Cordoba

Cordoba
In 711 AD, Cordoba - as many other Andalusian cities - was conquered by the Moors. They turned the city into a cultural haven, with plentiful mosques and palaces.

The large Cordoba Mosque was modelled after the one in Damascus, and is a real masterpiece. The surrounding neighbourhood formed the heart of the city.

After the Moors left, Cordoba got a more Christian atmosphere. This resulted a.o. in the construction of a cathedral which had to surpass the mosque in height.

Year Decision Comments
1994Extended"Historic Centre" rather than just the Mosque
1984 Inscribed Reasons for inscription



Visit July 1991

The heat! That is what comes up in my mind when I think of Cordoba. We were roaming around empty streets, visiting sites like a synagogue, when it struck us: what are we doing? The temperature had reached 46 degrees Celsius.

The remaining days in Cordoba we spent at a terrace and in our hotelroom.

Reviews

Ian Cade (England):
The cathedral in Cordoba was the single most impressive monument I saw on my brief trip around western Andalucía. It is one of the greatest architectural achievements I have visited and really is worthy of the great praise and visitors it receives. The famous horseshoe arches are incredible and you can really get a great feel for the architectural forces of the building.
The much-maligned Christian additions to the mosque were also quite impressive, though under restoration when I visited. It was a major tourist attraction but it was surprising how you can lose tour groups in the forest of pillars, you can also get a pretty decent guided tour by just moving from one group to the next never hearing more than a few phrases from each.
Throughout the historic centre it felt quite hard to get away from areas that were touristy and discover a slightly more authentic side to the city. The centre is very reminiscent of North African medinas, but walking through you would sometimes struggle to find clues that the reconquest has happened as everything sells itself on Moroccan themes. It was very nice but a little false. Though the Banos Arabes (Arab Baths) were a nice treat. Also the food was very good, a recommendation goes to Almatea, which had a great selection of local organic produce and a decent vegetarian menu, which can be hard to come by in this part of Spain. It overlooks the Roman bridge, and I have to agree with Philip below that it has been over restored it is just essentially a new bridge.
That said the whole of the centre was well preserved and certainly worthy of a place on the WHS, and the cathedral is exceptional, one of the finest buildings I have visited, so it is worth going out of your way for.
Date posted: November 2008
Adrian Lakomy (Slovakia):
Visited in summer 2007 and must admire this is my most favorite Andalusian site. Before you visit please read some texts about Cordoba, it will help you to understand a bit.
The city has it very own atmosfere which we could feel as we arrived right before sunset. Visiting then the Gardens of Alcazar gives you a great oportunity to feel like an emir :) (on friday night for free). Walking around night in old jewish city through all those narrow street is a great opportunity to breath the city itself.
Next morning we were able to get to Mezquita for free (you have to go there when the mass is happening). This building from outside doesn't look anything special, but once you see all those forrest of pillars you understand. Pillars everywhere are except the site of cathedral built in middle :( Quite unfortunate decision but time approved those two styles can live together.
After this we had delicious Churros on La Plaza de La Corredera - dont miss it - looks similar as Plaza Mayor in Madrid.
For me Cordoba is one of the top sites. Pic: Pillars of Mezquita
 
Philip T.K. (Canada):
On the way to Seville from Madrid, we stopped by Cordoba for a 3 hour visit. The main sites of the town are the Mosque/Cathedral and the Alcazar. We visited both and I was very impressed with what I saw. The former is not only beautiful but gigantic as well. It is interesting to see the mix of Islamic and Christian designs. Restoration work was taking place both on the interior and exterior and it was crowded but I greatly enjoyed my visit regardless. Best of all, there was no admission fee before ten o'clock. The Alcazar was equally amazing with its ancient baths, towers and beautiful garden. At the time of our visit, the Roman bridge was under restoration and could not be crossed. Personally, I have mixed feelings about the restoration. Looking at old pictures, the bridge looked a lot better unrestored. The restoration has dramatically changed its appearance; it looks like it was built just yesterday nowadays. If it could be done again, I would have stayed a lot longer. Unfortunately, I did not have the chance to visit the Jewish quarter and its synagogue (one of only three ancient ones surviving in Spain, the other 2 being in Toledo). Cordoba was a great introduction to Andalusia and I would enjoy two other WHS (Seville and Alhambra) later on which gave me a positive outlook of the region.
 
A. ORiordan (US):
Of all the places I visited in Spain, this area was my favorite. The mosque is absolutely stunning both in beauty and sheer architectural prowess. I was so upset when my camera died and I didn`t get more than 3 pictures!
Though you need to watch for gypsies and pickpockets, wandering around the area a bit is a good idea... if you can, peer into the houses nearby to view their characteristic patio. ...I remember thinking when I went I wanted a house just like those someday.
Date posted: July 2005
Jose Gomes (Portugal):
Impressive Synagogue changed to a Christian church but keeping the Muslin atmosphere. The rest is normal and may be seen in other spanish cities.
Date posted: June 2005


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