Casas de la Judería de Córdoba ★★★★

Walking in cities, and especially in Andalusia, has a charm all of its own and is one way to explore a city and its history and landscape. Strolling through the streets of Cordoba is a real pleasure in itself and at every turn you seem to come across a new historical building or a splendid mosque. In the ancient quarter of La Judería, with its ancient streets and Synagogue, stands the Casas de la Judería de Córdoba. Beautiful surroundings and four-star luxury facilities are a fantastic background and refuge to recover and refresh from the tiring business of exploring on foot. In this background, the marble columns and arches of the Great Mosque, now the Cathedral, are astonishing. It is one of the wonders of Europe. Further south, the River GuadaIquivir showcases a sixteen-span Roman bridge and the famous Calahorra tower. The fine mosaics in the Alcázar are lovely, and the surrounding cool Alcázar gardens retain the original Moorish design for the area around the Mosque.
The building of the hotel itself is part of the architectural heritage of the city and has been converted with sensitivity and style from its original role as a Palace of the Caliphate into a comfortable, sumptuous haven. The rooms are beautifully decorated in antique style, and although the rooms may not be huge, the comfortable beds, covered in extravagant embroideries, certainly are. Traditional details and authentic charm are supplemented by modern comforts such as Wi-Fi, TV and excellent air conditioning, which are much appreciated after long excursions.
The outdoor pool, with its cool turquoise set against flower-dotted white walls on the roof-top, is the ideal place to soak up some Andalusian sun on a lounger. One needs a little break even in the most comprehensive walking tour! The restaurant in the old Palace’s converted stables is excellent too, offering fresh, traditional Andalusian cuisine to fuel the excursions of the next day.