Theatre in Seville

19 Sunday Nov 2023

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Calling all thespians, theatre-goers, and historians alike! Seville is a cultural hotspot in Spain as well as a home to a rich theatre history. To understand the local significance of Seville on Spanish theatre, let’s first examine the birth of theatre in Spain as a whole. 

Early theatre in Spain emerged as an extension of the church. Theatrical performances were produced by the church as a means of preaching to the masses. It was effective in many ways, especially as a means to preach the Bible to those who could not read it. These church dramas were called auto sacramentales and were popular especially in Madrid, which was the primary location of theatre in Spain in the 1500s. 

However, as Spain became a more prominent and powerful country in Europe, the arts began to flourish. The 1500s-1600s marked a time period known as the “Spanish Golden Age” for theatre. This is where the art of theatre began to spread more around Spain, encouraging more secular art expressions. 

Juan de la Cueva, born in Seville in 1550, was an important part of this movement as well as the Baroque period of the arts. He was a writer who wrote many plays and poems. Many of his plays were based loosely on historical accounts and famous legends and stories. This was a significant turn away from the classical form of playwriting and influenced other playwrights in Spain. One such playwright, Lope de Vega, was arguably the most significant playwright of the Golden Age of theatre in Spain. Although he was from Madrid, he not only had strong personal ties to Seville, but also has one of the most famous theatres in Seville named after him!

You may have heard of some famous theatrical titles with Seville in the name before! If you’re a music enthusiast, maybe you’ve seen the famous Italian opera The Barber of Seville. Or, for the theatre historians, maybe you’ve read the Golden Age Spanish play The Trickster of Seville, which focuses on the fictional character of Don Juan, famous in Spanish culture. It’s important to note that neither of these famous titles have origins in Seville. The opera is Italian, and based on a French comedy,  and the play was written by Tirso de Molina, from Madrid. Furthermore, many theatrical works that were not conceived in Seville are set there. One famous example of this is the Opera, Carmen which is of French origin. In fact, over 100 operas are set in Seville! So why are these famous theatrical works set in a city that the composers/playwrights are not from and have little connection to? 

Many writers and composers were inspired by the beauty and romanticism of Seville. Because Seville emerged as such an iconic location for the arts, many visiting artists fell in love with the city and Seville became the natural backdrop to many comedies, tragedies, romances, and operas alike. 

Seville is now home to countless theatres and music halls. If you’re ready to explore some of Spain’s best theatre with a rich history, look no further than right here in Seville!

Further Information

19 Sunday Nov 2023

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We hope that through reading our posts, you have been captivated by all the Seville has to offer! We highly encourage you to consider Seville as a destination for study abroad trips and other academic pursuits in a wide variety of fields. Please visit the links below for more information!

Watching Empires Pass: The History of Seville Before the Unification of Spain

Crouch, Jace T. “Isidore of Seville and the Evolution of Kingship in Visigothic Spain.” Mediterranean Studies, vol. 4, 1994, pp. 9–26. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/4116687: This article gives an in-depth view to the political influence which Visigothic Bishops wielded: particularly Isidore of Seville, who, empowered by his “intellectual and spiritual authority” (Crouch 10), freely expressed his opinions and exerted his influence on the political machinations of the royal court of the Visigoths (Crouch 9-11). An rich, if perhaps somewhat dry, reading detailing the complex interaction of politics and religion during Spain’s Visigothic occupation.

While not directly tied to the history of Seville before the Unification of Spain, this video details the historical and cultural significance of many areas in modern Seville, with detail given to the Islamic architectural influences on the Alcazar Real and the minaret of the old mosque that was incorporated into Seville Cathedral.

Cuisine in Seville You Cannot Pass Up

To book a food tour of the tapas in Seville, click here

To learn about the restaurants you can visit to enjoy at various times of the day dependent what meal you are looking to try, click here

For a detailed list of popular foods you should try when in Seville, click here

The Royal Alcazar of Seville

For more information booking a tour, please click here.

To learn more about the Mudejar Architecture, click here.

