Europe - Spain, Seville - Viva Espana! - September 2018

Seville & Valencia

It's the last 3 days of a 15-day tour of Spain. Here are a few highlights from Seville and Valencia! Ole!

Located in the Southern part of the country, Seville is the fourth largest city in Spain, Andalucia's capital, and Flamenco dancing!

El Patio Flamenco Show - Seville 

We saw the flamenco show at El Patio - so colorful and entertaining!

Loved the music

the Dancers

and the beautiful costumes

Ole!

It was a delightful evening.

We visited the largest Gothic Cathedral in the World.

Sevilla Cathedral

One of the most notable features

The Tomb of Christopher Columbus

The extensive Arts and Science City in Valencia

 An entertainment-based cultural and architectural complex

Ultra Modern

El Pont de l'Assut de l'Or

Architects: Santiago Calatrava and Felix Candela

Simply Beautiful!

The Garden City of Valencia celebrates Las Fallas De Valencia Festival in March of each year.

These traditional Valencian costumes are worn for the entire duration of the festival.  As you can see below, they’re even beautiful when you’re sitting in the middle of the street!

Traditional Valencian Costume

Saint Mary's Cathedral - built in the 13th century

Standing by one of the many beautiful fountains in Valencia.

Images around town

Dali, Freda & Gina

Valencia was a colorful walking paradise.

Spanish Fans

Made hand painted

Valencian artisan

Abanicos Vibenca

After 15 days in Spain, I have to say, I left my heart in Southern Spain - Andalusia. The tapas, wine, architecture, beaches, Flamenco dance, music, and most importantly, my grandmother was from the Andalusia Region - I feel at home here.

Muchas garcias, Espana por una maravillosa experiencia de viaje

Europe - Spain, Cordoba - Hola - Andalusia - September 2018

Cordoba, Spain

Today is Monday, September 24, 2018; it is the 10th day of Spain's 15-day tour. Spain did not disappoint; it has been a fantastic, historically architectural masterpiece. Each day I tell myself, how can it get any better - but each Region we have visited in Spain offers more great art and architecture.

Córdoba, also called Cordova in English, is a city in Andalusia, southern Spain, and Córdoba.

The Mezquita or Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba

The Great Mosque in Cordoba started in 785 by Abd al-Rahman II; the building is a temple and monument.

The Mosque of Córdoba was the biggest one globally once all the extensions were concluded in the tenth century. More than 20,000 people could fit inside, and it was declared World Heritage in 1984. 

It was a revolutionary structure of its time.

There are 850 columns in total.

The effect of the sunlight

filters to the halls

The sheer scale, colors, and architectural details are visually overwhelming.

Córdoba returned to Christian rule in 1236 during the Reconquista, and part of the building was converted to a Roman Catholic church. Part of the mosque was destroyed to accommodate the cathedral.

It is commonly believed that the site of the Mosque-Cathedral was initially a Christian church.

Papa Francisco

The combination of typical Mosque architecture with Christian symbols is impressive.

Christian and Islamic influences coexist throughout this complex building.

In the middle of the Mezquita, you’ll discover the Renaissance chancel. 

And majestic choir stalls.

The Mezquita Belltower, The Torre de Alminar is 93m high and was built on the original minaret site.

The Roman Bridge of Cordoba

built-in the early 1st century BC across the Guadalquivir river

Easy walk across the bridge

View from the side

There is still a “Jewish Quarter” in Córdoba, which includes a medieval synagogue

Maimonides, the great 12h Century Jewish scholar and physician was from Cordoba.

Patio and Courtyard, cobbled streets and flower pots

Each May since 1918, The Patios Festival is sponsored by the Cordoba City Hall.

There are many patios and courtyards filled with

Colorful flowers, stone mosaics, and ceramic decorations are everywhere!

Inviting Courtyard

We are here in September, but there are still many colorful patios to be seen.

We had a wonderful day in Cordoba; who knew a great Moorish City and home to the Mesquita would be so enjoyable, spectacular, and unforgettable.