Sep 2017 – Sep 2025

Roland Routier

An open-ended adventure by Roland Routier Read more

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Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at 7:11 PM
🌬 18 °C
Altitude: 98 m
Spain Sotos de Albolafia 37.875278, -4.78333337°52’31” N 4°46’60” W
A good fit
April 3, 2018 in Spain ⋅ 🌬 18 °C
The imposition of a church was more of a blending than a crash.
Tony HammondA crash course in mixing different architectural styles?
4/7/18Reply
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Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at 7:11 PM
🌬 18 °C
Altitude: 98 m
Spain Sotos de Albolafia 37.875278, -4.78333337°52’31” N 4°46’60” W
Cathedral
April 3, 2018 in Spain ⋅ 🌬 18 °C
The Mosque was consecrated as a Christian Cathedral in the same year that Cordoba was re-conquered (1236). Alfonso X built the Villaviciosa Chapel with stunning multi lobed arches. The Capilla Real (Royal Chapel) was also built as a pantheon for Christian Kings.
In the 14th century Enrique II rebuilt the royal chapel in Mudejar style. In 1523 with the support of King Carlos V the church built a huge nave inside the mosque. The cathedral was elaborated on over the years by many of the country´s leading architects and artists. Architect Hernán Ruiz continued working transforming the Cathedral into Gothic style.
The main retable, (altar screen), in jasper and red marble is a neo-classical work of art by Álonso Matias The Baroque tabernacle is by Sebastian Vidal.Read more
Tony HammondAn interesting mix of styles....
4/7/18Reply
Rose SivaStanding majestically amoungst the new architecture...
4/8/18Reply
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Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 5:44 PM
⛅ 18 °C
Altitude: 107 m
Spain Cordova 37.878411, -4.76639937°52’42” N 4°45’59” W
Cathedral bits
April 4, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
You can see how the arabic arch frames the cathedral treasure room.
The stained glass can only be seen from inside the main nave of the cathedral.
Tony HammondThanks for keeping us in the frame about this fascinating period of religious architecture....
4/7/18Reply
Rose SivaWhat a mix!
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Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 6:44 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 98 m
Spain Sotos de Albolafia 37.875278, -4.78333337°52’31” N 4°46’60” W
The good oil
April 4, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
Where would Andalucia be without oil

The painting is by Antonio Palomino.
Tony HammondGlad you keep well oiled while you explore Cordoba!
4/7/18Reply
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Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 6:46 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 98 m
Spain Sotos de Albolafia 37.875278, -4.78333337°52’31” N 4°46’60” W
Andalucian Idols
April 4, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
A mosque with representations of people.
Tony HammondThe first two figures don't look very well!
4/7/18Reply
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Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 6:48 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 98 m
Spain Sotos de Albolafia 37.875278, -4.78333337°52’31” N 4°46’60” W
Stall for time
April 4, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
The fine mahogany stalls in the choir were carved by Pedro Duque Cornejo in the 18th C and depict scenes from the Bible.
The ceiling is pure baroque .
The two mahogany pulpits by Verdiquier are interesting because they feature a near life size bull and a lion in veined marble and an eagle in black marble.Read more
Tony HammondMarbleous creativity!
4/7/18Reply
Rose SivaWow!
4/8/18Reply
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Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 6:50 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 111 m
Spain Universidad De Córdoba / Facultad de Filosofía Y Letras 37.878565, -4.78391237°52’43” N 4°47’2” W
3 stooges
April 4, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
In Roman times, Cordoba gave birth to Lucius Annaeus Seneca (a famous drama queen,) and his nephew Lucan, (a poet.)
Then in the XIIthC came two celebrated scholars, Abdul and Moses.
Moses ben Maimon, called Rambam by his mates (sic) and better known to us as Maimonides (1135–1204), who condensed Talmudic law into a mere 14 volumes: the "Mishneh Torah".
And Abdul Wahid Muhammad Ibn 'Ahmed Ibn Rushd, shortened to Averroes to fit on the spine of his famous book "What I think of Aristotle."
Both got the nod from the Roman Church because they did not write in a way the general populace could understand as incompatible with Christianity and therefore seditious.
Even though they both had to leave the country to work and died at opposite sides of North Africa, Egypt and Morocco. Better than poor Luke though.Read more
Tony HammondLuke may have lost his head but these two by leaving Spain obviously lost their way!
4/7/18Reply
Rose Sivabefore twitters 140 char limit.... Roland - I am going to have to take some history lessons!
4/8/18Reply
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Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 6:52 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 111 m
Spain Universidad De Córdoba / Facultad de Filosofía Y Letras 37.878565, -4.78391237°52’43” N 4°47’2” W
Casa Arabe
April 4, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
The city restored this Arab house that had been four or five dwellings before a rich merchant bought it in the XVth C .
As usual, it is the two courtyards which appeal the most. Around them the rooms are only 2.7m wide and have been converted into offices and an art gallery.
Notice the modern interpretation of horse stalls as the feeding room for tourists.Read more
Tony HammondGlad to see you holding court again....
4/7/18Reply
Rose SivaHay - it must be lunch....
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Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 6:54 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 111 m
Spain Universidad De Córdoba / Facultad de Filosofía Y Letras 37.878333, -4.78361137°52’42” N 4°47’1” W
True Blue
April 4, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
Just to prove I did visit Cordova here are the mandatory blue pot photos.

