Forget Granada’s Albaicín – the old part of Córdoba leaves that area for dead as far as having narrow streets going off in all sorts of unpredictable directions. The area around Córdoba’s Mesquita, and where we are staying, is a labyrinth of tiny streets and I am having real trouble working out where I am. This is one city I do not want to get separated from Mick as I’d never find my way back to the apartment. One good thing though is it is much flatter than Granada!

We headed off to find some of the key sites in the city, and because we’ll be here for five days, decided the best way to do this would be by the Hop On Hop Off Bus. We also knew it was going to be extremely hot again today, so this sounded easier than loads of walking. We will then plan an itinerary for the next few days based on what we want to see.

As we walked towards the part of town to catch a bus, we passed local businesses opening for the day. Many we had walked past yesterday when they were boarded up with roller doors and the like. This worker was repairing a wall on an old building and I could not resist snapping him; so different to building techniques in Australia.

We could not miss the Mesquita, the most well known attraction in Córdoba, as it is huge. We walked inside to find some information about opening times for another day (and another post). We have heard and read it must not be missed.

Just near the Mezquita is a bridge across the Guadalquiver, originally built by the Romans in the early 1st century BC known as the Puente Romano. The present structure is a medieval reconstruction. There is an irregular pattern to the 16 arches in size and abutment protections. It only became a pedestrian bridge this century!

This bridge and its entrance gate have been used in Game of Thrones episodes. Some of you may have recognised that!

We did find the bus we were after and purchased a one-day pass. This allowed us two different trips – a smaller bus through the old part of town and the usual double-decker one for the rest. We chose the Mercado de la Victoria (Victoria Markets) to get off to spend an hour or so, but were disappointed when it turned out to be food bars only. Some were selling seafood at pretty steep prices; one oyster cost €3. But there were some other types of food on offer. We chose a tapas each and a glass of Lambrusco. Mick selected the eel – little squiggles of stuff.

But as we were leaving to get back on the bus he picked up a small bag of Iberian Ham offcuts for €2. Who needed oysters?

This city has its fair share of churches and we drove past quite a few. We also passed the Torre de la Calahorra, a 14th Century tower that is now used as a museum.

We learnt that Córdoba is famous for its patios and this statue was honouring that fact. Apparently in May many homes are opened to the public so these can be appreciated.

On our walks around so far we have spotted quite a few. The locals invest a lot of time in making the central common part of their homes leafy and cool so they can enjoy catching up in the evenings.

Might be something we should Derek, Steve and Mick on to when we get back home.

After our siesta, we ventured out to catch the bus to a few other places hoping the temperature might have dropped below 42°C. Unfortunately, the temperature had gone up to 44°C which meant we were the only two on the bus, other than the driver. He took us on the designated route but stopped and pointed out things of note. Obviously very proud of his city.

Mick had a plan to call into the bar we had learnt about in Ronda that sells craft beer. I was determined to go with him in case I get lost.

We walked up this pedestrian street…

And this one….

Came upon this interesting shopfront in the middle of our route….

Then saw this sign…

And Mick was very pleased with himself. We were a little early; the website said it opened at 7pm. So Mick found a bar to wait out the 40 minutes and I found some shops. Here he tried a glass of Amontillado – in deference to Edgar Allan Poe.

He headed off excitedly the few steps to his “candy shop” ……

And waited… And waited until 7.30pm. It did not open. He was disappointed (to say the least), but he got us back to our apartment. And guess what? We found a small bar only 200 steps from our door that sold craft beer. He was happy!