I found my way to Córdoba in Andalucia, Spain because it was a good base for hiking and cycling in the countryside. I earlier wrote about these various nearby trails one can explore. But something needed to be said for the historic centre of Córdoba. This old town area is a UNESCO heritage site and quite understandably so. It has an intriguing mingling of Arab, Christian, Roman and what not cultures over the years.

However, I have no clue about the European history beyond the two world wars. After visiting this city, I understand that at some point Arabs and Muslim religion dominated a large part of Europe. And Córdoba was a hot centre in those times. Though now it is only a small tourist town. Later Christian folks managed to retake this area and that is why in the middle of the historic centre we find a mosque-cathedral. It was a grand mosque during the Arab reign and then it got converted into a grand cathedral during the Christian reign.

Lot of food for thought for me because India is rife with converted religious places. And there is a lot of communal tension and enmity over it. It was good to see that the same has happened in Europe and how they are tackling it. And in a bit more low key manner, this communal tension exists there too.

So, enjoy these 28 photos. And if you want to know more about its history, feel free to read up more on it. I had gone there only for my cycling adventures 🙂