Sites to See…Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba (Spain)

The Mezquita (mosque) was built between the 8th and 10th centuries, at a time when Córdoba was the largest and most prosperous city in Europe. For several centuries it served as a striking symbol of the Moors’ conquest of the peninsula and Córdoba’s importance as the center of Muslim power in Spain.

Besides its massive size, the Mezquita’s most distinctive features are the 856 red- and-white double arches made of jasper, onyx, marble, and granite that soar overhead. The arches were made from pieces of the Roman temple that had previously occupied the Mezquita site.

After the Christian Reconquest in 1236, the Mezquita was converted to a church, and successive kings made changes to it, including adding chapels within the mosque, as well as converting the minaret to a baroque bell tower. Today the Mezquita is the Cathedral of Córdoba, officially known as the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption. This truly unique example of Spanish Moorish architecture has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is a must see for anyone visiting Córdoba. For more information, click here.

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On The Menu...Discover Salmorejo, Córdoba (Spain)

Many people are familiar with gazpacho, the cold tomato soup that is well known both inside and outside of Spain. But not as many people are familiar with a variation of gazpacho that is a staple in homes throughout Córdoba - salmorejo. Salmorejo is a richer and creamier version of gazpacho. Like gazpacho, it is made with tomatoes, oil, vinegar and garlic, but the addition of bread gives this soup a creamy texture that is thick and velvety. It is served chilled and topped off with chopped eggs and diced Serrano ham.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.