In June 2018 I had a weekend off scheduled in a small town in Andalusia where there was nothing going on. So I persuaded my employer to let me change hotels and spend the weekend in Cordoba instead. In twenty years of working in Spain, it was my first time in Cordoba so I was really excited and I made sure I hit the tourist trail hard due to limited time. I only had two nights here but I think I managed to see and do most of the good stuff in that time.
You’ll find all the places I mention, and more, on my Google map.
I stayed at the Marriott AC Hotel on Avenida de la Libertad which my employer usually uses. It’s well located in the modern part of town, within a short walking distance of the bus and train stations. It’s a bright, modern hotel with helpful staff and a good breakfast.
On my first morning I headed to the Mezquita which I have given it’s own post. This post is about all the other stuff I saw. There’s a third post for food and drink.
From the hotel it was worth the slight detour to take in the wonderful facade of Palacio de la Merced in Plaza de Colón. The interior patio looks stunning (video here, from 1:52) but I’m not sure how you’d get in to see it.
Just over the road is the park, Jardines de la Merced, with its lovely fountain, Fuente de los Jardines de Colón, by sculptor Rafael del Rosal who created it in 1905.
On the corner of Calle Isabel Losa and Calle de Santa Isabel, I stumbled across an old watchtower that isn’t marked on the standard Google map.
Nor is the statue next to it, which is a shame as I’d like to know its name. The image of a woman watering flowers with a can on a long pole is very evocative of Cordoba which is famous for its hanging plant pots.
While you’re down here you might as well pop into Taberna Santa Marina in nearby Plaza de Santa Marina for a cooling caña. It’s a proper old man’s bar, virtually bare on any adornment, except for religious imagery and bullfighting posters on the walls.
Another place to see hanging pots is Calleja de las Flores, a tiny alley near the Mezquita. This is where all the shots of pots on the postcards are mainly taken.
If you like flowers and gardens then the rennaisance palace Palacio de Viana is a must visit. The palace is famous for its twelve courtyards. Videos here and here. There were some interesting objects inside but the gardens are the main attraction. Please click on the photos to get the best view.
A stretch of the city wall and the last remaining gate of the original nine, together known as Murallas y Puertas de Almodovar, can be seen at 2 Calle Judíos.
Here are a few other buildings and sights that caught my eye as I was walking around town.
Such a lovely town to walk around, especially at night. Off to the Mezquita next!