After leaving Granada, take the quick and not very busy N432 to
Cordoba state which spans the typical Andalusian countryside with typical white pueblos, villages that climb the hills with houses completely covered with white lime. We arrive mid afternoon in
Cordoba. The city is much more a human than in Granada, the center is relatively small and easy to reach and orientation is natural. We reach our hotel, the Conquistador, located directly opposite the famous Mezquita. The hotel is an excellent 4 star service and extremely elegant rooms surrounding a fabulous patio typical of the city. In the afternoon, very hot (above 40 degrees, suffocating), cross the Juderia, the typical Jewish characterized by picturesque white houses whose beauty is enhanced in spring by flowering balconies. The place is desert, will warm, that will be in August many of its people go on holiday, there are only small groups of tourists. E 'comunque pleasant stroll among the maze of narrow streets and small squares, and look around from time to time beyond the gates and cleared on patios that give fabulous, though the area not stand comparison with the Albaicin Granada.
Visit the synagogue and some of the typical souvenir shops that are located in the suq of the Arabic. Released by Juderia reach the center of
Cordoba modern, up to Plaza Tendillas, and feature large square with elegant buildings, fountains and several nice bar menus that offer tours accompanied by local specialized in tapas. For dinner try the most famous specialty of the city, the tail of the bull, which is found in almost all restaurant menus, from the fixed price where the most intimate dinner in luxurious and romantic patios. Seuente the morning we head immediately to the Alcazar to visit its fabulous gardens and manicured style Versailles, a small and delightful oasis in the city center. Fridays admission is free (or 4 Euros). The gardens are surrounded by long-tanks with bizarre fountains water features, statues, flowers and green plants that is the background of the impressive building of the fortress with its towers. At 9.30 we are already at the entrance to the Mezquita, which is fortunate because a formal course (up to 10:00) the entry is permitted and is free of charge. Moreover, after the function, you can freely visit all the cathedral mosque without having to pay the ticket (8 euros). Is accessed through the Patio de los Naranjos, just passed the entrance is still breathless, surrounded by the incredible beauty of 850 granite columns that support arches, creating a beautiful two-color optical effect, which combined with soft light and candles lend a vintage absolute touch of atmosphere. Incredible lost in the endless labyrinth of the original building that has remained intact. Indeed, the heart of the mosque was destroyed to build the Cathedral with the Capilla Mayor sacrificing much of what was built during the Moorish domination, including the famous columns that were originally in 1300. Personally I find it fascinating definitely the union between the two different styles, the Arab Mosque and the Christian concept of the Cathedral, a union that has created a unique world. Great effect on the Mirhab, the most important part of the mosque, a niche he was reading the Koran and prayer led to a wealth decorativa astounding.