Córdoba

After our 4 nights in Granada we opted for 4 nights in Córdoba.  Again, for those wanting Camino information, this is another town on the Camino Mozárabe.

A Camino Mozárabe sign, near the Roman bridge.

The entrance to Puente Romano, or Roman Bridge,  dating from the first century. 

Looking across the Puente Romano towards the Cathedral,  which is in the centre of the mosque.

Puente Romano 

I was very keen to go to Córdoba to see the Mezquita, the Spanish name for mosque.  The building of the Great Mosque of Córdoba, as it is historically known, began in 785, but was expanded numerous times after that.  

The exterior of the mosque

A "door" inside the mosque

The mozarabic arches are very beautiful, visible as far as the eye can see, in every direction

It is a massive building, originally built to hold 5,000 people under the one roof.  It was enlarged to increase numbers to 9,000, then 23,000 until it reached its maximum size and, eventually, could hold 40,000 worshippers.  This was its size when the Christians conquered Córdoba in 1236 and subsequently built a Cathedral inside the mosque.  I haven't been able to find out if its size now is the same as then, but inside it is difficult to see across the building from one side to the other.

The Cathedral roof

One of the many chapels within the Mezquita 

Just some of the tourists visiting the Cathedral. 

The bell tower was built over a damaged minaret, and completed in 1694

The king at the time, Charles V, gave permission for a Cathedral to be built within the mosque, but it is said that he later came to regret it, saying:-  "You have built what you or others might have built anywhere, but you have destroyed something that was unique in the world",

Today locals who attend Mass in the Cathedral will often say that they are going to Mass in the Mosque.  Although it is, historically, a mosque, it is only Christians who are allowed to worship there.  Muslims are not permitted to worship there, and have a smaller mosque not far away to do so.

Our visit to Córdoba coincided with the residue of  storm Laurence, which meant we had cloudy days, sometimes with drizzle.  We also had a bird's eye view of the  Guadalquivir River which was flowing fast  and high.  

Puerta del Puenta, a Renaissance bridge,  built in the 16th Century, to commemorate the visit of Philip II

There is an old Roman bridge crossing the  Guadalquivir River, and it was a hive of activity at night, with all the locals out checking the flooded river.  

A flooded riverside pathway, invisible under the water.

The Jewish quarter in the old part of town is a maze of narrow, winding streets lined with ancient buildings.  It was a treat to meander through these streets, exploring the little stores, bars and restaurants. 

I am way behind with this blog.  I will try and catch up over the next few days.  It is so nice to be in Spain, and to spend time with Carol.  My foot is going great guns, walking between 10 and 12kms most days!