Historic Centre of Cordoba
Join me on a virtual exploration of the Historic Center of Cordoba in Spain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that weaves together centuries of history, architectural brilliance, and a harmonious blend of cultures. Let's wander through the narrow streets and discover the enchanting beauty that defines this Andalusian gem.
Cordoba's Historic Center earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1984, recognizing its outstanding universal value and the preservation of its architectural and cultural legacy. The inscription celebrates the city's role as a meeting point for different cultures over the centuries.
Behold the Mezquita-Cathedral, an architectural marvel that encapsulates the city's history. Originally a mosque during the Islamic period, the structure later transformed into a cathedral, embodying the coexistence of Islamic and Christian influences in Cordoba.
Explore the Alcázar, a fortress that witnessed the fusion of Moorish and Christian cultures. With its beautiful gardens, reflecting pools, and historic significance, the Alcázar narrates tales of medieval power struggles and cultural exchange.
Navigate the labyrinthine streets of the Jewish Quarter, or Judería, where whitewashed houses, cobblestone streets, and charming squares create an enchanting atmosphere. The Synagogue of Cordoba, a hidden gem, stands as a testament to the city's Jewish heritage.
Stroll down the iconic Calleja de las Flores, a picturesque alley adorned with vibrant flowers that frame the view of the Mezquita-Cathedral. This charming lane captures the essence of Cordoba's Andalusian charm.
Participate in the annual Patio Festival, where residents open their homes to showcase the beauty of their traditional Andalusian patios. Bursting with flowers and adorned with intricate tilework, these patios offer a glimpse into Cordoba's private architectural treasures.
Indulge in the culinary delights of Cordoba, where traditional Andalusian cuisine takes center stage. From savory tapas to the refreshing flavors of salmorejo, the city's gastronomy is a delightful journey through the region's rich culinary heritage.
In conclusion, Cordoba's Historic Center beckons us to unravel the layers of its history, where diverse cultures have left an indelible mark on its streets and monuments. When you're ready for a virtual stroll through the ages, Cordoba promises to captivate and inspire. 🏰🌺🇪🇸
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Historic place of the week🏛️
Mosque of Cordoba
This impressive building was built between 786 and 787, under the orders of Emir Abd al-Rahman I, leader of the Emirate of Córdoba. For many centuries, the site with its impressive columns and decorations in the Andalusian Muslim style, was the jewel of Muslim Spain. In 1236, the region was taken over by the Christians, who turned the building into a Catholic cathedral, a function that still maintains to this day.
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Mezquita de Córdoba
Este impresionante edificio fue construido entre los años 786 y 787, bajo las ordenes del emir Abderramán I, líder del emirato de Córdoba. Por muchos siglos, el lugar con sus impresionantes columnas y decoraciones al estilo musulmán andaluz, fueron la joya de la España musulmana. En 1236, la región fue tomada por los cristianos, quienes convirtieron el edificio en una catedral católica, función que aun mantiene hasta hoy.
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Romance of Abenámar
The Romance of Abenámar is a medieval Spanish romance, written as a dialog between the Moor Abenámar/Yusuf (a Muslim nobleman who ruled in Granada in 1432 that marked the end of the “Reconquista”) and the Catholic King John II of Castile. The poem is a short "frontier romance" in Castilian Spanish with assonant rhyme. The historical events it describes took place in 1431, but the author and date of composition are unknown.
original text:
— ¡Abenámar, Abenámar, moro de la morería,
el día que tú naciste grandes señales había!
Estaba la mar en calma, la luna estaba crecida,
moro que en tal signo nace no debe decir mentira.
Allí respondiera el moro, bien oiréis lo que diría:
—Yo te lo diré, señor, aunque me cueste la vida,
porque soy hijo de un moro y una cristiana cautiva;
siendo yo niño y muchacho mi madre me lo decía
que mentira no dijese, que era grande villanía:
por tanto, pregunta, rey, que la verdad te diría.
—Yo te agradezco, Abenámar, aquesa tu cortesía.
¿Qué castillos son aquéllos? ¡Altos son y relucían!
—El Alhambra era, señor, y la otra la mezquita,
los otros los Alixares, labrados a maravilla.
El moro que los labraba cien doblas ganaba al día,
y el día que no los labra, otras tantas se perdía.
El otro es Generalife, huerta que par no tenía;
el otro Torres Bermejas, castillo de gran valía.
Allí habló el rey don Juan, bien oiréis lo que decía:
—Si tú quisieses, Granada, contigo me casaría;
daréte en arras y dote a Córdoba y a Sevilla.
—Casada soy, rey don Juan, casada soy, que no viuda; el moro que a mí me tiene muy grande bien me quería
translation:
Abenámar, Abenámar
O thou Muslim of the Morería,
There were mighty signs and aspects
On the day when thou were born,
Calm and lovely was the ocean,
Bright and full the moon above.
Moor, the child of such an aspect
Never ought to answer falsely.
Then replied the Muslim captive,
(You shall hear the Muslim’s reply):
Nor will I untruly answer,
Though I died for saying truth.
I am son of a Muslim sire.
My mother was a Christian slave.
In my childhood, in my boyhood,
Often would my mother bid me
Never know the liar’s shame.
Ask thou, therefore, King, thy question.
Truly will I answer thee.
Thank thee, thank thee, Abenamar,
For thy gentle answer, thanks.
What are yonder lofty castles,
Those that shine so bright on high?
That, O King, is the Alhambra,
Yonder is the Mosque.
There you see the Alixares,
Works of skill and wonder they;
Ten times ten doubloons the builder
Daily for his hire received;
If an idle day he wasted
Ten times ten doubloons he paid.
Farther is the Generalife,
Peerless are its garden groves.
Those are the Vermilion Towers,
Far and wide their fame is known.
Then spake up the King Don Juan
(You shall hear the Monarch’s speech):
Wouldst thou marry me, Granada,
Gladly would I for thy dowry
Cordoba and Seville give.
I am married, King Don Juan.
King, I am not yet a widow.
Well I love my noble husband.
Well my wedded Lord loves me.
thou: archaic or dialect form of “you"
thy: archaic or dialect form of “your”
meaning:
The narrative begins with the king who wants to know the wealth of the city admired (Granada) and for this reason invites Abenámar to tell him the truth. In fact, he persuasively compliments the favorable circumstances that guaranteed his birth, such as the calm sea and the full moon, because the arab who is born under these signs must not tell lies. Abenámar says that he says the truth at the cost of his life because he is son of an Arab and a Christian prisoner and his mother said to him that the lie is synonymous with rudeness.
He continuous with the description of the most important palaces in Granada. The king proposes to Granada to marry him, which means he wants Granada to incorporate to his kingdom. Granada (personification of the city) neither rejects nor accepts the king’s proposal, she just says she’s already married with an Arab king who feels a great love for her.
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