Córdoba, a city of orange blossom and black eyes, whose silhouette embraces the Guadalquivir. The wisdom which can be found throughout this land has been passed down through the generations of the different peoples who have, since remote times, inhabited the region. From prehistoric settlements, passing through the Romans, Jews and Moslems, Cordoba has been a crossroads of cultures and races, providing it with outstanding monuments and a singular legacy of wisdom. So much so in fact that in 1994 UNESCO declared the Historic District, which is the largest in Europe, as a World Heritage Site.
It is precisely this mix of cultures which brought the world figures such as Seneca, Maimonides, Averroes, Luis de Gongora and Julio Romero de Torres, making visits to Cordoba an unbeatable experience. Moving from one era to another is as simple as turning a street corner or moving from the impressive naves of the Mosque to enter the magnificent Christian Cathedral.
Its privileged geographical location at the foot of the Sierra Morena mountain range allows the city of Córdoba to enjoy notable natural surroundings including the mountains, with their hermitages, fountains and villages, and the river Guadalquivir. The province has three Natural Parks with a wide range of Mediterranean flora and fauna. Cordoba is an incredibly rich place for hunting, whilst its many waterways provide perfect fishing opportunities.
Horseriding is deep-rooted in Cordoba character, and can be found at popular festivities, sports and shows. Indeed the Caballerizas Reales de Córdoba (Royal Stables), founded by Felipe II, brought about, conserved and improved the Spanish thoroughbred.
The city has wonderful facilities for nature research and displays, such is the Botanic Gardens, which are amongst the best in Europe.
Holy week in Cordoba sees some of the oldest Brotherhoods in Spain, although it is in May when the city comes alive with colours, aromas and festivities: the crosses, grilles, balconies and traditional patios, which are open to the public, compete to be the most beautiful. In addition, the Wine Tasting event is held and we celebrate the Festivities of Our Lady of Health.
During the summer, Cordoba offers a wide ranging cultural programme, beginning with the International Guitar Festival, and including theatre, flamenco, soirees and different performances at squares and venues throughout the Historic District. Moreover, the Gran Teatro de Córdoba provides an ongoing programme of opera, concerts, dance, theatre, etc, with the finest shows in the country.When it comes to eating, Cordoba enjoys a well-earned reputation. Cordoba cuisine is the result of a mix of different gastronomic traditions (Jewish, Arab and Christian), all using the outstanding virgin olive oil of our region. Whether eating out at a restaurant or a typical tavern, the generous Montilla-Moriles wines should never be missing.
The traditional artisan products of the region are jewellery, especially silver filigrees, and leatherwear, such as cordwain and gilt-leather panels.
Córdoba, with all that is now available, is no longer, as the poet one said, “far-off and solitary”. Cordoba now has outstanding transport infrastructure, just an hour and a half from Madrid on the AVE high-speed train, 40 minutes from Seville and its international airport, and with road and rail communications with all the main cities in Andalusia. |
