Unpredictable Cordoba I. Cordoba, Spain

Cordoba´s unpredictable cityscape showcases to its tourists a whole world of striking and astounding history. People of diverse cultures and religions (Jews, Muslims and Christians) have put in numerous contributions to the beauty of this outstanding place and undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous places to visit in Southern Spain. With one of the most extensive historical heritages in the world (declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO December 17, 1984).

One of the highlights is the Mezquita, or the Cathedral, once the when Cordoba was again overpowered by the Christians in the year 1236, the rulers beatified the mosque to be a Christian cathedral. On approaching the Mezquita, one's first thoughts are of approaching a massive fortress. All around the exterior there are massive doors, highly decorative but closed and uninviting. Then we get in a different word. It was known as the Aljama Mosque, at its time the second largest mosque in the world. Taking over 200 years to complete, the Mosque's construction started in 784AD. With the capture of Cordoba by Fernando III in 1236AD the mosque was converted to a cathedral and almost all the outer doors were sealed. During Moorish times, the many open doors of the mosque let in light which made the structure brighter, and, one would imagine, a more welcoming place than it is today. When the mosque was converted into a cathedral, a third of the pillars were removed for a courtyard. In the center of what is left of the mosque, the arches were reworked and the ceiling raised, this space is now the heart of the cathedral (photo above, left). Inside the Mezquita are row after row of arches and pillars. Marble was required for the mosque's construction. Many of the pillars in the Mezquita were pilfered from earlier Roman buildings. If the pillar was too long, it was sunk into the ground and reshaped to fit in with the other columns. It is almost impossible to portray this masterpiece of architecture appropriately in photographs. The repeating arches and soaring ceiling are balanced by exquisite detail decorations. Notorious is the entrance to the "mihrab" (Islamic prayer room) is adorned with Byzantine mosaics and bordered by Koran inscriptions done in gold.

This is one of the most typical streets in Cordoba: The Flower Street. Geraniums are the most popular flowers in Andalusia. It is possible to find many balconies with Geranium flowers in the streets of Cordoba. The street it's a quick walk from the Mezquita. Duck down the street and when you look back along the narrow street you can see a different view of the Mezquita. This narrow arcaded street, typical of the Judería, is abundantly decorated with flowerpots. It open onto a little square adorned with a fountain from which there is a pretty view of the mosque's tower. I visited the street during the lunch time, and it is amazing how fresh these spaces can be.