It's holiday time again! (5) Córdoba

Córdoba is famous for 2 things. The main one is the Cathedral which was built in 1523 on the site of the Muslim Mosque after Córdoba had been reconquered in 1236. The Mosque had been built in stages from 785 and was in actual fact on the site of the San Vicente Basilica dating from occupation by the Visigoths and built in the 6th century only to be destroyed to make way for the Mosque.

The Mosque was considered the most important sanctuary of Western Islam and Córdoba was the capital of territory extending as far north as the Duero River.

The arches are constructed from red brick and beige stone.

The second thing that Córdoba is famous for is the festival of the patios where private homes open to display their inner courtyards decorated with an abundance of pot plants.

Lunch is at the Rincón de Carmen restaurant. Primero, the first course, is a speciality dish, Salmorejo, which is a "cream of gazpacho", a purée of tomatoes, bread, oil, vinegar and garlic served cold and topped with diced hard boiled egg and jamón de serrano, serrano ham

For segunda, the second course, we have another speciality of Córdoba, a Flamenquín garnished with chips, salad and mayonnaise.

A Flamenquín is pieces of pork loin rolled with serrano ham, coated with egg and breadcrumbs then deep fried. A formidable dish but delicious.

 To see my video of Córdoba, click HERE.