Cordoba, Spain

Cordoba's old town contains numerous architectural reminders of when it was the capital of the region during the Roman Empire and then capital of the Islamic Emirate. During the 10th century it was the most populous city in the world. Lots of history here. It is probably most well known for the Mezquita de Córdoba (Mosque of Cordoba). 

Roman bridge and across the river a view of the Mosque/Cathedral

Briefly put -  it started as a Visigothic Catholic church about 600 A D, then a mosque was built and enlarged four times from 784 to 1236 and finally a significant Catholic Cathedral was slammed into the middle of the mosque starting in 1236. The whole building is considered Christian. 

Inside. The mosque is vast. It spreads over the size of a couple of football fields

It was increased in size four times over 500 years. 

An extremely detailed niche. 

A fantastic Catholic Cathedral. Check out the pipe organ.
I wish organs in churches were played more often. 

Since the early 2000s, Spanish Muslims have lobbied the Roman Catholic Church to allow them to pray in the cathedral. This Muslim campaign has been rejected on multiple occasions, both by the church authorities in Spain and by the Vatican. Hmmm..... that doesn't seem very neighbourly. 

I visited during a Saturday which is the day for weddings is would appear. There were wedding parties lined up to get into a chapel that was part of the building. 

Across the river, having lunch, these local fellows walked past with what appears to be their mascot or ??. Note police uniform, black stockings which he wears rather well I thought (nice legs) and chicken comb hat. 

Had to get a photo. None of the fellows spoke English and so I never figured out just what they were all about. 

Just a window with flowers in the old town. 

Wall of flower pots. Gave me some ideas for my fence at home.