Upon entering the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba one might believe to have entered a forest, but instead of trees, one bows before one thousand three hundred columns of marble, jasper and granite. Continue reading “The Columns of Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba”
Category: Spain
The Orange Grove of the Mosque – Cathedral of Córdoba
“A beautiful nursery of Orange Trees that catches one’s view upon entering that sacred temple”, this is how Fray Gregorio de Alfaro referred to the the Orange Grove or Garden of the Mosque – Cathedral of Córdoba in his writings towards the end of the XVI century.It’s name is derived from the 98 orange trees planted in rows. Continue reading “The Orange Grove of the Mosque – Cathedral of Córdoba”
Roman Mausoleum of Córdoba
As we strolled through Córdoba, we unexpectedly encountered a large circular or cylindrical structure which turned out to be part of the Roman Mausoleums of Córdoba, a pleasant surprise. In researching the same, we discovered that this was of the most important funeral structures of the city built by the Romans and that they date back to the I Century. We observed that the same had be completely re-built and the burial hall containing Ash Urns as well as remains of its base, cornice and banisters . The Center for the Interpretation of the Funeral World is found therein and can be visited by appointment. Continue reading “Roman Mausoleum of Córdoba”
The “Comares” Palace
Upon arriving at the Alhambra, we confirmed that the Comares Palace is in effect one of the most precious jewel in the compound. We observed it carefully, as if wanting to record every single detail and unique element in our minds. It was a real privilege enjoying it. Continue reading “The “Comares” Palace”
Royal Church of Saint Paul in Córdoba
During our visit to Córdoba, we came across the Royal Church of Saint Paul, one of the most outstanding of the city’s center. It is among the first to be established by the Dominican Monks in Spain. It became an important house of study in which great missionaries were developed, such as Brother Francisco de Córdoba, First Martyr of the Evangelization in the Americas, Brother Tomás de San Martín, who placed the first stone of the University of Hispanola and founded the University of Lima (Peru) and Brother Jerónimo de Loaysa, first archbishop of Lime (Peru). Continue reading “Royal Church of Saint Paul in Córdoba”
The Velazquez Palace
We arrived at the “Buen Retiro” Park in Madrid, believing that we could see for the first time a structure designed by the great Velazquez. We discovered the Velazquez work, but it was not done by the famed painter. This Velazquez turned out to be the architect, Ricardo Velázquez Bosco. There are a few years between them, the painter pertained to the XVII century, whereas the architect was of the XIX century. Confused no longer, we moved onward to enjoy the Palace of Exhibitions known as the Velazquez Palace and the current exhibit. Continue reading “The Velazquez Palace”
“El Cid Campeador” in Seville
A night view of the imposing sculpture of “El Cid Campeador” in Seville, Spain. Mounted on his steed “Bavieca” we have Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar (“El Cid”) in a triumphant stance. The sculptor Anna Huntington, spouse of the Hispanist and multimillionaire Archer Milton Huntington, founder of the Hispanic Society of America of New York, donated this bronze statue to the city of Seville. Continue reading ““El Cid Campeador” in Seville”
The Holy Prime Cathedral*
“Narciso Tomé, Master Architect of this “Santa Catedral Primada” (Holy Prime Cathedral*), drew, sculpted and also painted by himself Continue reading “The Holy Prime Cathedral*”
The “Bañuelo” of Granada
We finally got to see what had us very curious, the famous Arab baths and a little of their history. Since the late XIX century, the Nogal Baths are known simply as the “Bañuelo”, a diminutive used since it is smaller in size than other royal baths in the Alhambra.
The “Bañuelo” of Granada is one of the oldest, most important and most completely conserved in Spain. It is also considered as one of the oldest Moorish works in Granada. It is rectangular in shape with concrete walls with the different halls being covered by brick vaults with skylights in octagonal and star shape, thus providing lighting. We confirmed that these were in fact skylights.
During the reign of the Catholic Kings, the Arab or Moorish baths were considered to be brothels, therefore it is amazing that this “Bañuelo” was conserved so well.
Scholars and experts have been unable to agree on when this “Bañuelo” was actually built. Yet, everything seems to point towards the end of the Zirid Dyanasty, somewhere between the XI and XII centuries. 
It has a privileged location on a important street in a highly populated area and near the Bab al-Bunud gateway, known as the Gate of Banners.
The “Bañuelo” of Granada was declared a National Monument in 1918 and the architect Torres Balbás was in charge of its restoration.
When in Granada, visiting the “Bañuelo” should be on your bucketlist. A great experience.
The “Bañuelo” is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm. It is closed on Mondays, Sundays and holidays.
Address: Carrera del Darro 31, Granada
Telephone: 958 229 738
Entry price: €2,00
The Patio of the “Doncellas”
It is hard to believe that what we now-a-day know as the “Patio de las Doncellas” in the “Real Alcázar ” of Seville was in part, once buried beneath a marble pavement. The structure’s bedding and a pond were uncovered as an archaeological finding in 2002. As a result of this, the structure of this old Moorish garden was revealed, making it a very relevant event for the archaeological history of medieval Spain. Continue reading “The Patio of the “Doncellas””