Andalucia Day 41 Cordoba

An early start because the Mezquita Cathedral in Cordoba is free from 8.30 to 9.30, after which it costs 10 euros. It's a brisk morning walk and is just getting light when we arrive, there are quite a few people waiting.

We go in. It takes my breath away, for 30/40 minutes all I can do is wander around in awe at the beauty and enormity of the Mezquita, the columns, the red and white arches, the qibla, the Gothic part, everything, a concentration of beauty through the ages in one space, it alone would be worth the journey. At half past nine free visitors have to leave although we stop for the service in the choir.

After that we see the Roman bridge, it's pleasant to walk across the river in the morning sunshine, we go walk along the other side of the river and back across the other bridge. When we get back to our starting point we  go past the Alcazaba which we are keeping for Thursday and have a look in at the Caballerizas Reales de Cordoba. The shows are quite exepensive and we are not that interetsted in horses but in the entrance to the right, in an old stable there is an exhibition of carriages which is free to visit and interesting to look at. We then continue our walk to the San Basilio Barrio, having a look at some of the patios, wandering around much as we feel like it knowing we will be back tomorrow too. Many of the patios are free to visit because there are small craft shops or because they are private patios which can be glimpsed from behind the railings, some are private but can be visited for a small voluntary donation. All have the characteristics of flowing water, flowers and the blue and white which is typical of Cordoba.

We then walk back through the Jewish Quarter which is the busiest part of Cordoba with lots of eateries, souvenir shops and tourists thronging its narrow streets. However, it's the end of October and getting on for twelve so the busiest time but as soon as you get off the main street you are practically alone. 
We head on towards Plaza de la Corredera, the main square in Cordoba, but which is already off the main tourist route. The square dates back to the late 17th century and is unusual, surrounded on three sides by identical four storey buildings with balconies above and arches at ground level. Cordoba's market used to be held there, as well as bullfights and other events. Now it is full of bars and restaurants but for lunch we head up a side street where we have a couple of tapas followed by a flamequin,a typical dish of Cordoba, a sort of enormous meat croquette. It was interesting to try but we won't be repeating the experience. We find a quiet corner with a bench for a rest in the shade and then head back to the centre. In one of the shops in a street behind the Mezquita we find Cruz Conde wine at double or three times the price we paid, which seems excessive.

Cordoba has a beautiful historical centre, white houses, sandstone pale yellow monuments, clean, flowers everywhere, there are also big parks or paseos just outside the centre and we walk back along those to the campsite towards evening and sleep well.

Kilometres by car: 0

Kilometres on foot: 18
Day 2 in Cordoba
Day 3 in Cordoba
Free things to do in Cordoba (scroll down after Jaen)