Córdoba and the Mezquita

Next stop on our architectural odyssey was La Mezquita, the Mosque-Cathedral in Córdoba which although 142 Kms from Sevilla, is an easy day trip thanks to the fast train that covers the distance in 42 minutes!

Originally a pagan temple, then a Moorish mosque, after the Spanish reconquista a cathedral was inserted into the middle of it. It stands as one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the Western world and is a World Heritage Site.

The contrast between the Islamic features of multiple arches and beautifully coloured plasterwork and ceilings with the Christian altars, paintings and statues was profound. I found myself preferring the eastern style.

 

The Cathedral ceiling.

 

 

After spending several hours here we then wandered the labyrinthian streets of Córdoba stopping occasionally for a beer and/or sangria in the oppressive heat.

 

Well known for its ceramic artisans, there were plenty of options on sale and of course a couple of plates made their way in to my luggage, hopefully they will make it back to Oz intact!

Tired and hot, we caught a cab back to the train station, found our seats (opposite an Aussie mother and son, she in her 60s and still telling her son to turn his iPod volume down!) and headed back to Sevilla.

 

On our last day in Sevilla we decided to take it slow and attend to a bit of housekeeping. Russell had his hair cut (at the Barber in Seville!), I had my legs waxed and we did the washing as well as a bit more unstructured ambling around. Today was actually Sam’s birthday and we had booked a Flamenco show at 10pm given that Sevilla is the home of flamenco.

 

 

Dinner first was an interesting experience but they did get into the spirit of things with a candle of Sam’s dessert.

 

 

Los Gallos (the “Cocks”) came highly recommended by the Lonely Planet and various other forums and it did not disappoint. A very intimate setting ( no photos allowed whilst the show is underway), we were mesmerized for two hours and definitely felt the duende.

Duende refers to the spirit of evocation. It comes from inside as a physical and emotional response to music.

It was a memorable way to celebrate Sam’s 26th and we stumbled home at about 1am to face packing up and moving on to Portugal the next day.

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