Cordoba during the11th century was one of the most important capitals in Europe. Jews, Muslims and Christians - were living peacefully together, and important philosophers, scientists and artists emerged from here.

Cordoba's Mezquita is the most beautiful mosque ever constructed by the Moors in Spain. It stands right in the centre of the city, surrounded by the old Jewish and Moorish quarters. When the Christians reconquered the city they were so overwhelmed by its beauty that they built the Cathedral within the Mosque.

As well as the unique mosque-cathedral, Cordoba's treasures include the Alcazar, or Fortress, built by the Christians in 1328; the Calahorra Fort, originally built by the Arabs, which guards the Roman Bridge, on the far side of the river from the Mezquita, and the ancient Jewish Synagogue, now a museum. Cordoba's medieval quarter, once the home of the Jewish community, is called "La Judería" (The Jewry), a labyrinth of winding, narrow streets, shady flower-filled courtyards and picturesque squares such as La Plaza del Potro. In early May, homeowners proudly decorate their patios with flowers to compete for the city's "most beautiful courtyard" contest.

It was at the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos that Columbus first requested funding for his renowned journey. The beautiful gardens of the Alcázar are well worth a visit. The buildings were the former residence of the Inquisition and today host one of the largest complete Roman mosaics in existence.

At the heart of the tiny streets which make up Córdoba's old Jewish quarter, Juderia, is one of Spain's few remaining synagogues. Only three survived the Jewish expulsions of 1492 .

The quaint old square, Plaza del Potro, is mentioned in Don Quixote, apparently Cervantes himself stayed at the inn opposite. A pleasant break from the summer heat having a drink under the orange trees.

The ayuntamiento (town hall) building lies on the site of a ruined Roman temple which is under constant restoration. Nearby the Corredera has undergone impressive reconstruction in the last few years. This square has been a Roman amphitheatre, the site of Inquisition burnings, a bullring, a hangout for Cordoba's druggies and is now the city's answer to Madrid's Plaza Mayor where thousands of people flock to on New Years Eve to see in the New Year.

The countryside of Cordoba province is extremely varied, from rolling plains around Cordoba city, the Guadalquivir basin and south to Seville province, to awesome mountain ranges with jagged peaks in the north and west. Dotted around the province are many whitewashed villages with Baroque churches, Moorish castles and flower-adorned courtyards.

It´s a region famous for both its dry white wines, similar to sherry but fruitier and produced mainly from the Pedro Xímenez grape, and olive oil; vineyards and olive groves being a characteristic feature of the landscape, especially south of Cordoba.

Olive oil, being produced in big quantities around Cordoba, is an important ingredient of many typical dishes.Gazpacho and Salmorejo, delicious and refreshing cold soups made mainly of mashed vegetables and olive oil, are the indispensable first dish during the hot season. Equally essential is jamon, or cured ham. Salchichon de Pozo Blanco, a typical sausage, Caña de Lomo and Morcilla, blood sausage, are more specialities.
Despite of the hot climate, there are of course warm dishes to choose from.Try especially the ragouts of oxtail, Estofado de Rabo de Buey, and of lamb, Cordero en Caldereta.

The desserts are most typically of Arabian influences: Alfajores, made of almonds and honey, Pestiños, a sweet fried in oil and covered with honey, and Pastel Cordobes are the best known.

Easterweek, Semana Santa, is very important in Cordoba. No fewer than 32 processions with beautifully decorated pictures and figures of Saints, accompanied by the Nazarenos, men in typical gowns with hoods that cover all the face except the eyes, pass through the town - being followed by thousands of people.

From 5th to 12th of May there is, in the center of town, the Festival of the "Patios Cordobeses", a contest for the most beautifully decorated courtyard, Patio.

Cruces de Mayo is another typical festivity. The whole town is decorated with crosses and immense quantities of flowers.

The last week od May takes place the Feria de Cordoba, the festival of Flamenco music and dance, in marquees decorated with colored lamps.

Cordoba is as well a very lively town in the best Andalusian tradition, a town of Flamenco and bullfighting, and certainly one of the most attractive destinations in southern Spain.