A Quick Guide to Cordoba, Spain
Last week we traveled to Cordoba and it was an absolutely incredible experience. It’s been a while I wanted to visit this city but what I saw and experienced even exceeded my expectations. It is one of the coziest, picturesque and attractive places that I have ever seen. The architecture of famous Mezquita was mesmerizing and so were the intimate charming patios in the old town.
Of course, Cordoba is significant historical and architectural center, being the home city of the first university in Europe, but don’t rush to visit all famous monuments and buildings at once. The beauty of Cordoba is in its daily routine and in experiencing local lifestyle – having a glass of wine in one of the taverns on the river embankment, slowly rambling the streets of old town and watching old “señores” playing the domino on Plaza de Corredera. If you are planning a very short trip to Cordoba, here is the quick travel guide to this beautiful city.
Where to stay
We stayed at Patio del Posadero boutique hotel and I was totally delighted with the overall experience. Lisa and Jose who own and run the place are incredibly sweet and welcoming people – they made us feel very comfortable and relaxed during our stay. The hotel is located in the heart of old town – so near to all main attractions, such as Mezquita, Puente Romano, and Baños Al Andalus. The hotel has only four rooms – each designed in its own style and theme. Jose is an interior designer and you can feel it literally in every corner of this marvelous place. The cozy patio with reception has two very beautiful and very original staircases with rope railings. We stayed in Quelo room which was dedicated to Flamenco – I was surprised and amazed by a swing bed as well as the spectacular bathroom, where walls were meticulously hand decorated with a beautiful finish resembling stucco. Another hotel experience worth mentioning was its breakfast – seriously, one of the best breakfasts I ever tried. Delicious homemade bread and olive oil, tender Jamon, refreshing yogurt and fresh fruit juice – what a great start of the day!
What to see
Whatever the amount of time you are planning to spend in Cordoba the first on your list should be definitely Mesquita. Before going to Cordoba I saw the pictures of this spectacular building on Pinterest, but the truth is that when you get there you get hypnotized by its unique architecture. Repeating columns and arches make the place so tranquil and magnetizing at the same time. I had a feeling that I could spend there the whole day just gazing at the endless halls and intricate ceilings.
Another thing not to be missed is famous Baños Al Andalus. When you enter there, you instantly get a feeling that you became a part of One Thousand and One Nights fairy tale. Vaulted ceilings resembling the starry sky, three swimming pools with cold, warm and hot water, hammam and massage area – all made for ultimate relaxation and pleasure.
If you traveling with your loved one after the visit to Arabic baths have a walk around Puente Romano – at night it is especially romantic and scenic.
Where to eat
We were recommended to have a dinner at El Churrasco Restaurant and we didn’t regret it – pleasant ambience, superb quality of food and drinks and good service. Some other great places to eat in the evening include Casa Pepe, Jardines de la Marquesa and Bodegas Mezquita. For lunch and tapas I recommend La Bicicleta.
