Cordoba

Across the river from the Mezquita is the Alcázar (or fortress) which was built by the Christians in 1328 as a defence against the Muslims. It offers a lovely respite from the summer heat as you wander through the tree shaded gardens and courtyards.

As the city is divided, so is the province: The Sierra Morena in the north with its rugged pine and oak covered hills with a few steep villages set into them. The Campiña in the south which are the farmlands covered in wheat, vine and olive trees. The area is famous for its dry white wines, similar to sherry, which are produced from the Pedro Ximenez grape and olive oil, which is the other main produce from the region. This is why olive oil is an important ingredient of many typical dishes, Gazpacho and Salmorejo are cold soups made mainly of mashed vegetables and olive oil and are delicious and refreshing in the heat of the summer. Jamon, which is cured ham, Salchichon, a typical sausage, Caña de Lomo and Morcilla, black pudding are also widely enjoyed in the province. Some typical desserts are Alfajores, made of almonds and honey and Pestiños, which is fried in oil and then coverd with honey.