When I started infocordoba.com back in 2005, my goal was to share detailed, historically grounded articles about Córdoba’s significant yet complex monuments like the Mosque Cathedral (la Mezquita). At the time, tourist guides and travel articles about Cordoba were informed by the navel-gazing, provincial hyperbole that the city would publish, mired in musty, pre-democratic historical tradition…
Cordoba’s unique moment of true greatness in history passed in the 11th century, but the city is finally beginning to rise out of its status as a backwater with aristocratic pretentions. Objective information like this, with a cosmopolitan perspective, is the right step forward.
Andrew Ferren’s piece in The New York Times may even have been informed by my historical summaries on this site (with footnnotes), which I first noticed recycled in the NY Times some years ago. Particularly telling is Ferren’s description of the Mosque and the “Roman” bridge.
His 36-hour itinerary is a solid plan; it delves into the city’s nuanced history, culture, and contemporary life. I haven’t been writing much about Cordoba’s tourist scene lately (with the last two UNESCO distinctions, Cordoba no longer needs my promotion, and the locals haven’t wanted to comment the site in nearly two decades). For those of you who don’t have access to the New York Times, here are the takeaways from the article though:
NY Times: Thirty-six Hours in Cordoba
Córdoba’s Historical and Architectural Significance
The Mezquita-Catedral and the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos are not just architectural feats; they are narratives in stone and mortar, showcasing centuries of religious and cultural evolution. The Roman Bridge, too, is a testament to the city’s layered past. Visiting these sites is less about spectacle and more about understanding the complex layers of history that they represent.
Culinary Insights
Córdoba’s culinary offerings, highlighted by places like Noor and Terra Olea, blend tradition with innovation. It’s not about the flamboyance of dining but about the depth of flavors and the stories they tell of Córdoba’s multicultural history.
Artistic Expression
The city’s museums, including Museo Julio Romero de Torres and C3A, might not be on the scale of those in larger cities, but they offer a sincere glimpse into the artistic soul of Córdoba, from its traditional roots to contemporary expressions.
Suggested Itinerary:
- Friday: Begin with the Mezquita-Catedral and Alcázar, followed by an exploration of local eateries.
- Saturday: A day for history and art, traversing the Roman Bridge and Jewish quarter, concluding with a meal at Noor.
- Sunday: A relaxed start with breakfast options and maybe a visit to Hammam Al Ándalus or Medina Azahara.
Visiting in Winter
While Ferren promotes visiting Córdoba in winter for its milder temperatures and smaller crowds, it’s worth mentioning that any season has its charm. Winter, however, does offer a more subdued and perhaps more reflective visiting experience. I’d add, however, that tourists sometimes have trouble finding dining or activities to do on Christmas and New Years Day (bars are nearly always an option).
For more detail, read Andrew Ferren’s full piece in The New York Times Read the full article .