Cordoba: Spain epitomized through a weekend getaway

Two weekends ago I ventured south to the Andalusian city of Cordoba with my friend Mike to visit some friends from Denison who also happen to be teaching English. The Spanish may not know how to do a lot of things but never knock their train system. Albeit relatively new, the AVE (fast train) is very affordable and the most comfortable/efficient/etc. means of transportation throughout the country (not to mention the highway infrastructure is still quite poor).

Suffice it to say the weekend was filled with debauchery and three-euro ‘Super Burritos’ at all hours of the night; however, we did visit the historical sites as well. The Jewish quarter and alcazar (castle with gardens) were both fantastic but Cordoba is known for its Mosque. The Mezquita, as it is called in Spanish, was built towards the latter part of the 8th century during the Muslim occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. After the re-conquest of the south in the 15th century, the Spanish monarchs decided to commission a church to be built on top of the existing mosque. If there is one thing the Spanish love to do it is to take credit for things that are not theirs, like, for example, the Mezquita. The pamphlet distributed to visitors does tell of the Arab Caliphates commissioning the mosque but at tests the grand splendor (the gardens, the current condition, architectural improvements etc.) to “the good spirit of the Church that has made it possible to keep the oldest cathedral in Spain from becoming a heap of ruins.” Regardless, the Mosque is incredible (inside and out) for not only its rich history but the natural beauty and architectural wonder that it still possess.

The next day Mike and I attempted to visit the Castillo del Almodovar, a Moorish castle located less than 10 miles outside of Cordoba. Logically, one would imagine that, since Spain’s main industry is tourism, there would be a bus and/or shuttle to the site. That is where you would be wrong. Even though the castle looked as impressive as the Alhambra, one of the most visited sites in Spain, the only way to the castile was by either 100 euro cab ride (round trip plus him waiting) or by a bus that would not be returning to Cordoba central until Monday afternoon. So while this trip I was unable to visit the castle, I will be back to Cordoba and will make it a priority to organize transportation to and from its location. The weekend was a fantastic time although the bus ride back (6 hours compared to 1.5 by train because of price difference) was very forgettable.