Córdoba was an Iberian and Roman city in ancient times, in the Middle Ages it became the capital of an Islamic caliphate. The old town contains numerous architectural reminders of when Corduba was the capital of Hispania Ulterior during the Roman Republic and capital of Hispania Baetica during the Roman Empire; and when Qurṭubah was the capital of the Islamic Caliphate of Córdoba, including most of the Iberian Peninsula.
It has been estimated that in the 10th century Córdoba was the most populous city in the world, and under the rule of Caliph Al Hakam II it had also become a centre for education under its Islamic rulers. Al Hakam II opened many libraries on top of the many medical schools and Universities which existed at this time. Such Universities contributed towards developments in mathematics and astronomy. During these centuries Córdoba had become the intellectual centre of Europe and was also noted for its predominantly Muslim society that was tolerant toward its Christian and Jewish minorities. Today it is a moderately-sized modern city with a population of 330,033.
It is located in southern Spain (Andalusia), on the banks of the Guadalquivir river. It has a rich architectural and artistic heritage including particularly the Great Mosque in the provincial capital and the archaeological site at Medina-Azahara.
It is well worth exploring its stately white villages, olive groves and mountain landscapes in places such as the Sierra de Hornachuelo, the Sierras de Cardeña and Montoro Nature Reserves.
Cordoba also boasts a rich gastronomic tradition typical of the interior, featuring several products which have been awarded the Designation of Origin label - Los Pedroches cured ham and virgin olive oil, for example; as well as characteristic recipes such as stewed bull's tail and "salmorejo" (a kind of thick gazpacho). These delicious dishes are perfect when accompanied by the wines to be found on the Montilla-Moriles Wine Route.
picture and information courtesy of http://www.spain.info/
No comments:
Post a Comment