Cordoba, in the state of Andalucia, was founded by the Romans @ 200 years B.C. The iconic symbol of Cordoba is La Mezquita. Originally the religious home to early Christians, (San Vicent Basilica), it was destroyed in the 700's during the Islamic invasion from Africa, to be replaced by a mosque inspired from Damascus. The mosque was built in three stages throughout the next 500 years till King Ferdinand lll reconquered Cordoba in the 1200's and, in the 1500's the Catholics built a cathedral right in the middle of the mosque! They even covered the minaret with a bell tower. A bit of religious pushing and shoving for several centuries more, but thank goodness they didn't destroy each other, as the building is amazing, joining the two cultures. That's today's history lesson...
Walking the old walled city found us at another lovely tapas restaurant. Favorite drink has become a "Clara" - beer and lemon Shwepps.
Today's pix: Old Roman bridge (reconstructed) to the city; Catholic cathedral and Islamic mosque sharing space; 19 sections of mosque separated by arches.
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