On our third and final day of our road trip, we visited Cordoba which is
more or less on the way back to Madrid. It was good to break up the
car trip, too. Leo can only handle so much car-seat time!
Our first stop was to El Alcazar (yes, it seems that each major city had an El Alcazar!) It is located in the historic center of Córdoba next to the Guadalquivir River and near the Grand Mosque (Mezquita).
We walked along this bridge which spans the Guadalquivir River.
Our next stop was to visit the Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba. It has a very interesting history because it has been both a mosque and cathedral at various times. Originally built in the 8th century, Córdoba returned to Christian rule in 1236 and the building was converted to a Roman Catholic church, culminating in the insertion of a Renaissance cathedral nave in the 16th century.
And the controversy isn't over! Since the early 2000s, Spanish Muslims have lobbied the Roman Catholic Church to allow them to pray in the cathedral. This Muslim campaign has been rejected on multiple occasions, both by the church authorities in Spain and by the Vatican.
The structure is regarded as one of the most accomplished monuments of Moorish architecture.
We found the last remaining ancient synagogue in Cordoba (one of only 3 in Spain--the other 2 in Toledo). It is a single small room with beautiful carvings.
Our first stop was to El Alcazar (yes, it seems that each major city had an El Alcazar!) It is located in the historic center of Córdoba next to the Guadalquivir River and near the Grand Mosque (Mezquita).
Leo and Adam walking along the ramparts
View from the ramparts
Mosaic
Gate into the El Alcazar
In the beautiful gardens
There was no sign, but this looked like Christopher Columbus, Queen Isabela and King Ferdinand to me!
Beautiful shaped hedges/pillars
As we were leaving El Alcazar, this man was passing out flyers for a evening show. He (and the horse) were dressed beautifully.
Our next stop was to visit the Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba. It has a very interesting history because it has been both a mosque and cathedral at various times. Originally built in the 8th century, Córdoba returned to Christian rule in 1236 and the building was converted to a Roman Catholic church, culminating in the insertion of a Renaissance cathedral nave in the 16th century.
And the controversy isn't over! Since the early 2000s, Spanish Muslims have lobbied the Roman Catholic Church to allow them to pray in the cathedral. This Muslim campaign has been rejected on multiple occasions, both by the church authorities in Spain and by the Vatican.
The structure is regarded as one of the most accomplished monuments of Moorish architecture.
Extremely vast and beautiful interior
3-D painting/fresco of Christian aid
Ceiling
Nave
Illuminated center of nave
After lunch, we explored the Jewish Quarter which is, sadly, just a series of charming, commercial streets.
We found the last remaining ancient synagogue in Cordoba (one of only 3 in Spain--the other 2 in Toledo). It is a single small room with beautiful carvings.
View of women's balcony
Leo and his friend Rambam (Maimonides)
Is it just me but doesn't Leo look like Adam when he was a babe? xo M&M
ReplyDeleteAny changes for NZ plans after last earthquakes?
ReplyDeleteWhat a great time you must have had with Leo. Starting his education early. He will definitely inherit the travel bug!
ReplyDeleteExquisite photos. How wonderful that you found the ancient Synagogue in Cordoba.