name suggests, the white walls on both sides of the alley are always adorned with seasonal flowers.

For travelers with a passion for flowers and beauty, the Calleja de las Flores is an absolute must-see. During the enchanting Córdoba Patio Festival in May, many of the courtyards here are adorned with vibrant blooms by their owners and opened to the public for free visits. Pro tip: The alley can get quite narrow and crowded, so it’s best to visit early in the morning or later in the evening to fully enjoy the experience.

[Red Book R] Palacio de Viana (p15-16)
The Palacio de Viana is renowned for its 12 exquisite courtyards, each boasting its own unique charm. Orange trees, cypress trees, and a profusion of flowers create a fragrant and picturesque garden scene that delights visitors year-round. The courtyards also feature elegant palm trees, serene fountains, climbing plants that drape over the walls, artfully arranged potted plants, and delicate floating water plants, making every corner a visual feast.