At its height steeped in the glories of Muslim Al-Andalus, Cordoba was a beacon of culture and learning, and all Europe could not help but admire its glow. The city itself, at various period of its history, gave birth to several great thinkers. Under Roman rule, it was home to philosopher, Seneca, and later under the Islamic Caliphate, Muslim philosopher Avveroes and the Jewish Maimonides. And of Islamic Spain’s many renowned poets, scientists, and scholars, Corboba was also mentor to a good number of these.

While the city’s greatest monument today is the Mezquita, a magnficent medieval mosque, the old Arab and Jewish quarters of the town are still remarkably intact. Within these charming districts, white-washed houses with over-hanging balconies and potted flowers are found on practically every narrow and winding walk. Yet another grand feature of the city is the Alcazar palace, wherein Christopher Columbus was permitted his mission across seas. Inside the Alcazar today, Queen Isabella’s lovely garden still flowers.

The city’s glory days were long ago brought to end - Cordoba went into a gradual decline under the Christian monarchs. Still, today the town finds prosperity in light industry and as a choice destination on the itinerary of any architectural pilgrimage.