We’re confident that Córdoba will captivate you. From its fantastic flower festival to the famous magnificent Mezquita, discover what makes this spot in southern Spain special.
Córdoba is undoubtedly one of southern Spain’s little gems. Often overlooked by those seeking to move to Andalucía because it is situated inland rather than on the coast. On the other hand, it is visited by numerous people for its famous Mezquita, a fabulous Islamic building located over a Christian church.
Another reason why people visit Córdoba is for its famous absolutely beautiful Patio Flower Festival. Not only that, the town itself is very attractive with ancient winding streets that meander gently while lined with wrought-iron street lamps and similarly made balconies overlooking little squares and courtyards.
Let’s take a closer look at this undeniably pretty city in Spain.
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Step into the city…
It isn’t all that big with a population of around 345,000. The old town leading to Mesquita retains its Medieval origins and feel. Situated on the right bank of the Guadalquivir River, the Romans and the Visigoths made their homes here, followed by the Moors who arrived in the 8th century and who made Córdoba their capital. It was eventually conquered by the Christians in 1236 and subsequently was part of the Crown of Castile.
During the 16th Century, it became a very important city trading in agricultural produce but began to decline after 1571. The economy was revived somewhat with the arrival of the railway in 1861.
Today, tourism is one of the main sources of income as the Great Mosque or Mesquita is a truly wonderful place, with some remnants of Roman and Visigoth civilisations, a Christian Cathedral and its current guise as a Mosque of extreme beauty. Nearby there are Arab baths, an old Jewish quarter, many churches and other places of interest.
The city also boasts several parks and green areas, the most notable being Jardins de la Victoria, Parque de Miraflores and the Paseo de Córdoba, situated on underground railway tracks running for many kilometres. It is punctuated by several waterfalls with the added attraction of an old pond, dating from Roman times amongst other features.
As you might imagine, there are several museums and the city hosts several festivals, the most important being the La Fiesta de los Los Patios de Córdoba, a glorious flower festival.
La Fiesta de Los Patios de Córdoba
This festival is one of the most outstanding flower festivals in Spain, which this year runs from 02 to 12 May. For these 10 days, you can visit private patios and courtyards which will be decorated with pots and brightly coloured flowers. Get a glimpse of life in the city, see wonderful communal dwellings and thank the people of Córdoba for allowing us into their private worlds.
It is hard to describe how beautiful these little pots of flowers look. Deep red geraniums, pink pelargoniums, blooming in pots generally painted in a deep blue. Greenery and flowers cascade from balconies and cover ancient arches and walls. The deep blue paint is also used around windows and doorways and combined with the flowers make for stunning vistas wherever you turn.
Living in Córdoba
Córdoba is not just a place to visit. It offers the perfect balance between cost of living and lifestyle. As you would imagine, it has every type of amenity, including supermarkets, local street markets and interesting shops. Families can enjoy many leisure activities in the parks and other green spaces and there are two international schools as well as music, art and sports schools. There are several libraries and internet cafés in which to study too. Above all, Córdoba is a safe city to make your home.
Summers can be pretty intense in Córdoba – indeed, too intense for some, with temperatures known to have soared to the high 30s. But 28°C is a more typical hot summer’s day. Winters are pretty mild, with January, the month that feels the coldest bite, experiencing highs of 15 degrees.
Córdoba’s cost of living is another compelling reason to make the move. Compared to other major Spanish cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and even nearby Seville, Córdoba offers a significantly more affordable lifestyle. This includes lower housing costs, cheaper groceries, and affordable public transportation. The city has an extensive bus network and its train stations are well-connected to other major Spanish cities. Plus, you can explore its winding cobbled streets by foot or bike.
Ribera district is full of fun, bars, cafes and restaurants and you will also find open-air cinemas to enjoy in the cooler evening air. There are many great eateries and bars for locals as well as visitors, so you won’t need to pay the tourist prices near Mesquita. As with other cities in Spain, sport is readily available. Golfers will be delighted by the two nearby golf courses.
Property perspectives in picturesque Córdoba
There is property in and around Córdoba to suit every budget. Expect to pay from €160,000 for a well-located two-bedroom apartment with a lift and parking. While around €400,000 will buy a large ground floor three-bedroom apartment with its own garden and shared pool. For a penthouse in the centre, prices are in the region of €850,000.
Córdoba is a great place to settle down with or without children. The people are very friendly and there is much to keep everyone happy. The cost of living is lower than other parts of Spain and for sunseekers, the climate will suit well. It is also a dry climate which will help those suffering from arthritis and similar ailments. Why not take the opportunity to visit the flower festival and look for a new home at the same time?
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