Today we left Madrid and travelled south to Córdoba.
Early morning light at our hotel.
Train journey took an hour and a half. Tickets were 65€ each. A fast and efficient service.
Mainly olive plantations on the hot, dry plain.
We were able to walk to our hotel, Hotel Don Paula, in the centre of the tourist area. Spanish flags are being flown throughout Spain as a protest to the Catalonian attempt to become independent.
After lunch we decided to visit The Mosque- Cathedral, walking 10 minutes from our hotel. Enjoying the architecture along the way.
The first sight of the Mosque- Cathedral's bell tower, originally built as a minaret in 951, then converted to a bell tower in 1593.
Córdoba has a population of about 350,000 and has a fascinating history, dating back to Roman times, a Christian city then occupation by the Moors form 756 until 1031 when the Caliphate was dissolved and it was reclaimed by the Catholic Church. The Mosque -Cathedral demonstrates all these influences.
The main entry, The Door of Forgiveness Puerto del Perdón completed in 1377.
Orange tree courtyard
The dramatic interior - original Mosque.
Basilica extensions from 1600.
Ornate chapels
Roman columns found on the site from the second century.
Outside the walls tourist business is thriving..
Dinner by the river. Lots of activity as families took their evening stroll.
We walked home via the Roman bridge under a full moon.
M&M
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