Nowhere else in the world do the cultures of Christianity, Islam and Judaism stand side-by-side the way they do in Cordoba, the former capital of Moorish Spain.
Ruler Abd ar-Rahman II began the construction of Cordoba's Great Mosque, La Mezquita, as an alternative to Mecca. With an original script of the Koran and a bone from the arm of Muhammad, La Mezquita was one of the most sanctified spots in the world.
Yet another great reason to visit Cordoba is the chance to visit any of the numerous annual festivals, dedicated to various religious figures. Perhaps the most famous is Holy Week, held during Easter. It consists of 32 separate processions and about 60 platform displays with the figures of saints under which thousands of penitents worship. The Crosses of May are also popular, with crosses made of flowers bedecking the public squares and inner courts of local houses.
The month ends with the Fair of Nuestra Seņora de la Salud, where the streets are lined with girls dressed in gypsy or typical Cordoba costumes and men on horseback, enjoying the flowing white wine and dancing.
Cordoba is worth visiting either out of historical interest or just for a relaxing vacation. Let Sasha be your guide in Cordoba!
