CRUISING CORDOBA

Our brief encounter in Cordoba yesterday left us in great anticipation for today. We are lucky enough to be staying in the old city, right up against the Mezquita walls. At one time Cordoba was the largest city 'in the world'. It's hard to imagine, but that's what they say. A maze of narrow streets and tidy, clean and colourful floral decorations.

Beats shanks pony!

Next a surprise in the gardens of the The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (Spanish for "Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs" or Fortress of the Kings). The fortress itself was impressive being habitated by various Christian rulers since the early 13th century.

Alcazar means Palace in Arabic

Extensive and extravagant, the gardens were 

a little Venice of ingenious waterways and fountains.

Cordoba had a strong Jewish community that was eliminated with the Muslims when the Crusades arrived. The Synagogue is one of only three remaining in Spain, the other two being in Toledo.

Remains of the Synagogue

A treat in store tonight to watch the "Espectaculo Ecuestre" at the Royal stables. We called in today and went through the old stables and were able to see the Andalusian horses at close hand. The Spanish Riding School in Vienna uses the Andalusian horses, so we are extremely excited to see them here, where they were bred.

The old Royal stables

Tomorrow we join the fast train again and head for Madrid for a few days, then Segovia on our way north/west to San Sebastian and France.