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About Cordoba
Cordoba is a city rich in history and culture. Archaeological discoveries prove that humans had been settling in the area since 1000 B.C. Therefore, Cordoba may look back at 3,000 years of history.
The city itself, as we know it today, was established when the Romans began to extend their empire on the Iberian peninsula. They founded the city of “Corduba” in order to control the Gudalquivir river and the entire valley. From then, the city experienced an unparalleled boom and became one of the most important cities of the entire Roman Empire. Numerous archaeological treasures give evidence of the city’s ancient significance. Monuments such as the Roman Temple (Claudio Marcelo Street), the Mausoleum (Victoria Avenue) or the Roman Bridge today attract thousands of visitors from all across the world.
After the Roman Empire collapsed, a second boom began when Arabs took over the Iberian peninsula. Under Abd al-Rahman I., Cordoba became the capital city of the independent emirate of Cordoba. The significant upturn reached its peak in the 10th century when the Caliphate of Cordoba was established. The Grand Mosque, the so called Mezquita Aljama, and the palace town of Medina Azahara just a few miles to the west testify the erstwhile glory of that time.
After more than six centuries of Arab rule, Christians under Ferdinand III. took over power in 1236. Due to its location, the city was of enormous military importance. So the Royal Fortress (Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos), erected in 1327, was a royal residence. Several other significant Cortdoba buildings date back to that time, including the city walls, the Calahorra Tower (Torre de la Calahorra) and the Malmuerta Tower (Torre de la Malmuerta). Also, numerous churches such as Santa María Magdalena, San Lorenzo, San Pedro, San Nicolás de la Villa or San Pablo, just to name a few, are a result of Christian activity. Another monument from that time, though of Jewish origin, is the Cordoba synagogue, one out of three still to exist in Spain today.
During the centuries to follow, Cordoba significantly lost importance. However, the city’s legacy is virtually uncomparable. Thus, large portions of the old town area became declared as Unesco world cultural heritage in 1994. Frankly, Cordoba is one of Spain’s leading travel destinations.
For more Cordoba information, you may check out the Cordoba 24 portal where we represent ourselves, as well: www.cordoba24.info
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