Cordoba Car Hire: Cordoba Car Hire Self Drive - Cordoba
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Cordoba
Córdoba lies astride the N-IV (E-5) connecting Madrid with Seville. Entering the maze of streets in the old town by car is discouraged. However, there are two small public parking lots outside the old town: one on Calle Robledo and the other on Calle Aeropuerto.
There are around 22 TALGO and AVE trains daily between Córdoba and Madrid, and the journey takes between 1 hour, 30 minutes and 2 hours. Other, slower trains take five to eight hours. There 25 daily trains from Seville, which take 1 hour, 30 minutes. Cordoba Airport, the local airport to the west, is only a small airstrip suitable for light aircraft. Most international travellers will fly to Madrid.
Cordoba was once the flourishing capital of Muslim Spain, but was later invaded by marauding attackers. Although much of the city was destroyed during this period, Cordoba still retains its former grandeur in its historical buildings and intriguing small streets, and has recently been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The city’s most significant tourist attraction is the Mezquita, which many say is the grandest and most beautiful mosque ever constructed by the Moors in Spain. When the Christians re-conquered the city, they were so awed by the beauty of the structure that they built a cathedral within the mosque.
The cathedral is an impressive architectural structure in itself, but is awkwardly placed in the centre of the mosque, disturbing the beauty of its lines. However, the 16th century tower affords beautiful views over the city.
The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos is a fine example of military architecture, and has the distinction of being the site where Columbus first requested funding for his voyage of discovery. It is located two blocks southwest of the Mezquita, and is notable for the strength of its walls and three Gothic towers.
The beautiful gardens alone make this historical site worthy of a visit.
>From the mosque, it is easy to explore the surrounding Arab and Jewish quarters, known for their quaint narrow streets and whitewashed houses with exquisite patios and flower-filled balconies. In the heart of the Jewish quarter is the ancient Jewish synagogue, now housing a museum.
Beyond the city, to the south, there are scenic mountains filled with tiny villages and towns. Visiting here provides the opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of the region. Of course, the fabulous scenery is also not to be missed.
