The Mezquita–Catedral de Córdoba

Cordoba, Spain

The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba - (Mezquita–Catedral de Córdoba), known as the Mosque of Córdoba aka Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption.

The Mezquita–Catedral de Córdoba is a most remarkable building. It was originally a Catholic Christian church built by the Visigoths but was later converted to an Islamic mosque in the Middle Ages. After the Reconquista it returned to being a Roman Catholic church. However, the Islamic architecture was allowed to stand and the cathedral was constructed in the centre of what had formerly been the mosque.

Also depicted in the pictures is the bell tower – the Torre de Alminar – which is 93m high and was built on the site of the original minaret.

The Patio de Los Naranjos is the large outer courtyard where anyone can rest from the Cordoba sun before entering into the mosque. 

 

There are three main decorated gates dating back to Moorish construction.

The mosque-cathedral is regarded as one of the most accomplished monuments of Moorish architecture.

Honestly, what a lot of bull

I am laughing... yah, yah, yah... you know I simply had to use that phrase as a title sometime on this blog, don't you? I was in Spain after all – it was inevitable, if predictable.

Whatever you may think of bullfighting (and I shall not engage in a debate with you on it) you must, at the least, recognize the beauty, passion, drama, bravery and skill of its torero's.

Side note: Torero is the Spanish word describing any of the performers who participate in the bullfight. In English the torero is called the toreador. Interestingly, this term does not exist in Spanish but it is invented by Georges Bizet for his opera Carmen. Evidently he needed the syllables of the word to match the cadence of the song (thank you Wikipedia for this fact). The main performer, who is the leader of the entourage and the one who kills the bull is addressed as maestro (master), the formal title is matador de toros (killer of bulls).

While travelling in Spain you cannot avoid the reality of this historic and cultural sport. Each city and many small towns have their own bull rings and you encounter symbols, statues, posters and monuments to it and its famous matadors all over the country. Antonio described how there are even temporary bull rings that travel over the country for local bullfights.

Black Bull silhouette billboards are peppered along the ditches all over Spain's highway system. Antonio explained their history...

The origins of these symbols of Spain only date back to the 1950s when they – along with large billboards of red and black bottles – were erected as advertisements for sherry by the Tio Pepe company. In 1994 the government banned roadside billboards – a good decision since the countryside of Spain is so incredibly beautiful and who wants the gorgeous views blocked by ads? However, there was such a cry and local protests regarding these two particular images. Consequently they alone were allowed to remain, although they could no longer make any reference to the company or products for sale.

These billboards have now turned into a symbol of Spain itself, the Black Bulls in particular representing Spain's very culture and vitality. For some Spaniards they represent “fertility” and legend has it that barren couples make love in the shadow of its giant cojones (testicles) to help in conception. 

Following are photos of some statues, posters, and exterior shots of a variety of different bullrings from a variety of different locations – Madrid, Malaga, Ronda (oldest in Spain, I think), Mijas.

Just pictures, but lovely ones....

Dreaming of the beauty of Alhambra

Just pictures this time but I think you will still enjoy - more on the beauty of Alhambra.  
Do click on them!

Elavador de Santa Justa and cable car treat! (And more)

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is situated on 7 hills and has a complex of public trams and cable cars serving its city. On our orientation walk Antonio explained how the process works, ticket prices, when and where best to catch certain scenic routes, etc. 

Travel memory: Picture our little group all gathered around Antonio intently listening to his instructions should we elect on our free time to take a cable care ride around the city. That is all except – yes, you guessed it – me. I was there (in body at least) but my back was to the group as I was busily and wildly snapping pictures (this is what got me into trouble in the Alhambra). Without even pausing, glancing at me or taking a breath in his speech, Antonio reached out and discretely and lightly gave my shoulder a little tap. 

I giggle... Lisbon was nearing the end of our trip and by then Antonio knew his flock well – i.e. Who know who might need a wee reminder to pay attention! It was hugely appreciated by me, by the way. I whipped around and behaved myself.

I did not end up going on Antonio's recommended cable car ride – route 28 if my memory serves me? (See! I can pay attention!) But that was due to lack of time, not motivation. However, I did join Antonio and other tour members on a walk taken a bit later which included a short – but fun! - cable car ride up one of Lisbon's hills and then a trip down on Lisbon's only vertical street life, the “Elevador de Santa Justa”. 

The cable care ride was fun. I loved the graffiti on the car. Antonio said they regularly clean it off but it is almost immediately decorated again. I secretly admit to actually really liking the graffiti on this car as well as on some of the walls on the trip up. 

In between the cable ride and the elevator ride down, Antonio took us to a wonderful square that offered some splendid panoramic views of Lisbon – even out to its port. 

We also popped into “The oldest and most beautiful Brewery in Portugal” (Cervejaria Trindade). Here we viewed a wonderfully decorated room with tiles from the1800s, on a site that had originally been the "Convent of the Trinos Friars of the Redemption of Captives" in 1294. This order had been dedicated to the rescue of Christian prisoners from the infidels. It had suffered fires and other disasters and was purchased and converted to a brewery in 1836.  It is is now it is a restaurant and brewery. 

If this wasn't enough, we also paid an impromptu visit to the church of Sao Roque. It was just incredible – so lavish, so beautiful – so holy - but no pictures allowed. I recommend you go visit it yourself. 

All this Antonio did although I believe he should have been on his own free time.

Thank you Antonio!

See pictures – click on them.  (PS - the empty beer and glasses etc. were NOT down to me... thought it just added a bit of 'atmosphere' to my photo.  

:)