Córdoba - Andalucía - Spain / España.

Córdoba is situated in the Guadalquivir valley and has always played an important role in the history of Andalucía. The name of the city means "village overlooking the river" and archaeological discoveries suggest that the area has been populated since the Bronze age.

Phoenecians traded salted fish and olive oil here but it was the Roman occupation that established Córdoba as an important settlement in the development of southern Spain. The Romans arrived in "Corduba", as it was then known, in 206 B.C.and it was made an official colony in 169 B.C.

Córdoba was almost completely destroyed by Barbarian tribes from northern europe in the V century. Its recovery was a slow process until 711, when arabs from Northern Africa ousted a Visigothic monarchy and made Córdoba capital of al - Andalus. This saw in a new period of splendour.

Possibly one of the most surprising buildings in Córdoba, if not the world, is the Mezquita (Mosque) / Catedral (Cathedral), located in Avda. de la Constitución. It is a combination of Christian and Muslim construction in one building. As soon as you enter you are met by the prayer hall. The combination of red and white stonework in the archways creates an illusion of space, opening in all directions. Unfortunately only 856 of the columns remain of the original 1,013, the remainder having being demolished during Christian reforms.

Enjoy your visit to Córdoba and don't forget to let us know how your trip went!

Things you need to know.

Don't take large rucksacks, bags or tripods to the Mezquita/Catedral.

This will save you having to walk back to the ticket office to get a refund on your ticket. It is not made clear, at the time of buying your ticket, that these items are not allowed and there are no lockers or storage areas.

Photography is permitted in the building, although it is quite dark and a night setting on your camera is a must as it is recommended not to use flash. This would require a tripod which is not allowed, however you can try resting your camera on the floor, the back of one of the seats / top of barriers, girlfriend, wife, sister, brother, husband, boyfriends head or you can try sneaking in a very small pocket sized tripod at your own risk (security didn't seem to worry about these but don't be surprised if, when you visit, you are told not to use them).

How we got there.

Flew with Easyjet to London Stansted from glasgow, then changed flights to Asturias. Booked with Iberia (air Nostrum) to Sevilla then got the bus to Cordoba. Returned by high speed train (if you mention you are going for a flight, you will receive a discount on your ticket).

Useful links...

Página oficial del Ayuntamiento de Córdoba - Official page of the local government of Córdoba.

Diario Cordoba - digital online newspaper.

El semenario la calle de Córdoba - weekly newspaper.

'In our time' - BBC Radio 4 'In our time' programme about Muslim Spain. Listen directly here using realplayer.

Canal sur TV - tv station of Andalucía.

Canal sur Radio - radio station of Andalucía.