Viaje: Córdoba

On Sunday, October 24th, I took a day trip to Córdoba, Spain with my study abroad program. (It was about a 2 hour bus ride.)

Here is some background:

Located in the region of Andalucía, it is the highest navigable point on the Guadalquivir River. It was a city of great economic importance for its Roman founders. From Córdoba, Spanish olive oil, wine, wheat, and other products were shipped back to Ancient Rome. The city also served as a major Roman political and cultural center. Under Roman rule, Córdoba was the administrative capital of Beatica province, which included most of today's Andalusia.

Nevertheless, it was under Muslim, not Roman rule that Córdoba experienced its greatest glory. The city fell to the Islamic invaders in 711 and soon became the Muslim capital of the Iberian Peninsula. During the years 756-821, work began on the city's Mezquita, which after several centuries of additions and enlargements, became one of the world's largest mosques in the world. When the city was conquered in 1236, the Christians were so awed by the mosque's beauty that they left it standing, building their cathedral instead in the center of the mosque and thus creating the extraordinary church-mosque that exists today. 

Bridge into Córdoba

"Córdoba 2016"
Córdoba is hoping to be the next European Capital of Culture in 2016 as the selection process begins.

Córdoba is known for its mix of three cultures: Jewish, Muslim, and Catholic.

The main attraction is the Cathedral, which is a World Heritage Site, and was actually originally the first mosque built in Spain and marks the beginning of Islamic culture. It is now the second largest mosque in the world. 

The Mezquita is the only mosque that isn't orientated towards Mecca. It is instead oriented towards Damascos, the city in Syria where the Abderramán I fled from after his entire family (Omeya) was killed. It is the only of its kind in the world also because it has been preserved so well.  

Inside the mosque

"El bosque de columnas" (Forest of columns)

passage that leads into the center of the mosque where the cathedral was constructed

The decoration you see on the wall is made of pure gold.

shiny!

As I mentioned before, the Christians constructed a cathedral in the center of the mosque. So, in the center of the building there is a large Catholic altar, with the rest of the mosque on either side of it. 

Catholic altar

This photo is taken from inside the cathedral. Note the red and white arches of the mosque right next to it.

We also visited the gardens of the royal palace.

These statues represent Christopher Columbus's first proposal to Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand to travel around the world, the adventure that would lead him to discover North America.

And of course, we ate some delicious tapas for lunch.

Gazpacho, served with ham and eggs

I don't remember what these were, but they were good.

Fried eggplant with honey

For me, the most impressive thing about Córdoba is the mix of the three cultures and religions. Historically, these cultures have peacefully co-existed, a phenomenon not seen in many parts of the world today. The mosque/cathedral could be seen as an example from our past of perhaps what could or should exist in the future. With the world so divided over religion and culture, I feel sad to say that it seems impossible. Tolerance and acceptance, it would seem, will forever be lofty goals.