Cultural visit to Cordoba

To celebrate successfully completing Dryathlon (no alcohol during the whole of September for Cancer Research UK) we decided to treat ourselves with a trip to Cordoba with an overnight stay in a nice hotel.We drove there after breakfast parked up and crossed over the Roman bridge into the old part of the city then went to Hostal la Fuente to check in.
Shot from the Roman bridge of the old part of the city
Another shot of the Roman bridge

The room was very nice, it was quite cold when we left home so we had worn long trousers but when we got to Cordoba it was hot so we changed into shorts and went for a walk round the city. We decided to have some lunch and went to Bar Santos which we had seen in the lonely planet guide, where we had a large portion of potato omelette and a beer (first alcohol) for €3.50 each, but it was served up on plastic plates with plastic forks and we had to sit on the wall of the Mezquita in the shade but it was really nice.
Lunch and first alcohol for a month

After lunch we walked around looking for a nice restaurant to go for dinner later. We decided on Pairi Daeza in Hotel Balcon de Cordoba having been in to look around and taking a trip up to the terrace on top of the hotel.
View from the terrace at Pairi Daeza 

Made a visit to the Museo de Bellas Artes where there were some lovely paintings and sculptures by local artists.
Sculptures at the Museo de Bellas Artes

We then went to Palacio de Viana which is a renaissance palace with tranquil courtyards and formal gardens which were fabulous and well worth a visit.





Made our way back to our hotel to celebrate not drinking for a month with a bottle of Cava on the terrace, which we enjoyed.
Nice glass of Cava to celebrate our return to drink

When we went for dinner all the tables on the upstairs terrace were booked so we had to eat downstairs which we didn't mind as there was a guitarist playing during the meal which made for a great atmosphere. The food was very good but small portions and we had another bottle of wine.
Waiting for dinner
All dressed up

After the meal we called into a couple of bars to sample the local beer which was very nice.
After a good nights sleep we had breakfast in the hotel which was good and then made our way to the Mezquita but after about 15 minutes they made everybody leave as there was a service at 10 am.
Inside the Mezquita

We went to the Jewish section of the city to see the synagogue which was built in 1315, it was very small but ornate.
Synagogue

Spanish busker

Found a nice cafe and sat outside for another coffee then made our way back home.

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