Cordoba

We stopped by Córdoba on our last day in Spain on our way back to Madrid.  It was 108 degrees that day and humid.  I thought I was going to pass out.

Mezquita

The main reason we came, of course, was to visit the Mezquita, which means mosque in Spanish. It’s also called the Catedral de Cordoba.  It is a former Islamic mosque, and since 1236 a Catholic Christian cathedral.  It is regarded as the one of the most accomplished monuments of Islamic architecture and its construction commenced in 785, when Abd-ar-Rahman established Cordoba as capital of al-Andalus.

The Roman Bridge with the Mezquita in the background

Patio de los Naranjos

Walking around the city

We loved the Calleja de las Flores, which is a narrow little street lined with flower pots.

Lunch

After walking around for a bit in this heat, I was turning into a major grump.  And, hungry too.  You know when you’re really hungry, but can’t figure out where to go?  Yep, that’s how it was.  Luckily, without wasting too much time, we stumbled onto a great place called Bodegas Mezquita.

It was such a relief to walk into this restaurant with air conditioning.  We really enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. That Alhambra beer got sucked down in a hurry…very refreshing.  Did I mention it was a hot day?

Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

After lunch, we wanted to try to see the Alcázar de Reyes Crisitianos, or Palace of the Christian Kings in English. We showed up at the ticket window only to discover that we didn’t have enough cash and they didn’t take credit cards.  So, off we went in the blazing, searing heat to find an ATM.  I’m walking around with my umbrella to try to keep my pasty skin from burning, while looking like a complete tool at the same time.

Finally, we’re able to enter the palace and gardens.  But, truly, it was so hot that I just didn’t enjoy it.  We did a lap around the gardens and I haphazardly fired a few pictures from my hip while trying to hold my umbrella at the same time, too hot and wilted to even care.

An interesting fact about this places is that it was here that Queen Isabella heard Christopher Columbus’ pitch before his historic journey to the Americas.

 Travel Tips

• If you are coming for a day trip, you can park on the opposite side of the Roman Bridge from the Mezquita.  I read this somewhere and it worked great for us.  It’s a small neighborhood on that side and you can find street parking.  Much better than driving right up to the cathedral and not finding anything.  It’s a short walk across the bridge and this way you get to see the bridge as well.
• Definitely, check out Bodegas Mezquita for lunch or dinner.  We really enjoyed it!
• Visit the Calleja de las Flores and check out one of the leather shops on this street (I think?) or nearby.
• Check open days and times for the Mezquita and Alcazar before you visit.