Day 8: Cordoba

Day 8 started with a stroll along the Roman Bridge, Córdoba unfolding gently ahead of us.

Roman Bridge (Puente Romano)

Córdoba’s grand gateway — Puerta del Puente

Our tour gang (all 30 of us) 

After passing through the Puerta del Puente, we entered the Patio de los Naranjos — a peaceful courtyard filled with orange trees, fountains, and the soft scent of citrus in the air. Once used for ablutions before prayer, it now offers a quiet moment of calm before stepping into the grandeur of the Mezquita.

Patio de los Naranjos

Great Mosque of Córdoba (La Mezquita)

La Mezquita was built in the 8th century under the Umayyad dynasty and expanded over the next two centuries to become one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world. When the Christian Reconquest came in 1236, it was converted into a cathedral, and a grand Renaissance nave was added in the 16th century.

Inside, more than 850 red-and-white striped arches, supported by marble, jasper, and granite columns, form a mesmerizing forest of pillars.

The stunning Renaissance-style dome that was added in the 16th century when the cathedral was built within the original mosque.

 The intricate carvings, arches, and golden details reflect the *Mudéjar  artistry that makes this monument so unique.

*Mudéjar elements are Islamic decorative features—such as geometric patterns, brickwork, tiles, and carved wood—integrated into Christian-era buildings in Spain after the Reconquista.

A small square of glass on the floor offers a rare glimpse into the site’s layered past.

Standing above this tiny glass window, you’re literally looking down at centuries of history, from Visigothic to Muslim to Christian — a condensed timeline of Córdoba’s rich cultural heritage.

Around the Mezquita, everyday life unfolds within centuries-old walls.  Restaurants and souvenir shops brim with ceramics, cork products, and local flavours, spilling onto narrow lanes that still hold the district’s quiet charm.

We wandered through La Judería, Córdoba’s old Jewish quarter, where narrow cobbled lanes twist between whitewashed houses and flower-filled patios. Once home to a thriving Jewish community, the district still whispers of their presence.

Turning a corner, we suddenly found ourselves in a narrow alley bursting with flowerpots!

Calleja de las Flores was once a simple residential alley, but in 1939 a local resident placed flowerpots on the walls, inspiring neighbours to do the same. In the 1950s, the city officially beautified the street with whitewashed walls, cobblestones, and a small fountain, turning it into the iconic, flower-filled alley we see today.

LUNCH @ EL CHOTO

We had grilled Ibérico pork, perfectly tender and full of flavor, served with a local favorite — *Salmorejo, and Pastel Cordobés. A delicious taste of Andalusian tradition!

*Salmorejo, a traditional cold tomato soup from Córdoba.

It’s made with:

• Tomatoes – the main ingredient

• Bread – gives the soup its thick, creamy texture

• Olive oil – adds richness and smoothness

• Garlic

• Salt

It’s typically topped with:

• Chopped Spanish cured ham (usually jamón serrano or jamón ibérico)

• Crumbled hard-boiled egg

👉 Although it looks creamy, there’s no cheese or cream — the smooth texture comes from blended bread and olive oil.

Salmorejo is served cold and is thicker and richer than gazpacho.

Following lunch, our bus took us to Toledo, and just before dinner, the driver stopped at Mirador del Valle — a scenic viewpoint overlooking the city. From there, we had a breathtaking panoramic view of Toledo, with the Tagus River winding around the hill and the Alcázar rising proudly above the old town.

Córdoba’s allure and Toledo’s skyline made for a day full of discoveries, flavors, and scenes that linger in the mind long after the sun has set.