Cordova

Cordova's ancient history makes it a key Spanish spot

Ten centuries ago, Cordova was the capital of Muslim Spain. With a population of 900,000, it was Europe's largest city and a worldwide cultural and intellectual center. Later, greedy hordes sacked the city, tearing down ancient buildings and carting off many art treasures. Despite these assaults, Cordova still retains traces of its former glory and Moorish legacy.

In 1135, Cordova’s most celebrated native son was born in the Judería (Jewish ghetto): the philosopher Maimonides (also known as Rambam or Rabbi Moses Ben-Maimon)—though the Almohads eventually drove him from the city.

Today, this provincial capital, which recently joined the ranks of UNESCO's World Heritage sites, is known chiefly for its mosque, the world-famous Mezquita. But the city abounds, too, with other artistic and architectural riches, especially its lovely homes. Travelers delight in seeing the old Arab and Jewish quarters’ narrow, cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed houses boasting flower-filled patios and balconies. Wander these, and then through Queen Isabella's garden in the Alcázar, Renaissance cathedrals and palaces, and some of Andalusia's finest museums.

© 2009, Wiley Publishing, Inc.