For more information on the general history of the Royal Alcazar, click here.

Theatre in Seville

If you are interested in visiting one of the many theatres in Seville, click here!

For an example of a theatre based study abroad trip to Seville, click here!

Bilbao Cuisine

19 Sunday Nov 2023

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Bilbao is known for having exquisite foods. If you like seafood, then this is a place to visit. It is a coastal city, so most of its dishes are centered around seafood or fish. There are plenty of seafood dishes to try. Here are some of the foods and drinks that are most popular in Bilbao.

Marmitako


Marmitako is a traditional Basque tuna stew. The basic ingredients are fresh tuna, potatoes, peppers, garlic, onion, wine, fish stock, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and spices. There are some variations to the recipe. This stew was originally created by fishermen, like many other fish stews, as a simple, rustic meal. Three things make this stew different from other traditional fish stews, they are two key ingredients, the method of slicing potatoes, and picking a good species of tuna. The two key ingredients are pimiento choriceros and high quality fish broth. Pimiento choriceros are a type of dehydrated red pepper. Marmitako can be found at several restaurants in Bilbao.

Kokotxas


Kokotxas is another Basque fish stew. Bilbao is the only place you can find this dish. The key ingredient in Kokotxas is the hake fish. The lower chin part of the fish is called the kokotxa in that region. This part of the hake fish is no longer discarded and has become a tasty delicacy. Kokotxas is often served with a special sauce made from garlic, white wine, olive oil, and flour. It is also served with salsa verde. It can be served with bread to mop up the special sauce.

Other Foods
Something else enjoyed in Bilbao is idiazabal cheese. This cheese is made solely from sheep’s milk, has an intense flavor, and is eaten as an appetizer. Baby cuttlefish and bacalao a la vizcaína are other fish dishes enjoyed in the city.

Marianito


The Marianito is a vermouth-based cocktail that combines sweet vermouth, gin, Campari and bitters, and is served over ice. It is a very popular drink in Bilbao. Recipes vary from bar to bar across the city because each bar prepares the drink in its own way. It is said that the variations of the drink make it very unique and interesting. Although it is popular for being an aperitivo, or pre-meal drink, many people drink it in bars at night. Other popular drinks in Bilbao are sagardoa, patxaran, and txakoli. The sagardoa is a cider made from fermented apple juice. The patxaran is a distilled liquor made from sloe berries. The txakoli is a white wine accompanied with pintxos.

Desserts
Bilbao has many dessert options to choose from. One popular dessert in Bilbao is the pantxineta, which is a baked dessert that has two sheets of puff pastry filled with crème and sprinkled with almonds. Another dessert is goxua, which is a sponge cake soaked in syrup, crème patissiere, and caramelized sugar. One of the most typical desserts in Bilbao is intxaursaltsa, which is made with walnuts and milk. Not only can some of these desserts be eaten after a nice meal, they can also be eaten for breakfast.


The Flavorful Cuisine of Santiago de Compostela

19 Sunday Nov 2023

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All over the world there are plenty of restaurants with good food and are great places to share a meal with the people you choose to be around. Santiago de Compostela is no exception. With plenty of great restaurants with authentic food, it’s a slice of their culture giving an amazing opportunity for people, and students,  to learn the everyday lives of someone else through the food they eat. 

There are plenty of Santiago de Compostela’s dishes served all over. One of the most famous of these dishes is Pulpo a la Gallega which is an octopus dish served with a sprinkle of salt on top and is very difficult to get correct. Another dish is a stew with kale, pork, white beans, and chorizo called Caldo Gallego. A famous dessert to go along with all of these meals is a Tarta de Santiago. It is an almost cake that is covered in powdered sugar that has an imprint of a cross for St. James and is paired with a cup of coffee. One fun dish that is super popular is one called Pimientos de Padrón, it’s a sort of rule of green peppers, where most are mild but you can get some super spicy, and you won’t know till you try them! It’s lightly fried and served with red meat. A sort of sandwich with a blend of tomato and tuna that has endless possibilities of fillings, is called Empanada. And finally, Santiago de Compostela is famous for a type of cheese that is mild, creamy, and usually comes in a dome-like shape, it’s called Tetilla cheese.

