Memories and hints of a travelling IT professional.
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.
Tourists seem to come to Granada, Spain for only one very big attraction: the Alhambra and its palaces, fortifications and gardens. And this is indeed a very good reason, but Granada is much more than this. It is a lovely Spanish city with an Arab touch that is especially inviting for night-time activities.
The hotel Casa de la Trinidad in Granada, Spain is a wonderful boutique hotel in the heart of the city. It is directly at the Plaza de la Trinidad, the bustling Plaza Bib-Ramla and the cathedral are in walking distance. Around the hotel you’ll find dozens of bars, restaurants and shops.
One of the most visited places in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Alhambra (“red castle”) above Granada, Spain is a wonderful example of Moorish art during the Islamic reign in Andalucía. It has been built between 1238 and 1492 by different emirs and caliphs. In some phases afterwards the art has been protected, the military structures have been partially destroyed and under Charles V. some buildings have been replaced and altered. But the most important parts are still visible. Continue reading “The Alhambra”
The Nasrid palaces at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain were the place where the Nasrid rulers lived and reigned. The palaces divide into four sections: mexuar, comares, leones and lindaraja. All four share typical elements of Moorish art; water as a central element, very fine decorations, arcs and columns surrounding the courtyards. Continue reading “Patio de los Leones”
King Charles V. of Spain planned to make Granada the seat of government. Therefore he made minor and major changes to the Alhambra. Within some parts of the Nasrid palaces you can find his slogan “plus ultra” (“further beyond”) decorating the walls. He also tore some parts of the palaces down and errected the round shaped Palacio de Carlos V. – but his original plan was never finished because political goals changed.
Continue reading “Palacio de Carlos V. & the museums”