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The city of Córdoba in Andalusia has no fewer than four irons in the fire on the World Heritage list of UNESCO. That's more than anywhere else in the world. Not bad for a city with 330,000 inhabitants. Let's see what makes Córdoba so special.
First of all, and probably the biggest attraction, there is the gigantic Mezquita cathedral. This building is a curious architectural mixture of a mosque and a cathedral. The reason for that unusual combination is simple. After the expulsion of the Muslim rulers in the 13th century, mosques in Spain were usually demolished and a church or a cathedral was built on the foundations. Córdoba chose a different solution. The mosque was spared, but over the years more and more church elements were added. The most important change took place in the 16th century when a Renaissance style 'nave' was realized at the heart of the building. That makes the Mezquita cathedral one of the most unique places of worship in the world.
For more special experiences, you don't have to go far in Córdoba. The old center appears as a whole on the UNESCO heritage list. A walk through the narrow streets makes the melting pot of influences through the ages immediately visible. Within walking distance of the majestic cathedral, evidence of its Roman past can be found in the ruins of a temple, a mausoleum, the old city walls and the beautiful Roman bridge over the Guadalquivir river. More references to Moorish times can be seen in the 9th century San Juan minaret and eleven water mills built along the river in the Moorish period. Moorish baths from the 10th century can also be found in Córdoba. A museum has now been built around the remains of it.
Among other things, 12 churches and the Alcazar fortress bear witness to the Christian past, which had an important military function in the Middle Ages and also served as a residence for several Spanish monarchs. The complex is popular for the splendor that can be admired inside and the idyllic gardens and courtyards. Finally, the Jewish quarter with an interesting synagogue is well worth a visit.
A third UNESCO attraction takes place in the second and third weeks of May. The festival of the patios is a competition to decorate the many courtyards with flowers. Since Córdoba has many of those courtyards, this festival has grown into an international phenomenon since its inception in 1933. The participating residents transform their courtyards into a large sea of flowers, which attracts many visitors every year.
The last of the four UNESCO entries can be found a few kilometers outside the city. The Medina Azahara is the great ruined city, which was built by the Moors in the early 10th century. Although only a small portion of the massive complex has been excavated and restored, it is not difficult to imagine how important the fortified city was at the time. A walk in the area provides a good insight into this. Visitors can see the remains of a palace, mosque, Arab baths, residences and other important buildings.
