6/11/19 Cordoba Spain

We drove four hours from Madrid to the southern part of Spain and Córdoba Spain. The drive was very interesting as we drove past dry land wheat farmers who were harvesting their crop. Then a section of land with white wine grapes. Then, literally, 200 miles as far as you could see of olive trees. Millions and millions of olive trees. Unbelievable! We also saw dozens of olive oil plants. 😎

Arriving in Córdoba we found our lovely Airbnb with a little help from the police😜 They always want to help Cindy!

Córdoba is a UNESCO World Heritage site and at one time, was the largest city in the western world with over 400,000 people living here in 1000 AD.

This area has been populated for a long, long time as traces of Neanderthal man from 35,000 BC have been found here.

The Romans controlled the city from 200 BC until 700 AD or so. They did the usual Roman stuff, viaduct, coliseum, gates, bridges, etc….a lot still visible today.

This area was again the sight of wars between Muslims and Christians and in 700 AD Córdoba fell to Muslim forces. The Muslims started the great Córdoba mosque which was unparalleled in beauty at the time. Muslims built many (11, I believe) mosques around the city for Muslims. The population of Córdoba begins to decline at this time. As it’s main industry was trade, Christians refused to visit the city.

In the thirteen century, Muslims were defeated by Christians again and the mosques were converted to Cathedrals, including the grand mosque which is now a cathedral. Unbelievable!

Note the twin Muslim windows on this cathedral😳

Today Córdoba is known for their patio districts and the the lovely flowers and plants in the patios of homes and businesses. It’s a beautiful city, especially this time of year.

A light, late lunch at a local Tapas bar and after a 12 mile walk, we headed home to plan tomorrow. A 2 1/2 hour drive tomorrow to Granada Spain for two nightsBread and olive oil supplied by our wonderful host Jose Maria 👍

Adios Amigos!