Cordoba, the City of Flowers

[Carmen Elsa Irarragorri Wyland]

Cordoba is an ancient city in the south of Spain, the capital of Moorish Spain. The city is a virtual maze of winding streets, modern and antique merchandise, dotted by colorful coffee shops, which, at night, move to the spontaneous beat of flamenco dancing. Here visitors can find the 'Calleja de las Flores' - the street of flowers!

The city is located on the banks of the Guadalquivir river, and its easy access to the mining resources of the Sierra Morena (coal, lead, zinc) satisfies the population’s needs.

During the 10th century, it was the second richest city in the Muslim empire (after Baghdad), to which learned men from all Europe came to study during the 11th and 12th centuries.

The city eventually declined,  especially during Renaissance times. In the 18th century it was reduced to just 20,000 inhabitants. The population and economy started to increase only in the early 20th century.

These images are all taken in private house, inside gardens that are taken care by the house owners