Cordoba  

Cordoba was the largest and most important city in Western Europe thanks to the mighty River Guadalquivir.  It was a lively and wealthy city founded by the Romans who transported olive oil and wheat back to Rome from their power base.

The enormous Roman Bridge El Puente Romano still straddles the Rio Guadalquivir. Later Cordoba became the capital of the Moorish kingdom known as El Andalus, and work began on the Mezquita which after many improvements and additions became Islam’s largest Mosque. 

The jewel in the crown is without a doubt the enormous and magnificent Mezquita, the original mosque was altered by the Christians and is now Cordoba’s cathedral which holds regular services. Entering the Mezquita is exciting and evocative of the past, a fabulously preserved glimpse into the Moorish customs of the need for cleanliness before prayer in one of the most amazing Islamic buildings ever. 

Although ships cannot sail up to the city nowadays, after centuries of neglect Cordoba has become one of Andalucia’s most prominent towns once again. It’s a beautiful city with narrow streets and hidden patios at every turn. 

Other notable monuments to visit are the Alcazar a fortress built in 1328 by the Christians, the Calahorra Fort, originally a Muslim building guarding the Roman Bridge, and the medieval Jewish synagogue in the Jewish quarter or La Juderia with pretty little plazas like the Plaza de Potro. 

It would be hard to find another place with such wildly extravagant flower filled patios as Córdoba.  Visit in early May and you’ll come across the Cruces del Mayo - The Crosses of May followed by the Festival de los patios and the last week in May is the Feria de Mayo. 

Your first stop should be one of tourist information offices to ask for a map of the city which has all the patios entered into the best patio competition marked. Then take a bottle of water and a long and leisurely stroll around the narrow back streets to find each impressive patio that is riot of colour with plants and flowers oozing out of pots, wells and any type of container imaginable.      

The narrow maze-like streets are a joy to lose yourself in, have an aimless wander at your own pace. Try out one or two of the bars that are open from early morning until late at night. Try a tapa or two to keep you going or several as a complete meal. 

If you’re looking for souvenirs or presents to take home take a look at the traditional crafts of embossed leather cuero repujado, local pottery and the silver jewellery (especially the filigree.) Not forgetting the array of flamenco dresses on sale, any little girls dream dress. 

Experience some real local fare in Restaurante Puerta-Sevilla a unique and atmospheric setting in a typical 200 year- old plant filled patio that serves wonderful traditional food. 

For a real indulgent treat you could take a soak in the Arab baths along with a massage with aromatherapy oils and an array of herb teas or the traditional Moorish mint tea to complete your hour and a half of relaxation.  

If you're a garden lover  the botanical gardens are worth a visit with its glass houses, fossil exhibition, sensory garden and rose gardens.

After this a well-deserved sit down with a foot- tapping hand-clapping  evening at an exciting Flamenco show, the best place to go is the Tableo Cardinal where you can reserve a table for an exhilarating display of dance, song and guitar skills. Be mesmerised, transported for a while as the rhythm and beat consume your thoughts and emotions. 

Throughout its long and bloody history, its change of peoples and religions Cordoba’s metamorphosis has produced a vibrant beautiful city – one not to be missed.