A young backpacker has been retained to water them: she seems to be bored rigid.

CALLEJON DE LAS FLORES
This small but well-known street is the most photographed street in Cordoba.Read more
Tony HammondBluetiful! Difficult not to feel potty about them....
4/7/18Reply
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Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 6:56 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 114 m
Spain Universidad De Córdoba / Facultad de Filosofía Y Letras 37.878333, -4.78361137°52’42” N 4°47’1” W
Road trip
April 4, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
A couple of alleys and courtyards for you. There are quite a few of them which is very nice to walk around but pretty monotonous to photograph!
Tony HammondHave you made any allies as well as alleys?
4/7/18Reply
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Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 6:58 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 114 m
Spain Universidad De Córdoba / Facultad de Filosofía Y Letras 37.878333, -4.78361137°52’42” N 4°47’1” W
Facade
April 4, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
The houses are mostly double storied which preserves the human scale.
Wish our flats were as attractive as the block in the last photo!
Tony HammondWhen you say they are attractive you are not talking a load of bull!
4/7/18Reply
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Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 7:00 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 106 m
Spain Plaza de las Tendillas 37.881667, -4.77611137°52’54” N 4°46’34” W
City of Córdoba
April 4, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
Yes, really but why it is parked there is anyone's guess.
The city fathers' version of the city
The market
Tony HammondI've always known you were a high flyer...
4/7/18Reply
Rose SivaDoesn't quite fit in the overall ambience...
4/8/18Reply
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Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 7:02 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 106 m
Spain Plaza de las Tendillas 37.881667, -4.77611137°52’54” N 4°46’34” W
Done up
April 4, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
Casa Andalusi is a house in the Juseria restored to suggest a typical abode during the Caliphate.
- At the entrance sits a font for the ritual cleansing of hands before entering a home
- a pleasant little courtyard
- and off it a reading salon
- every house must have its lacework even if, as here, there is no real need
- the scribe has to be careful of firey prose which could get him into trouble with the rulers, hence a fire-extinguisher close to hand
- examples of arabic script and the beautiful calligraphy to which it lends itself
One of Cordoba's big sources of income came from the production of rag paper and the process is demonstrated in a model. I will divulge the secret process: shred, pound, soak, pound, dry, cut. No need for imagery.Read more
Tony HammondNice to see you making a clean sweep of this elegant little house...
4/7/18Reply
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Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 7:04 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 106 m
Spain Plaza de las Tendillas 37.881667, -4.77611137°52’54” N 4°46’34” W
Front Door
April 4, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
Travellers would cross the river Guadalquivir by the Roman bridge and enter the city by this gate, Puerta del Puente, a relic of Roman Imperialism.
Tony HammondAs long as it wasn't a bridge too far....
4/7/18Reply
Rose SivaWhat did the Romans ever do for us.......Arches and entries?
4/8/18Reply
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Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 7:06 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 118 m
Spain Casa de Sefarad 37.880342, -4.78370237°52’49” N 4°47’1” W
Puerta de Almodovar
April 4, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
Gate leading into the Juderia.
Tony HammondQuite a gate! At least they didn't operate a closed shop...
4/7/18Reply
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Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 7:08 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 118 m
Spain Casa de Sefarad 37.880342, -4.78370237°52’49” N 4°47’1” W
Judería
April 4, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
The judería (old Jewish quarter - not a ghetto,) is a reticule of narrow streets and small squares, whitewashed buildings and wrought-iron gates allowing glimpses of plant-filled patios. Many streets are now crammed with gaudy souvenir shops , but others remain quiet and unblemished, except for their hidden corners which have provided relief to visitors wandering around after a liquid lunch at the authentic tourist restaurants and bodegas.
Spain had one of Europe’s biggest Jewish communities, recorded from as early as the 2nd century AD. Persecuted by the Visigoths, they allied themselves with the Muslims following the Arab conquests until the Catholic monarchs did them in.
The small, probably private or family synagogue, constructed in 1315, is undergoing restoration so I couldn't visit. It hasn't been used as a place of worship since the expulsion of Jews in 1492 so I guess there is a lot of restoration to do.
The Puerta de Almodavar can be seen here from inside the city walls, but Seneca is hidden.Read more
Tony HammondI have to give you your Jew - a very interesting set of photos and history....
4/7/18Reply
Rose SivaSpring blossoms...
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Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 7:10 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 118 m
Spain Casa de Sefarad 37.880342, -4.78370237°52’49” N 4°47’1” W
Puerta de la Luna
April 4, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
After all the Game of Thrones sites found on my travels, I was really expecting something more spectacular of the Moon Gate.
Tony HammondSorry to hear you weren't over the moon about this particular gate...
