Day 1 in Córdoba

In our first full day in Córdoba we were good tourists, visiting the mezquita-catedral and the alcázar. 

The mosque was built in the 8th century (through the 10th century), the Moors were driven out of the region in the 13th century, and the major conversion of the building into a cathedral began in the 16th century (through the 19th century). Yung Wha and I joked that the Spaniards recognized the magnificence of the mosque, so instead of changing it they just overwhelmed it with Christianity. So, I've simply categorized the mezquita-catedral photos roughly into Moorish and Christian, with no other particular organization or commentary. 

We then went to the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos. The Alcázar contains a remarkably well preserved collection of Roman mosaics and other artifacts from the 2nd and 3rd centuries. We climbed to the top of one of its towers, from which we could view the surrounding grounds. And we enjoyed the gardens in relatively cool temperature under partly cloudy sky. 

And then, here are a few unrelated other photos taken around the city.