Cordoba
The countryside of Cordoba province is extremely varied, from rolling plains around Cordoba city, the Guadalquivir basin, to forbidding mountain ranges with jagged peaks in the north and west. Around the province there are many charming whitewashed villages with Baroque churches, Moorish castles and flower-festooned courtyards. It is a region famous for both its dry white wines and olive oil, which give a characteristic feature to the landscape, especially south of Cordoba.
The city of Cordoba has an exciting history because of its strategic position of its port that has been used for shipping Spanish olive oil, wine and wheat back to Ancient Rome. Cordoba's treasures include the unique mosque-cathedral, the Alcazar, the Calahorra Fort, and the ancient Jewish Synagogue, which is now a museum.
Cordoba's medieval quarter, once home of the Jewish community, is called "La Judería" and is a labyrinth of winding, narrow streets, shady flower-filled courtyards and picturesque squares such as La Plaza del Potro. In early May the citizens festoon their patios with flowers to compete for the city's "most beautiful courtyard" contest.