La Mezquita (The Great Mosque): A Masterpiece of Islamic Architecture
The mosque was converted to a cathedral in 1523 by the Catholic Monarchs. The cathedral's sanctuary, with its Gothic choir, was plopped right in the center of the mosque, while keeping the basic framework of the Islamic architecture. The mosque-to-cathedral conversion makes for an incongruous sense of design but serves as a reminder of Córdoba's multicultural heritage.
Judería (Old Jewish Quarter)
The old Jewish quarter is one of the most delightful areas of Córdoba to explore. With its narrow lanes, whitewashed houses, flower-filled patios, and quiet little squares, this area has a very distinctive atmosphere. Besides the enchanting Andalusian ambience, highlights of this historic neighborhood include two important Jewish monuments: the 15th-century Mudéjar-style synagogue at the center of the quarter and the Casa de Sefarad (House of Spanish Jews) museum; both sights are on the Calle Judíos. The Casa de Sefarad has been restored to its 14th-century glory and features five themed rooms that illustrate the history and culture of the Sephardi (Spanish Jews).
Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (Castle of the Christian Monarchs)
The square called the Camposanto de los Mártires in front of the main building is the site where Christian martyrs were executed. Some of the castle's ancient defense walls and towers date back to the Moorish era, but most, including the Tower of the Inquisition, were built later when the Christian Monarchs improved the fortress' citadel. Typical of Andalusian architecture, the Alcázar is made up of various halls around courtyards filled with exotic flowers, trees, and aromatic plants. The palace contains an antiquities collection including fine Roman mosaics in the Hall of the Mosaics where the items were discovered. Within the ancient walls on the Alcázar grounds are beautiful Arabian-style gardens featuring ornamental pools, hedges, and decorative fountains. From spring through autumn, colorful flowers bloom throughout the grounds. On summer evenings, the fountains are illuminated.
Concurso de Patios (Patio Festival)
This popular festival is a competition among Córdoba residents for the prize of most beautiful patio. The prestigious prize is awarded for patio with the most impressive display of potted plants and colorful flowers. Many locals and tourists come out for this lively event, which includes singing, dancing, and delicious tapas. To get a glimpse of the gorgeous patios bursting with vibrant blossoms, wander around the Alcázar Viejo district, between the Alcázar and the Iglesia de San Basilio; around the Santa Marina district; around the Iglesia de San Lorenzo
Palacio de Viana: Aristocratic Palace and Museum
The Palacio de los Marqueses de Viana is an aristocratic palace renowned for its 12 patios designed in the Andalusian style with decorative fountains and lush landscaping. The palace also has a collection of antique furniture, leatherwork, and an exhibition on falconry. After exploring the palace interior and patios, it's worth spending time in the garden. Enter the garden through an ornate stone gateway featuring the arms of the Viana family. Within the lavish grounds are fountains, formal parterres, pebbled paths, and elegant arcades. Lovely date palms, vibrant bougainvillea, sweet jasmine, and fragrant citrus trees are planted throughout the garden.
Puente Romano (Roman Bridge) and Calahorra Tower
This museum explores the religious and cultural elements that have formed the Andalusian identity, as well as celebrates the products of this culture, from the arts to the sciences.
Museo Arqueológico de Córdoba
This museum represents the most complete collection of historic Spanish artifacts in the world, with a staggering 33,500 items in total. Exhibits include prehistoric artifacts, ancient Iberian items including sculptures and reliefs, Moorish art, Roman antiquities, and archaeological finds from Medina Azahara. Located at the Palacio de los Páez de Castillejo, the museum grounds are also home to an archaeological dig site on the premises. Here, tourists will find the city's original Roman amphitheater, as well as homes and workshops dating back to the Middle Ages, all of which were discovered long after the museum found its home here.
Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts)
Córdoba's Museum of Fine Arts is housed in the former Hospital of the Charity near the Julio Romero de Torres Museum. The museum has an excellent collection of Spanish paintings from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Highlights include the works by Zurbarán, Alejo Fernandez, Antonio del Castillo, Valdés Leal, and Julio Romero de Torres.
Museo Julio Romero de Torres
Born in Córdoba, Julio Romero de Torres was a renowned Symbolist painter and talented portrait artist. During his career, he painted more than 500 portraits, many featuring women. He was interested in every cross-section of society, from the aristocracy to the common people.
Jardín Botánico de Córdoba
An escape to nature right in the heart of the city, the Botanical Garden of Córdoba is filled with lush vegetation, spacious squares, and fountains. The garden is planted with native species typical of the Mediterranean, such as rosemary hedges and hackberry plants. One area is devoted to agricultural plants including aromatics, medicinal herbs, vegetables, and fruit trees.
Iglesia de San Lorenzo
Inside the sanctuary, visitors are awed by the lovely rose window and the main altar with its Baroque altarpiece and abundance of Italian paintings.
Niciun comentariu:
Trimiteți un comentariu