How to Have the Best Day Ever in Cordoba
Cordoba is exactly how you picture Europe to be. Narrow, cobble stone streets, white-washed buildings with flowers and laundry hanging off the balconies and huge, humbling pieces of history around every corner. While the town is small, there’s so much to enjoy… if you do it right.
1. Stay in Hotel Maimonides. Not only is the lobby done up to match the Great Mosque of Cordoba, but also the actual mosque itself is just ten steps away. This convenient location also serves as a good north star when getting lost in the city’s tiny streets, as you can always make your way back to the tall minaret.
2. Wake up early and check out the Great Mosque; it’s only steps outside your hotel room after all.
In the height of Cordoba’s power Jews, Muslims, and Christians were able to peacefully coexist within the city’s walls, but, in the mezquita, you’re able to clearly visualize the clear-cut power struggle between the Muslim and Christian worlds. You’ll feel as if you’ve walked into your 8th grade history book when you get lost in the bosque (forest) of pillars.
3. Take a walk through the “Barrio Judio.” Stroll down “Calle de las Flores.” Visit the statue of Maimonides and the Jewish synagogue (made by Arabs).
4. Take a 20 minute breather at the hotel, and head out again for some shopping. Cordoba has some great leather goods. Don’t be afraid to bargain.
5. Sit down for lunch in whatever semi-cheap, well-deserving tapas place you can find. At the place we went to: the olives and the patatas bravas were to die for, the waiter was absolutely adorable, and the food was coming out of his kitchen at home— we’re pretty sure.
Also: you must try salmorejo and the eggplant covered in honey.
6. If you’re lucky, the Mercado Medieval will be in town. The only way I can do this time-warped festival, this place of costumes, no silver-ware, and tons of rejoicing, any justice is through pictures. So enjoy. And, don’t forget to get dressed up warm and go back for dinner.
