CÓRDOBA Province

Introduction

Cordoba is a city embedded with history, legend and art with strong Arabic, Christian and Jewish influences. It is at the foot of the Sierra Morena and has the Guadalquivir flowing through its borders. Cordoba has a leading role in a long and prolific history that is lost to the night. Cordoba stands regally at the shore of the Guadalquivir, “El Rio Grande”, and is one of the cities that best sums up the Andalusian history.

Córdoba city

The Jewish quarter, is a peaceful place with narrow streets, small plazas (squares) and beautiful patios full of flowers. Its streets, such as Albucasis and las Flores, as well as the small squares are surrounded by walls that open out on to the “Puerta de Almodóvar”. The Jewish quarter is also full of typical bars.

The Mezquita is one of the most beautiful examples of Muslim craftsmanship and clearly reflects the multiracial composition of the city.

MADINAT AL-ZAHRA

By following the carretera de Trasierra and taking the street that leads to the Madinat Al-Zahra, also known as the Medina Azhara, lies the luxurious palace of the Caliph, “the Versalles of Cordoba”, that was built in 10 Century. Even though only the remains exist today they give an indication of how magnificent the palace once was.

Leisure and Free time

Climbing Rock in the Subbética of Córdoba.(Foto por cpoyato.com)

Cordoba´s diversity in its landscapes and natural surroundings allows one to practice almost all specialities of sports.

Subbética Cordobesa (Foto por cpoyato.com)

Nevertheless, we will focus on two that are becoming more and more important. Firts are horseback excursions, especially in the south where a network os establishments are being created wich permit enjoy the sport in magnificient country.

Acuatic activities in the lakes of Córdoba

Second one may practise watersports in the province´s reservoirs, such as Iznájar.

You can also practise other kind of sports as climbing rock in Espiel and Zuheros.

Map of CÓRDOBA Province

Selection

Province

City center

center map:

(38.07836, -4.69116)

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- Walking Tours in Córdoba
- Download the turistic pamphlet of Córdoba

Córdoba province:

Parque Natural Sierra de Cardeña y Montoro.

Córdoba is divided into two large areas of similar size but with totally different, often opposing, characteristics: the Sierra Morena in the north and the Campiña (farmlands) in the south, separated by the River Guadalquivir. To the right of the river, the landscape of the Sierra Morena is rugged and many hills are covered with holm oaks and pine forests.

The Sierra Morena hills are inhabited by only a few steep villages that are mostly set on the hillside. This area spreads down from the north of the province to the banks of the Guadalquivir itself. To the left of the river, you find rolling hills planted with wheat, vine and olive trees as well as the whitewashed houses of the friendly villages.

Natural Reserves

-Natural Park Sierras Subbéticas: The Park is part of the Beticas mountain range, with its attractive limestone formations. The beauty of the area, combined with the cultural merits of its villages, make this one of Andalusia’s most outstanding locations.

-Natural Park Sierras de Cardeña and Montoro: Its smooth relief is made up of granite-like material and is home to a typically Mediterranean ecosystem, with large masses of cork and holm oak forest accompanied by a few surviving groves of gall oaks on the shadier slopes.

Image of a red deer in the Natural Park Sierra of Hornachuelos.

-Natural Park Sierra de Hornachuelos: Is the largest Natural Park in the province of Cordoba. Sierra de Hornachuelos is currently home to the second-largest colony of black vultures in Andalusia.