Seventh stop: Cordoba
Cordoba would be our last stop in Andalucia. Although the setting is not as dramatic as Granada and the city not as big as Seville, Cordoba is nevertheless charming, and perhaps more intimate as the main attractions are all within bounds of old town. (Click on each image to see the high-resolution version) And the main attraction is undoubtedly the Mezquita or Mosque-converted Cathedral. Even the entrance archway looks dramatic.
Inside the Mezquita the many painted arches remind me not of a mosque or cathedral, but a marketplace.
The altar inside the Mezquita is glowing with magnificence.
There are many statues of angels and saints throughout the building, added by the Christians after they converted the mosque to cathedral.
The domed ceiling is also intricated ornamented.
But the most splendid is the mihrab, as all Islamic architectures, it is so ornately decorated that it dazzles the mind.
There were many vendors selling souvenirs, these colorful plates caught my eyes.
There is a Roman bridge in the back of old town across the Guadalquivir River. At night the city and the bridge glow in the dark.
The minaret or bell tower at night.
The next day -- our last day in Andalucia -- we went to Generalife, or Royal Garden.
Three statues depicting Fernando and Isabella summoning Christopher Columbus.
The Guadalquivir River proved to be a refuge for birds. The Gray Heron, which is very similar to our Great Blue Heron, and the Little Egret which does not too different from our Snowy Egret were two of my new birds in Cordoba.
Mezquita Entrance
Mezquita
Mezquita
Mezquita
Altar
Angel Statue
Angel Statue
Angel Statue
Mezquita Ceiling
Mihrab
Mihrab
Mihrab
Plates
Roman Bridge
Minaret
Generalife
Fernando and Isabella summoning Christopher Columbus
Gray Heron
Little Egret
Muscovy Duck
