The Jewish Quarter
A maze of narrow streets leads to the oldest district in Cordoba, the Juderia or Jewish quarter, which stands on the area formerly occupied by the Moorish medina and contains the most emblematic monuments in the city. This route begins at the Puente Romano [Roman Bridge] over the River Guadalquivir which dates from the 1st century BC. The bridge links the Tower of La Calahorra, which houses the History Museum, with the Puerta del Puente gate. Further left, is a monument known as El Triunfo de San Rafael.
Cathedral-Mosque
Declared a World Heritage Site. Cordoba´s Cathedral Mosque reflects Cordoba´s former influence in terms of power and prosperity. It has a mixture of artistic styles which spans nine centuries, the time it took to build. The works begun by Adb al-Rathman 1st in 785 and then continued by numerous Umayyad rulers, with the most spectacular reforms being carried out by Al-Hakam 2nd. However after the Christian conquest of the city by Fernando 3rd, the Muslim place of worship was converted into a Cathedral, with the construction of the Main Chapel, the Christian temple itself, and the tower over the minaret. Opposite this magnificent monumental jewel stands the old Hospital Mayor de San Sebastian which is today a Congress and Exhibition Centre, and adjoins the Diocesan Museum of Fine Arts. Nearby is the Molino de la Albolafia mill.
Alcazar de los reyes christianos
A fortressed palace which served as the residence of caliph´s and Christian monarchs, that the conquest of the Nasrid kingdom of Granada and Columbus' voyage of discovery were planned. This Historic Monument, which is surrounded by beautiful gardens, retains its original Keep, towers such as El Leon and Los Jardines, a valuable collection of Roman mosaics, and the Royal Baths. Behind the Alcazar, next to the Caliphs' Baths, near to the parts of the old wall which are still standing, we come to the old Royal Stables, and San Basilio, a traditional quarter whose plant-filled patios are rated amongst the best in a competition which takes place in May.
A melting pot of cultures
The Mosque and its surroundings. An area whose monuments reflect the city´s multicultural character faithfully. The Jewish Synagogue, which together with the one in Toledo are the only two remaining in Spain. Is next to the Zoco de artesania (the crafts market), the squares named, Plaza Tiberiades and Plaza Malmonides – which houses the Bullfighting Museum – the Old Hospital del Cadenal Salazar, the Mudejar Chapel of San Bartolomé, the Convent of San Pedro de Alcantara, the Church of La Trinidad and the Casa de los Guzmanes. Following the route through this area, we come to a series of beautiful lanes, such as that of Las Flores, and squares like the Plaza de Seneca - with traditional taverns which serve tapas - from which we can admire the minaret on Plaza de San Juan. Nearby are the Arab Baths of Santa Marfa, from which it is possible to make out interesting buildings such as the Casa del Indiano, the baroque Convent Church of La Encarnacion, the Santa Clara Mosque, and the Palace of Los Paez, which houses the Provincial Archaeological Museum.
Around the Plazas
Through Calle San Fernando, the old commercial heart of the city, where we find a fountain with rwo water spouts the Arco del Portillo, a gate which provided access to the plebeian Ajerquia from the noble Almendina. In the Muslim period both districts were separated by a wall which still retains the reformed tower crowing the House of the Marqueses de Caprio.
Medieval Period.
Through the Calle Lucano we come to a beautiful architectural complex complex dating from the medieval period which surrounds the Plaza del Potro, a square decked with a fountain of the same name. The complex includes the Church of San Francisco y San Eulogio de la Ajerquia , which was founded in the 13th century as a Monastery dedicated to San Pedro el Real, the Posada del Potro, an inn in which Miguel de Cervantes stayed, and the Old Hospital of La Caridad which houses the Fine Arts and the Julio Romero de Torres museums.