Our first stop on our bus trip was the city of Córdoba. There is a long rich history that dates back to the Roman Empire. Córdoba was an important city under the Roman Empire in 27 BC to 14 AD. (Yes the city is that old), it was the capital of the province of Baetica and the largest city in the Iberian Peninsula and birthplace of the Roman statesman and philosopher Seneca.

After the Roman Empire Córdoba was also an Islamic city from 756 to 1031, and was the capital of al-Andalus. The Islamic time period is when the Great Mosque was built. Córdoba continued to grow throughout the years and became a very important city and by the 10th century was the largest and greatest city in Europe. Apparently the population was around 700,000 at the peak of Córdoba’s glory.

We saw some of the amazing historical sites. Below is the remains of a Roman wall located near the Roman bridge that was preserved after all these years.

We walked through the old quarter of Córdoba which was originally known as the jewish quarter and is referred to as “La Judea”. There was some amazing sights and unique buildings and structures. The narrow cobblestone streets intertwined into a maze of small streets that would sometimes open up into a small square.

In the old quarter it was easy to see the Muslim influence in the architecture and buildings. The cobble stoned streets are narrow and full of people shopping and sight-seeing.

In the square there is an Arc the Triomphe which dominates the square. You are able to go to the top of the Arc and see the beautiful views.

We went to the top of the Arc de Triomphe and we were in awe at the beautiful views and scenery.

Another amazing structure was the Roman bridge of Córdoba.  It was built-in the early 1st century BC across the Guadalquivir river.  We walked across the bridge and admired the beauty of the structure as well as the beauty of the surrounding scenery.

There is the Calahorra Fort, which was built-in 1338 and is located near the Roman bridge. It was built there with the intent to guard the Roman bridge because of its strategic importance.

We walked to the Mosque Cathedral of Córdoba. It is a very large building and has walls that surround the courtyard.

It is such a spectacular building  that we will do a separate post on the Mosque Cathedral of Córdoba.

The city of Córdoba is beautiful with ancient ruins, Roman structures and historically rich culture and architecture. We are very glad we went to this great city.

“Adios y que tenga un grand días”