Exploring La Ribera and the Roman Bridge in Córdoba, Spain

Going to Spain on holiday but don’t know the language? Wanting to know just enough Spanish to use on your holiday without having to learn the grammar and tons of pointless vocabulary and phrases? (‘La niña come manzanas‘ on DuoLingo, anyone?)

Download my simple, colourful and helpful guide to holiday Spanish which will give you exactly the word and brief phrases you will need for chatting with the locals in Spain here!

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La Ribera means riverbank, similar to riviera in French.

When you search Córdoba, Spain, on Google, the Guadalquivir riverside and its famous UNESCO Roman bridge and Mezquita dominate most of the images and for good reason too.

It is the heart of Córdoba and is a spectacularly beautiful site which never gets old or boring to me. It looks pleasant on photos but no justice is done compared to actually being there and taking it in with your own eyes. The sound of the river streaming past with bats swirling overhead and the sunset behind the Mezquita makes for a truly stunning setting.

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Exploring La Judería: Córdoba’s Old Town Jewish Neighbourhood

Going to Spain on holiday but don’t know the language? Wanting to know just enough Spanish to use on your holiday without having to learn the grammar and tons of pointless vocabulary and phrases? (‘La niña come manzanas‘ on DuoLingo, anyone?)

Download my simple, colourful and helpful guide to holiday Spanish which will give you exactly the word and brief phrases you will need for chatting with the locals in Spain here!

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Córdoba isn’t one of the most famous cities in Andalucía and is often unfairly overlooked.

However, UNESCO hasn’t overlooked Córdoba as its centre is recognised as a World Heritage Site, along with the recently awarded Medina Azahara, 20 minutes out of the city.

UNESCO recognises Córdoba’s Historic Centre as its Mezquita, Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, Roman Bridge and Calahorra Tower and the streets all around the district of the Mezquita.

This area is known as La Judería which means the Jewish Quarter.

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Visiting the Alhambra of Granada: Spain’s Majestic Moorish Palace

Going to Spain on holiday but don’t know the language? Wanting to know just enough Spanish to use on your holiday without having to learn the grammar and tons of pointless vocabulary and phrases? (‘La niña come manzanas‘ on DuoLingo, anyone?)

Download my simple, colourful and helpful guide to holiday Spanish which will give you exactly the word and brief phrases you will need for chatting with the locals in Spain here!

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Of all of Spain’s architectural gems, the Alhambra Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is its most precious treasure.

It is so stunning inside and outside, close up and from afar that it is impossible to take it all in- every corner reveals yet more painstaking artisanal carvings and monuments and astonishing views across Granada. (Read about the city of Granada here)

Situated in the hills overlooking the city, with the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains in the distance, its presence can be felt at all times in this city and there are several vantage points for the best views such as the Mirador San Nicolás (pictured below):

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Discover Cádiz: the Oldest City in Western Europe

Cádiz is not huge but it’s advisable to maximise your time in this city with Free Walking Tour Cádiz by Free Tour Expert where you will meet at the Cathedral and be guided through the beautiful streets and along the iconic promenade for two hours.

It’s easy to bypass some of the hidden gems tucked away in the narrow, sheltered streets unless you’re with somebody who knows the city inside out. It’s totally free but tips are gratefully encouraged!

Walking tours depart at 11am and 6pm and are held in English.

So, let’s move on to some of the city’s rich history.

Cádiz is a city on the coast of the wider province that goes by the same name.

Cádiz was once called Gadir by the Phoenicians and this name evolved into the Latin Gades when it was under Roman rule. This is why the people from Cádiz are known as gaditanos even now the place is known today as Cádiz.

The gaditanos hold a reputation for being the funniest people in Spain and although I didn’t find this particularly evident in the Cádiz Capital, I certainly did when I visited El Puerto de Santa María which is just across the bay and of course, is still a part of the Cádiz province.

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La Feria de Córdoba: A Week Long Celebration of Local Culture and Fiesta

Going to Spain on holiday but don’t know the language? Wanting to know just enough Spanish to use on your holiday without having to learn the grammar and tons of pointless vocabulary and phrases? (‘La niña come manzanas‘ on DuoLingo, anyone?)

Download my simple, colourful and helpful guide to holiday Spanish which will give you exactly the word and brief phrases you will need for chatting with the locals in Spain here!

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The Feria of Córdoba is arguably THE most important event in the calendar of this city and as it is literally and figuratively such a colourful occasion laden with history and tradition, I will warn you now this is a long but hopefully interesting post with plenty of pictures and information!

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