Memories and hints of a travelling IT professional.
The cathedral of Sevilla, Spain – Santa María de la Sede – dates back to 1401. It is the biggest gothic-style church in the world. Within you’ll find the grave of Christopher Columbus in a sarcophagus carried by four giant stone figures (even though the real burial-place of his remains is unclear). The church has many interesting structures but what stands out is the bell tower, “La Giralda“.
The royal palace in Sevilla, Spain is a set of medieval buildings and differently styled gardens in the city center. It was first a moorish fortification and was then continously enhanced. Today it is a tourist attraction and still the home of the Spanish royal family when staying in Sevilla.
Continue reading “Reales Alcázares”
After having hotels directly in the city centers of Málaga, Granada and Córdoba I found it very refreshing to go to the countryside. The Hacienda de Orán is located in the area of Utrera, 30 km south of Sevilla. It is a classic Hacienda: a main building surrounded by buildings forming a squarish wall around. It is a peaceful place with many opportunities to sit outside and relax.
Travelling throughout Andalucía means being mostly at places well prepared for tourism: everybody is speaking English and there are plenty of offers for foreigners. If you want to get away from this, Carmona – located between Córdoba and Sevilla – is a very good stop. This small town with 28.000 inhabitants is located on a mountain plateau and offers medieval fortifications and nice panoramas on the Sierra Morena.
Continue reading “Spanish hinterland”
When travelling along river Guadalquivir from Córdoba to Sevilla one sight can be seen already from far: the Castillo of Almodóvar del Río, Spain. It has been built in the 8th century CE by the moors and is situated on an outstanding hill – a strategic position to control the plains.
Continue reading “Almodóvar del Río”
Córdoba is wonderful city in Andalucía, Spain. It dates back to the year 167 BCE and was once one of the largest cities in the world – during the 10th century under Islamic rule – and this time frame still influences the city today. Moorish architecture can still be seen in the main sights but also within normal residential buildings.
Maybe the most beautiful hotel I’ve ever slept in. The hotel Casas de la Juderia in Córdoba, Spain is a combination of different small houses in the city center. It is located within the wonderful jewish quarter of Córdoba with its narrow streets and you can easily walk to the Mezquita, the Puente romano or the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos. The Baños Califales are directly next to the hotel.
When it comes to cold tomato soup, everybody seems to know Gazpacho – a juice made of raw vegetables introduced by the Moors, most often in the south of Spain and Portugal and made of tomatoes. Salmorejo is a more creamy version (especially through the use of bread within the soup) that is typical for Córdoba, Spain and can be tasted there quite everywhere.
Continue reading “Salmorejo Cordobés”
Red and white coloured arcs spanning between hundreds of columns. Reduced light. Vast space. People roaming freely through this important historic building. The Mezquita, a mosque-cathedral in Córdoba, Spain is maybe the most beautiful house of prayer in the world and enchanting at every visit.
Continue reading “The Mezquita”
When travelling from Granada to Córdoba it is obviously a good idea to take road N-432 as it is connecting both cities – but this gives another chance: stopping by in Alcalá la Real, Spain. The city itself doesn’t seem to be such a big attraction but up on a hill you’ll find the very well preserved Fortaleza de la Mota.