CORDOBA PROVINCE
 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.
Cordoba´s diversity in its landscapes and natural surroundings allows one to practice almost all specialities of sports.
Natural Parks in the province include: Sierras Subbeticas - 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.Sierras de Cardena 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.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.
CORDOBA CITY
 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.
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.
IZNAJAR
 This small town of some six thousand inhabitants was transformed some years ago by the creation of an 'embalse', or reservoir, below the promontory on which Iznajar sits in the River Genil valley. Today, to all intents and purposes, Iznajar now has a waterfront, overlooking an inland sea some thirty kilometres long, and containing an estimated 900 million cubic metres of water destined for domestic consumption.
Iznajar itself escaped the submersion that often visits towns and villages in the region of Andalucía's controversial programme to construct more and more dams and reservoirs to serve this increasingly thirsty region. If anything, the lake below has given further resonance to its unofficial title as the Mirador (viewpoint) del Genil.
Surrounding countryside and communications have been radically altered, not least by a bridge built across the reservoir near Iznajar in order to continue to carry traffic on the Archidona/Priego de Córdoba road. In effect, Iznajar now offers the perfect setting for anyone wanting to live in the (cheaper) interior but still retain a 'sea' view
The ruins of the 1,200-year-old castle are the obvious key attraction for the visitor, although they are in a poor state of repair. Parts of the fortified town walls can also be seen in the upper reaches of the town. Inside the town walls, a small square called the Patio de las Comedias suggests that, despite its defensive position, Iznajar once had a theatre culture that probably tracks back millennia. Also worth visiting is the Iglesia de Santiago church, built over time during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, with a remarkable late addition in the form of a Baroque altar piece. The cemetery next to the church only dates back to 1806.
RUTE
 Rute is a small, charming Spanish town located in the heart of the province of Cordoba. With a population of 10,000 residents, this white village has a couple of bars and a few stores making it an excellent destination for the vacationer seeking a quiet setting with a number of tourist activities. The town's claim to fame lies in the production of Aguardiente de Anis, a liqueur made from anise that dates back centuries.
There is a nice balance of activities from museums, including the Anis museum, to the restaurants offering some of Spain's best culinary staples including Jamones, an air cured ham, and delicate pastries. In the outskirts of town lies the Santuario de Burros, the famed donkey sanctuary run by a truly caring man who takes abused or neglected donkeys from many European countries and gives them a loving home until the end of their life.
Nicknamed “The One of Old,” Rute was founded in the 1200s by Moors looking to create a stronghold in the limestone mountains. By 1240, the Christians attempted to seize the town for themselves and found success. Because Granada was nearby, the area saw frequent battles leading to a sharp decline in population. It would take two more centuries before the population finally started to recover following the Civil War in 1465. The frequent battles, however, had destroyed some buildings and damaged many others.
By the time the 1500s came, the population was growing steadily and homes were built further down the hillside. The new buildings mixed well with the old, with the older fortress and homes sitting high above the town and the churches and town buildings found lower on the slope.
CABRA
 Cabra sits in the southern portion of the province of Cordoba. Much of the town's claim to fame lies within their large olive groves and organic fields full of fresh produce. A number of archaeological sites, gardens, and museums are also found in town. The town has a little more than 20,000 residents making it one of the larger areas in Cordoba.
The largest draw for tourism is the Fair of September when tourists flock to the area for games, dancing, singing, food booths, fireworks, and more. While there are longer festivals, this is the best one for tourists to witness. Tourists should also be sure to see the Castle of Cabra and the old city walls. Built by the Moors, the castle is one of the area's most popular tourist attractions. Additionally, the Bullring, Museum of Natural History, and Old Mill Oil Museum are also important.
A number of bars and restaurants found within town offer a cosy setting for a cold beer, glass of wine, and chat with the friendly locals. One place that receives a lot of mention is Cerveceria el Botinero. This bar has more than 500 different beers in stock. Serious beer drinkers are certain to discover a beer they have never tasted. Cerveceria Plaza Espana receives rave reviews over its nightly tapas selection. For those unfamiliar with tapas, tapas is served with a drink for a small fee. The dishes contain small samples of traditional Andalusian cuisine. Tapas offers a nice way to sample a number of foods while not filling up too much.
|
|
