Trip to Córdoba

Córdoba is world famous for its “Fiesta de los Patios”, the city takes a special pride in its beautiful patios decorated with flowers and the owners compete for a prize awarded to the most beautifully patio. This is a serious competition and not an event put on only for tourists, although the patios are opened up to the public and may be visited according to pre-established routes.

The patios, usually complete with running water, are an internal open courtyard that forms part of the typical Andalucía town house. The patio also forms part of the social life of the house being a communal area, the sleeping accommodation and the living rooms are built around the space.

This was one not to be missed for those who love flowers and gardens or are just interested to nosey inside the patios of private houses.

Of course the Jewel in the Crown is La “Mezquita” this impressive Arabian mosque, the third-biggest in the world at 23.000 square meters, is probably the most beautiful and original building of all Spain.

Another must see is Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos. The Palace of the Christian Kings, built 1328 by Alfonso XI, has beautiful gardens.

The hotel was clean and comfortable and whilst the evening meal was not to everybody’s taste, we were here to visit one of Spain’s most historic cities.

We did this trip in conjunction with the Royal British Legion which l thought was very successful and could bode well for any future joint co-operation on trips.

My overall thoughts on the trip were that I had a very enjoyable time and that it was really nice to spend time with new found friends, which I suppose is what the Friends of Almanzora is all about.

Paul Hammond