Cordoba Information
Cordoba is an inland province in northern Andalucia. This province is not for visitors who are just looking for sun and beach. But it is for travelers who enjoy history, the Andalusian heritage, monumental architecture, popular festivals and ancestral traditions, nature and good food.
Throughout the province of Cordoba you can discover the heritage of various civilizations that have inhabited this land or you can enjoy a walk or practicing different sports in the most beautiful environments, such as are its three natural parks.
Cordoba city, with more than 320,000 inhabitants, is the third largest city in Andalucia. It is known for its numerous monuments encountered along its two thousand year history and is one of the most charming cities across the Iberian Peninsula. Thanks to its uniqueness, the ancient Moorish capital was declared by UNESCO as World Heritage. It is an example of the harmonious coexistence of different civilizations that have passed through it: Roman, Arabic, Jewish and Christian.
The Mosque of Cordoba is the most splendid monument of the Muslim period throughout the West. However, visitors should not miss the opportunity to also visit the interior of this province, its landscapes and cities.
Cordoba has a Mediterranean continental climate with dry and cold weather in winter and high summer temperatures sometimes exceeding 40 ° C.
Northern Cordoba - Sierra Morena
The Sierra Morena hills run right accross northern Andalucia. They divide Andalucia from the regions of Extramadura and to the north. The hills are oak and pine clad, a remote area where few tourists venture. The whole area is more typical of Extramadura or old Castille than the rest of Andalucia to which it belongs.
The village of Espiel hangs to the side of a mountain, the mining villages of Bélmez and Peñarroya-Pueblonuevo are interesting and the historical Fuente Obejuna where according to the the Lope de Vega play, the hated lord was hurled from his palace window by the villagers in 1476.
Central Cordoba - Great river Guadalguivir.
The river Guadalquivir flows slowly westwards towards Seville through the centre of the province. Modern comminicatioins such as the 'Autopista de Andalucia' ( Madrid - Cordoba - Seville ) and the 'AVE' luxury high speed train follow its example.
Towns have grown up around crossing points on the river. Montoro, sitting on the hills overlooking the stone bridge Puente de la Donadas, it is said the bridge which took 50 years to build, was only finished because the townsfolk sold their jewellery to raise capital.
The City of Córdoba is the Capital city of the Province. It has Roman origins but is known for the Moors. In the tenth century it was the western capital of the Islamic empire. Today it is a friendly city enjoyed by tourists. Its main attraction is the mosque.
Further downstream Castillo del Almodovar del Rio and Palmo del Rio are also worth visiting. The famous moorish palace Medina Azahara just north west of Cordoba on everybody itinerary.
Southern Cordoba - Rolling Hills; Olives and Sunflowers
The N331 winds south to Antequera (Crossroads of Andalucia). One of the last major routes in Andalucia waiting for a motorway. This road passes Montilla (famed for its wine of the same name), Aguilar (visit the 8 sided Plaza de San José) and Lucena (famed for furniture making; visit the new factory showrooms). Iznajar was transformed some years ago by the creation of a reservoir, below the promontory on which Iznajar sits in the River Genil valley. Zuheros, a village located not far south of Baena beyond Doña Mencía. The pretty village of Luque is perched on a rocky outcrop and crowned by a castle.
The Subbetica of Cordoba is an area of cultural, natural and historic interest in this part of the province. Explore unspoilt villages and the mountainous terrain of the Sierras Subbeticas Natural Park.
Cordoba guide
Cordoba Information |