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.

Europe - Spain, Toledo - A Melting Pot of Cultures - September 2018

Today is Sunday, September 23, 2018, we are touring Toledo, a city of three cultures. Christian, Muslim, and Jewish 

According to Wikipedia, “Toledo was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 for its extensive cultural and monumental heritage as one of the former capitals of the Spanish Empire and place of coexistence of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim cultures, as well as the place where harsh religious persecutions were held against the Jews by the Visigoths.”

Toledo is an ancient city set on a hill above the plains of Castilla-La Mancha in central Spain.

The Tagus River runs through it

The  Alcántara is a Roman arch bridge in Toledo, Spain, spanning the Tagus River.

Entering the Old Jewish Quarter

The borders of its Jewish Quarter are marked with blue and white tiles with a menorah and other symbols among the cobblestones.

The narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter

The major highlight of the Jewish Quarter for me was the synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca

Photo provided by Wikipedia

White archways with decorative stone.

Beautiful Moorish architecture

Elaborate tile floors

Decorative columns

The synagogue had a very peaceful feeling,

We left the Jewish Quarter and visited the Toledo Cathedral, a Roman Catholic Church, the building began in 1227, completed in 1493.

The cathedral of Toledo is built in 13th Century high gothic style.

The narrow streets of Toledo

The retable of the Cathedral of Toledo is an extremely florid Gothic altarpiece; it is one of the last examples of this artistic style, which was disappearing as the Renaissance began to take hold in Spain. (Wikipedia)

St. Tomi Church - This church houses El Greco's masterpiece, the original painting of the Burial of Count Orgaz, one of El Greco's crowning achievements

The Entrance to the viewing of El Greco's masterpiece

El Greco, Burial of the Count Orgaz (1586-1588)

When in Toledo, spend some time and walk around - there's so much to see

Local craftsman, working on an armor piece

This is the Don Quixote region of Spain

Toledo swords and knife shop

Colorful mosaic tiles

We are ending here at the Alcantara Bridge on the Tagus River

We had an interesting and unexpected day here in Toledo.  If you have an interest in Moorish architecture, beautiful paintings this is a lovely place to visit.