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105 Km (65 miles) W of Jaén, 419 Km (260 miles) SW of Madrid
Ten centuries ago, Córdoba was one of the greatest cities in the world, with a population of 900,000. The capital of Muslim Spain, it was Europe's largest city and a cultural and intellectual center. It flourished with public baths, mosques, a great library, and palaces. Later, greedy hordes sacked the city, tearing down ancient buildings and carting off many art treasures. Despite these assaults, Córdoba still retains traces of its former glory -- enough to challenge Seville and Granada as the most fascinating city in Andalusia.
Today this provincial capital is known chiefly for its mosque, but it abounds with other artistic and architectural riches, especially its lovely homes. The old Arab and Jewish quarters are famous for their narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses boasting flower-filled patios and balconies, and it's perfectly acceptable to walk along gazing into the courtyards. This isn't an invasion of privacy: The citizens of Córdoba take pride in showing off their patios as part of the city's tradition. And don't forget to bring along a good pair of walking shoes, as the only way to explore the monumental heart of the city is on foot.
Córdoba has recently joined the ranks of UNESCO's World Heritage sites, so you'll want to spend at least a couple of days here.
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