Córdoba: The Heart of Moorish Spain

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-thyahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pehr-dohn/loh syehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver la carta, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr lah kahr-tah, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEs demasiado caro
  [ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-des bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Y media (10)
  [ee meh-dee-ah (deh-eez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
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• 3Tres
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• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [theen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehth]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está el/la...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah ehl/lah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes enseñarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-des ehn-sehn-yar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo pasa el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh pah-sah ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billete (a ....)
  [oon bee-yeh-teh (ah)]

Córdoba, originally named Corduba, was founded by the Romans in 152 BC. It quickly became an important administrative center of the Roman Empire. The city's strategic location on the Guadalquivir River helped it flourish, becoming a hub for trade and culture. Roman remains, such as the Roman Bridge and the Temple of Claudio Marcelo, still stand as testaments to this period.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Córdoba came under Visigothic control in the 6th century. This era saw the city transform into a significant religious center, with the construction of Christian basilicas and the establishment of an episcopal see. The Visigothic influence is less visible today but played a crucial role in the city's early medieval history.

In 711 AD, Muslim forces led by Tariq ibn Ziyad conquered Córdoba, marking the beginning of an Islamic era. By 929, Abd al-Rahman III declared Córdoba the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate. This golden age saw the city become a beacon of education, culture, and architecture. The Great Mosque of Córdoba, or Mezquita, was constructed during this time and remains one of the most iconic structures in the world.

Córdoba was reconquered by Christian forces in 1236, under King Ferdinand III of Castile. The Reconquista marked a significant turning point, as many Islamic structures were repurposed for Christian use. The Great Mosque was converted into a cathedral, blending Moorish architecture with Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements.

During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, Córdoba saw the construction of numerous churches, palaces, and other significant buildings. This era also witnessed the rise of prominent figures such as the philosopher Seneca and the poet Luis de Góngora. The city's architectural landscape expanded with impressive structures like the Palacio de Viana and the Convento de la Merced.

The 20th century brought modernization and change to Córdoba. The city played a role in the Spanish Civil War and experienced economic and social transformations in the post-war period. Today, Córdoba is recognized for its historic legacy, with the historic center being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. The annual Festival de los Patios, showcasing the city's beautiful courtyards, is a testament to its enduring cultural heritage.

Córdoba is well-connected and easily accessible from various parts of Spain and Europe. The nearest major airport is Seville Airport (SVQ), approximately 130 kilometers away. From Seville, you can take a high-speed AVE train, which takes around 45 minutes to reach Córdoba. Alternatively, Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is about 160 kilometers away, with train services available to Córdoba. If coming from Madrid, the AVE high-speed train is a convenient option, taking about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Córdoba has an efficient public transportation system, including buses operated by Aucorsa. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. For a more scenic route, consider renting a bicycle as the city is bike-friendly with numerous dedicated lanes. Walking is also a great option, especially in the historic center where many attractions are located close to each other.

The official currency in Spain is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are abundant throughout the city, providing easy access to cash withdrawals.

Córdoba is generally a safe city for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit areas and alleys late at night, particularly in the district of Campo de la Verdad. Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas such as Plaza de las Tendillas and around major tourist attractions like the Mezquita-Catedral. Always keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which connects you to police, fire, and medical services. The local police station (Policía Local) and several hospitals, including Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, are available for emergencies. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies (Farmacias) are available throughout the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and modestly, especially when visiting religious sites like the Mezquita. Avoid overly casual attire such as beachwear in city areas. Religion: Do respect local customs. Always dress modestly and be quiet in churches and religious places. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a friendly 'Hola'. Respect the local custom of two kisses on the cheek when meeting someone you know. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept tapas with your drinks. Don’t leave a tip that is too high; a small amount is customary.

To experience Córdoba like a local, visit the Mercado Victoria for a variety of local foods and drinks. Explore the neighborhoods of San Basilio and the Jewish Quarter (Judería) for authentic Andalusian architecture and local culture. Attend a flamenco show to immerse yourself in traditional music and dance. For a unique experience, visit during the Fiesta de los Patios in May, when locals open their beautifully decorated courtyards to the public.