Córdoba, once a wealthy and coveted city, was adorned with impressive fortifications. This rich history, where Arabic, Jewish, and Christian influences beautifully intertwined, has earned Córdoba the well-deserved title of "Pearl of Andalusia."
One of the city's most iconic landmarks is the Ponte Romana (Roman Bridge), a sixteen-arched structure stretching gracefully across the Guadalquivir River. Leading directly to the old town, this bridge serves as a gateway to Córdoba's historic center.
However, the true crown jewel of Córdoba is undoubtedly the Mezquita Catedral located in the heart of the old town. Considered the most magnificent mosque of Moorish origin in all of Iberia, this architectural marvel is a testament to Córdoba's vibrant past.
Additional details can be found in the companion article below.
Seville offers visitors a different kind of Christmas market, specializing only in figurines and sets for Nativity scenes, known as Beléns in Spanish. Extremely delicate and intricate, you can buy anything from Mary, Joseph and The Three Kings to mini market places, shepherds, and even moving water wheels. Located in the historic centre, near the Cathedral, it runs from November 18th to December 23rd.
Mercado Navideño de Artesanía de Sevilla
Seville’s other Christmas market is a more traditional Christmas market affair, yet focusing on handicrafts and handmade gifts. Taking place on Plaza Nueva, it features an array of modern-style booths, where you can stock up on a variety of gifts. It’s particularly good for ceramics, for which the city is famous. The market runs from December 15th to January 5th.
Figure 1. Santa Cruz in Seville
Figure 2. Walking tour as shown in video 2
Walking Tour
Seville’s historic center (see Figure 2 & Video 2) is quite large—about a mile wide by 1.5 miles long, riddled with countless little alleys and important landmarks. You can discover it on foot if you are selective and seek out the particular attractions that most appeal to your interests.
An excellent central location to start your first walking tour is between the Cathedral and Alcazar palace in the Plaza del Triunfo. Many of the town’s main attractions can be easily reached from this central space, making it convenient for you to pick a direction, any direction, and go.
Starting out at Plaza Nueva, the most popular place in town. This central area with the plaza and the streets leading to it is really the heart and the focal point of the city. Notice the broad street that is for pedestrians, bicycles, no cars allowed, and the tram. Seville has a recently installed modern tram system that really is a great way to move people around. This neighborhood along Constitution Avenue has been entirely transformed by the tram service
Plaza Nueva is just one block over from the main pedestrian street of town which leads right into the shopping district -- Calle Sierpes, lined with the best shopping and liveliest atmosphere, especially in the late afternoon when the locals are out enjoying their traditional stroll.
When you're ready to order, use either quiero (I want) or quisiera (I would like) with the items on the menu to tell the waiter what you'd like. For example, quiero…
(Kay may re-kom-ee-en-dah?In most restaurants in Spanish-speaking countries, the staff will be more than happy to suggest a particularly tasty local dish for you to try.
If you're a vegetarian or you have dietary complications, these next two phrases are essential:
Figure 1. Gothic Quarter (lower left) and La Ribera (upper right)
Video 1. Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain (YouTube link)
Video 2. Barcelona Gothic Quarter walking tour (YouTube link)
Gothic Quarter
The charming Gothic Quarter, or Barri Gòtic, has narrow medieval streets filled with trendy bars, clubs and Catalan restaurants. The Museu d'Història de Barcelona shows remains of the Roman city. Artisans sell leather and jewelry near the Cathedral of Barcelona, while flower stalls and street-food vendors line busy avenue La Rambla. The Plaça del Pi, named after the adjacent Gothic church, hosts a weekend art market.
Video 3. Barcelona, La Ribera walking tour (YouTube link)
La Ribera
Many of the buildings in La Ribera date from late Medieval times. It was a well-to-do quarter during 13th–15th centuries, when it really was by the sea shore, and the area that today is named Barceloneta was still an island. Notable buildings are the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar and the palaces along Carrer de Montcada, including the Museu Picasso, the Museu Barbier-Mueller d'Art Precolombí, and part of the Textile Museum.
Video 4. Barcelona - Ribera and Born walking tour (YouTube link)
Time: Nov 24th - Dec 23rd (Time may vary each year)
Barcelona’s best Christmas market is the Fira de Santa Llúcia, located on the large square right in front of the Cathedral. Comprising traditional wooden chalet-like stalls, it sells many different types of Christmas decorations, nativity scene figurines and local sweets.
Time: Nov 26th - Dec 23rd (Time may vary each year)
One of Barcelona’s other Christmas markets is set around Gaudí’s magnificent Sagrada Familia church, making for a truly spectacular location. Dating back to the 1960s, this is a popular market with both tourists and locals, and sells everything from food to handicraft gifts and Christmas decorations.
Video 3. Barcelona (Spain) Vacation Travel Video Guide (YouTube link)
Video 4. Barcelona Vacation Travel Video Guide • Great Destinations (YouTube link)
