Cordoba

Position

Cordoba is an urban scenario in the south of Spain. It is the capital of the province of Cordoba in Andalusia. It represents one of the most popular destinations of Spain. Moreover, it lies on the river Guadalquivir. Narrow streets with houses painted in white color are symbols of this city. The city has circa 300,000 inhabitants.

Economy

Cordoba is a trading center for citrus fruits and olives, whose plantations are near the city. It also has well developed food, beer and textile industries. Local inhabitants sell various handicrafts, especially those made of leather and silver. They are very popular among the tourists.

History

Cordoba became a prominent city in the Phoenician period. The town blossomed as a key Roman community in the first century BC. Later it was conquered first by the Visigoths in 572, then by Moors in 711. 756 AD marked Cordoba as the capital city of Spain (at the time of Moors). And from then onwards the city became known for another 250 years for its wide business and scholarly options throughout the world. 929 AD marked another landmark in the history of Cordoba, when the Caliphate of Cordoba was initiated; from then on the city experienced the peak of prosperity. In the 11th century, the caliphate fell, so material well-being of the city dropped. Furthermore, Seville became the capital.
In 1236, it was occupied by Ferdinand III. He made many new churches since this piece of Spain received Roman Catholicism.

Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption is a cathedral built from the eighth to the tenth century. First, the Moors built a mosque on the remains of a Roman -Visigoth temple, then after Spanish conquest it was changed into the cathedral.

This huge building is very interesting since it combines Moslem architecture and Gothic style. Until 1236 it was a well known mosque. However, in 1236 the cathedral was raised in the middle of the mosque. But the remains of Moslem history are preserved in its name- Mezquita, which is in use even today.

It lies on the banks of the river Guadalquivir. Therefore, it is a very attractive historical site for tourists.

The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

The second big landmark of Cordoba is Alcazar. It is the former Moorish fortress which was built on the ruins of Visigoth buildings, and later used as headquarters of the Inquisition. The Moors made many baths, gardens and even a library. In 1236, it was rebuilt but in the Mudejar style. Therefore, the Alcazar kept its Islamic appearance.

Historic Center of Cordoba is under UNESCO protection as a world cultural monument.