First stop: Córdoba
The bus to Córdoba left at an early 8:15 AM and reached at approximately 11:00 AM. After spending the bus ride taking a much needed nap, I woke up to the enchanting small city of Córdoba with its strong Arab influences. Córdoba is so different from Granada - most notably because it is much smaller.
Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba
The first stop during our trip was the famous mosque turned cathedral - one of the most grand, impressive, and exquisite cathedrals I have ever seen. Probably my most favorite aesthetic of the cathedral was the arches that were constructed by the Arabs, made of red brick and limestone - providing intricate decoration to the already magnificent interior. The architecture itself also mirrors the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles of Christian architecture - a beautiful mix with Arab architecture that creates a truly mind-blowing monument. My favorite part of the history, however, is the harmony in decoration and existence of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Even outside in the courtyard, there are three types of trees to represent the three religions - the Cypress tree for Christianity, the Orange tree for Islam, and the Olive tree for Judaism. ¡Que guay! It is so incredible to me that all three religions were able to live and exist together in a time of religious toleration, while today, in many places around the world, people are still struggling with the idea.
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| Arches made of red brick and limestone |
From what our wonderful, expressive guide mentioned, I think this cathedral is one of the most important monuments in the "Western Islamic" world.
Calle de las Flores
After leaving the cathedral, we took a stroll around the pretty city of Córdoba and made our way to the Calle de las Flores, or the Street of Flowers. A very narrow street, the calle is one of the most popular and tourist-y streets in Córdoba, but the masses of tourists don't ruin the authenticity. My favorite party was just the simple beauty of the many flowers that decorated the calle - enhancing the aesthetics of what could've been any other boring street.
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| A view of the street |
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| So so beautiful |
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| Nat and I |
Comida
We could not leave Córdoba without trying the dishes it is famous for: Salmorejo, Rabo de Toro, and Flamenquín.
Salmorejo is a puree of bread and tomato with some garnish of ham. It is similar to gazpacho - a cold soup - but I was not a huge fan. It tasted better with bread!!
Rabo de Toro is a dish made of the tail of a bull. I was too skeptical to try - the idea freaked me out a little.
Flamenquín is a dish made of pork wrapped in jamón serrano and fried, and it was as yummy as it sounds! Interestingly, the dish is named after its color which resembles the color of flamingos.
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| Nat and Emily with our food |
Next stop: Sevilla
From my first impression, I knew I would be in love with the city of Sevilla - for its people, for its sights, and for its general liveliness.
La Plaza de España
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| La Plaza de España |
La Plaza de España is a vast plaza in the Parque de María Luisa, and it was originally built for the Ibero-American Exposition or World's Fair of 1929 in Sevilla. Needless to say, the architects did not disappoint. Although the morning we visited the plaza it was cloudy and a bit chilly, the beauty of the plaza was not missed. It's vastness and and beauty rival many of the former monuments that I have seen. The impressiveness of the plaza showcased Spain to the world. Just walking through the plaza and listening about its history was enough - I felt content to be in the open air of such a beautiful display of culture. Even more awesome is the fact that this plaza was the filming location of Lawrence of Arabia, Star Wars, and The Dictator.
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| Me in the Plaza |
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| Intricate art |
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| Amigos! |
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| Amigas! |
Real Alcázar
The Real Alcázar is the royal palace in Spain that was originally built by the Moorish kings, and to me, a truly impressive palace and showcase of architecture. As the guide explained, the type of architecture in the palace resembles the mudéjar style - a typical style of Iberian architecture that is greatly influenced by Arab styles. Interestingly, this palace is still used today by the Spanish royal family today. My first impression of the palace reminded me of the Alhambra because of the similar architectural styles. Just walking through the palace, I felt so small but completely in awe of my surroundings.
Catedral de Sevilla
The cathedral in Seville is the largest in Spain and the third largest in the world!! You can imagine how incredible it was to see such a magnificent, grand cathedral - it was truly awe-inspiring. The cathedral was originally the Main Mosque of Seville until 1248 when construction began to convert it into a Gothic cathedral. However, the Giralda bell tower and Orange Tree courtyard still remain from the mosque. The cathedral also contains Baroque style architecture and the mix of styles results in a beautiful structure. Two important aspects of the cathedral made my jaw drop and caused me to realize the true historical importance of such a monument. First, Pierre Dancart's altarpiece is the most incredible piece of art I think I have ever seen in my life. When I first saw it, I couldn't help but stop and stare right in the middle of the path (probably blocking everyone else) because the beauty and intricacy was beyond ANYTHING I had ever seen in my life. I will never forget my first impression of this altarpiece - it literally gave me chills. Not only does the cathedral have probably the most amazing altarpiece in the world (in my opinion), but it also holds Christopher Columbus' tomb - WOW. What I had learned since elementary school finally came into use as I stared history in the face - literally. Christopher Columbus - one of the most famous people in the world - was right in front of me (well only 200 grams of him). The feeling I experienced right then is indescribable!
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| No words for this beautiful altarpiece |
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| The tomb of Christopher Columbus!!! |
La Giralda (Catedral continued...)
After climbing what I felt was a million miles (only 34 steep ramps plus 17 steps), I reached the best view of Sevilla from the cathedral - in the bell tower or la Giralda. The climb was definitely worth it, and I was able to take awesome pictures from the aerial view!!
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| My breathtaking view of Sevilla |
Besos y abrazos,
Niyati
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