Cordoba, Spain

The origins of Cordoba are lost in the mists of time. Its position by the river and the fertile farming land of the Campiña made it a perfect place for the first prehistoric settlements. However, it was not until the late Bronze Age (8th/9th century B.C.) when the first settlement was established. After the arrival of the Phoenicians and Greeks on the peninsula, the city became known as an important mining and commercial centre, since the River Guadalquivir was then navigable as far as Cordoba. This facilitated the spread of artistic and commercial products and made for easier communication with the main cities of the period. Once the romans left the Visigoths frequented the area for a few centuries later yielding to the Moors. The Moors occupied Cordoba for many centuries up until the 15th when the Spanish reconquista took place. Cordoba today is bustling with tourism and life. It is a beautiful clash of cultures and has numerous historic buildings and monuments that are both grand and beautiful regardless of culture. The Mosque Cathedral of Granada was among one of the most beautiful religious structures Dave and I have seen.Read more