4/7/18Reply
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Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 7:12 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 118 m
Spain Casa de Sefarad 37.880342, -4.78370237°52’49” N 4°47’1” W
Magical
April 4, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
The elderly Arab lady who ran the restored Casa Mudehar, emboldened by my ability to understand her French, (for she was originally from Morocco I hazard,) persuaded me to buy a ticket for her new venture, the "Al Iksir" or museum of Alchemy, the arts of material transmutation concealing the secrets of spiritual transformation.
What I found was a modern transformation of an ancient house backing onto the city walls of the Juderia and I was much taken by the designs.
- the entrance with a glass covered pool fed by water falling through boxes
- the hanging garden
- the tree of life
- earth, fire and water sculpture
- view of the city from the rooftop terrace
and finally and not least, the source of all the magic, Empsted Dispensing Chymists, Grand Parade, St. Leonards-on-Sea.Read more
Tony HammondAre you sure the dispensing chemists weren't from Hemel Empsted?
4/7/18Reply
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Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 7:14 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 118 m
Spain Casa de Sefarad 37.880342, -4.78370237°52’49” N 4°47’1” W
Wheel of fortune
April 4, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
This old waterwheel, Noria de la Albolafia originating in the XIIth C, contrasts with the other three waterwheels powering mills downstream of the Roman bridge: for it was designed to lift water to irrigate the gardens of the Alcázar.
Unfortunately Her Royal Highness Queen Isabel - not much of a gardener herself - didn't like the squeaky noise it made, according to local gossip, and ordered it to be stopped. Which it has been for the last few hundred years.
There is a placard expressing the fervent intention to renovate it and the others as soon as money is forthcoming. Unfortunately, a great deal of that money will need to be spent cleaning the mud and detritus from the river and tourists that currently conceals the base of the structure.Read more
Tony HammondWheely interesting....
4/7/18Reply
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Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 12:14 PM
☀️ 16 °C
Altitude: 118 m
Spain Casa de Sefarad 37.880342, -4.78370237°52’49” N 4°47’1” W
Palacio de Viana
April 5, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
Gate Courtyard
This is the entrance courtyard to the house of Torres Cabrera before being amalgamated into the new Palacio de Viana in the 19thC. The palace used to be called the "Rejas de Don Gome" after its original owner, but since it has been home to 18 noble families between the XVth and XXth C it now, as a museum and National Monument, is frequently called the Palace of Courtyards, of which there are 12 + nursery. Half the 65000 square metres of area are garden / courtyard.
The cognoscenti will recognise an umbrella palm, Lady Banks' Rose and Yew. (I made a point of recording all the names of flowers even though I couldn't tell you which was which.)Read more
Tony HammondVery pretty - I'm glad yew managed to photograph it....
4/7/18Reply
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Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 12:34 PM
☀️ 17 °C
Altitude: 107 m
Spain Cordova 37.878411, -4.76639937°52’42” N 4°45’59” W
The Prestige
April 5, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
The XVI C Reception courtyard has the corner cut-off so that carriages may enter, (but barricaded for maintenance!)
The story goes that a fella named Ursus left his trousers here after a rendezvous with a courtesan so the gardeners chose as the main plants: Bear's Britches, Night Blooming Jasmine, and Date Palm.Read more
Tony HammondYou mean Ursus made a date with a certain lady of the night?
4/7/18Reply
Rose SivaSounds like a good story....
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Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 12:38 PM
☀️ 17 °C
Altitude: 107 m
Spain Cordova 37.878411, -4.76639937°52’42” N 4°45’59” W
C of Cats
April 5, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C
The oldest documented courtyard in Cordoba, it has been rented out from mediaevil times and belonged to the Puentezuela de Tres Canos houses. So why "cats" I cannot reveal.
Ivy leaf geranium and Marguerite.Read more
Tony HammondPurrfectly pretty!
4/7/18Reply
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Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 1:37 PM
☀️ 20 °C
Altitude: 107 m
Spain Cordova 37.878411, -4.76639937°52’42” N 4°45’59” W
C of Orange Trees
April 5, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C
Used to be the entrance in the XVth C.
Full of Bitter Orange trees, Calla Lily and Chinese Wisteria.
Tony HammondThere's no need to feel bitter about this lovely orangement...
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Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 2:39 PM
☀️ 21 °C
Altitude: 114 m
Spain Palacio de Viana 37.888611, -4.77388937°53’19” N 4°46’26” W
C of Bars
April 5, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
Look at me!
This garden of Bergamot Orange, Centauria and Cineraria was constructed in the XVII C so the peasants gazing awestruck through the "Mannerist" bars set in the exterior walls would be suitably impressed and remember their station in life.Read more
Tony HammondNo holds barred beauty...
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Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 3:45 PM
☀️ 22 °C
Altitude: 114 m
Spain Palacio de Viana 37.888611, -4.77388937°53’19” N 4°46’26” W
Madama C & C of Columns
April 5, 2018 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
One courtyard of cypress trees, and the other was a space created last century to allow events to be held here.
Common myrtle.
Tony HammondNothing common about this beautiful space...
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