The motorway route from Madrid takes us on a scenic, unspoiled journey in late Winter sunshine. Next up is Cordoba in Andalusia, Spain and we can’t wait to park up and explore.
Around 5-10 minutes from Cordoba’s incredible historic centre is a mixed parking area and our motorhome stop for the night. Arriving at this popular park up has us paying a €5 tip to an old chap who sits at the entrance.
He’s friendly enough and we’re hoping his watchful eye will help keep any undesirables at bay!
Today the parking area is fairly full and the warm sun is helping keep an upbeat mood amongst fellow travellers.
Walking into Cordoba
We’re keen to walk into the old centre of Cordoba so follow the pristine riverside route, soon arriving at an old waterwheel.
The river is a fast-flowing murky brown after heavy rains, but it’s not putting us off the attractive setting. The old waterwheel has wooden arms which attracts numerous stray cats, sleeping on various tiers of the large structure. Passers-by are watching the cute furry felines as they lie dozing in the sun.
A little further along, we arrive at the Puente Romana, a 16-arch Roman bridge. Gazing back from the end of the bridge we see an imposing stone archway leading into the old centre. It’s beautifully inviting to tourists posing for photographs, with a feeling of an aura around its position.
For now, we take to crossing the traffic-free bridge, walking to the opposite river bank. Street artists and sellers try their luck to those walking across, but the views back to the historic centre are too mesmerising to distract.
Cypress trees and cobblestones
Venturing through the stone arch with marble slabs beneath our feet, brings us to the high walls of the Mezquita. The streets are narrow and we pass horse and carriages offering tours of the tiny streets.
Cobblestones and tall wooden gates bring us to the entrance of the courtyard to the Mezquita. Here at this stunning plaza, cypress, orange and palm trees provide an oasis of tranquility. The sound of trickling water fills the air, as fountains provide a soothing, relaxing feel amongst the greenery.
Towering over the plaza is a 54m high stone bell tower. You can walk to the top for €3 each, but we choose to spend our time below.
The Mezquita – Cordoba in Andalusia Spain
We’re up early the next morning, because the Mezquita is free to enter between 8.30am and 9.30am. There’s a small queue outside the large wooden gates, which open bang on time. Then, we’re walking into a cobble courtyard, to the centre of the Mezquita building where a bag check awaits before continuing on.
We wonder through into a mass of red and white arches, marble floors and carved ceilings. This interior is astonishingly beautiful, it’s not like anything we’ve seen before.
Stone and marble pillars fill the floor area, where the dimly lit space creates an aura of calm. There’s a powerful sense of gratitude at just being here and being able to see this wonderful building for ourselves.
Medieval mosque with Christian cathedral
The Mezquita was originally built in the 8th century, with a christian cathedral dating from the 16th century in the middle.
It’s difficult to take in all the detail, with an almost mirror effect as we walk further through the building. As we reach the centre, the first glimpse of the cathedral appears. The detailing in the carved stonework, rising towards the ceiling is just beautiful.
There’s so much to take in, so we just take a moment to stand still and study the architecture. As stillness and solitude surrounds the dimly lit areas of the mosque and the contrasting brightly lit central cathedral creates a spellbinding feel.
The whole Mezquita is simply stunning, yet so simple in its treasure.
Narrow Streets – Cordoba in Andalusia Spain
Leaving the Mezquita brings us to the seemingly immaculate narrow streets surrounding its high walls.
Within the old town is also a Jewish quarter and pretty white houses which are delightful. There’s also a mix of leafy squares, numerous cafes and small shops to enjoy.
This maize of charming streets gives Cordoba an extra intriguing feel, so much so, we know it’s the a place we’ll return to.
Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos
By now, we’re ready to leave, as we mistakingly think we’ve seen Cordoba and all it has to offer! But then, just as we’re heading back to the campervan, we pass the entrance to the Alcazar de los Reyes Christianos.
Somehow, we catch a glimpse through the fence and know we want to take a look, despite not really knowing what we’re entering. It turns out, it’s an historic fort, dating to the 14th century, complete with a tower and spectacular gardens complex. There’s a €5 entrance fee, which seems like a very reasonable price to pay!
No sooner do we step inside, and we’re finding our way into the old fort, which is home to displays of Roman mosaics discovered in the 1950’s. Next, it’s time to climb up the tower, which brings us onto an outside terrace area and the most gorgeous views of Cordoba. There’s also a Birds Eye view of the ponds and gardens below from this wonderful vista.
Water features – Cordoba in Andalusia Spain
Once we’re back on the garden level, we’re able to walk among the numerous water features which are on a scale of epic proportions. Not only are there an abundance of beautiful fountains and ponds of Koi Carp, but rectangular pools of crystal clear blue water line the feature walkways. Surrounding the complex is a backdrop of flowers and towering Cypress trees, making for an unforgettable experience.
Also noticeable are plenty of lush looking lemon and orange trees. Here, a gardener collects a lemon from a tree, slices it open and offers it to us to taste.
Somehow, this lemon seems the tastiest lemon we’ve ever tried, with a juice of most juicy proportions.
These gardens make you feel calm, relaxed and in awe of the beautiful creations. The work that has gone into the planting and design schemes is prize-worthy.
At the end of the day, we knew Cordoba was going to be good, but we didn’t really know just how good it was going to be!
You’re welcome, it’s such a lovely destination, we hope you love it too, have a great time exploring!
Thanks so much for this. We are hoping to hit Cordoba in our mo-ho next Monday so you have given us lots of ideas! Brilliant article!