On top of the food, there are also plenty of places to get authentic food. One market with lots of fresh food like seafood and other meats. This market is called Mercado de Abastos which has traditional foods all throughout and definitely not for vegetarians. This market is also where many chefs from other restaurants will pick out their meats and other ingredients for the day. Another place with all fresh ingredients is Case Marcelo, what makes it stand out from the rest is that they make the food right in front of you and have communal tables. El Mesón Do Pulpo is all about the authentic food of Santiago de Compostela. A Noiesa is a restaurant with high-quality classics from both the land and the sea. Another seafood restaurant that has some international influence as well which is great for some picky eaters, is the A Maceta. Last but not least there is the Lume, which is very pricey, but has great food and is a cool offshoot of another restaurant called A Tofona.

Works Cited:

Blick, James.“What & Where to Eat in Santiago de Compostela”. Devour. August 21, 2023.Online. https://devourtours.com/blog/eat-in-santiago-de-compostela/?cnt=US

Christian. “The Best Reasuturants in Santiago de Compostia”. WalkingSantiago.co.uk. 2023. Online. https://www.walkingtosantiago.co.uk/best-restaurants-santiago-compostela/

Further Information about Córdoba, Spain

19 Sunday Nov 2023

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If you would like to know more about our research and read our sources, this is your one stop shop for everything Córdoba!

Roman History:

Spain.info. “Spanish Tourism | Tourist Information on Spain | Spain.Info,” n.d. https://www.spain.info/en/.

Turismo de Córdoba. “Puente Romano de Córdoba,” n.d. https://www.turismodecordoba.org/puente-romano.

Whelan, Ed, Ed Whelan, and Ed Whelan. “The Roman Bridge of Cordoba That Transported Armies, and Spans Time.” Ancient Origins Reconstructing the story of humanity’s past, June 6, 2020. https://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-europe/roman-bridge-cordoba-0013820.

Mike Putnam Photography. “Roman Bridge of Cordoba – Mike Putnam Photography,” April 9, 2023. https://mikeputnamphoto.com/product/roman-bridge-cordoba-spain/#:~:text=The%20picturesque%20Roman%20Bridge%20of,Guadalquivir%20in%20the%20Cordoba%20area.

Mezquita de Córdoba. “Roman Temple of Cordoba,” n.d. https://www.mezquitadecordoba.org/en/monuments/roman-temple.html.

Writer, Laura Ferries. “The Roman Temple of Córdoba: Some Brief Facts.” Laura Ferries Writer, October 5, 2019. https://lauraferries.com/2018/07/29/the-roman-temple-of-cordoba-some-brief-facts/.

Turismo de Córdoba. “Roman Temple (Cordoba – Spain),” n.d. https://www.turismodecordoba.org/roman-temple.

“Cordoba City Walls and Urban Growth – Infocordoba,” n.d. https://www.infocordoba.com/spain/andalusia/cordoba/city_walls.htm.

Romeartlover. “Roman Cordoba,” n.d. https://www.romeartlover.it/Cordoba2.html.

SRO, Tripomatic. “Cordoba City Walls in Córdoba, Spain,” n.d. https://travel.sygic.com/en/poi/cordoba-city-walls-poi:44001.

Spray, Aaron. “This Spanish City Has The Only Nearly Intact Roman City Walls.” TheTravel, May 21, 2022. https://www.thetravel.com/the-roman-walls-of-lugo-are-the-best-preserved/.

Religion and Public Life at Harvard Divinity School. “Cult of Emperor,” n.d. https://rpl.hds.harvard.edu/faq/cult-emperor#:~:text=Also%20known%20as%20the%20Imperial,Rome%20itself%20it%20was%20not.Burton, Henry Fairfield. “The Worship of the Roman Emperors.” The Biblical World 40, no. 2 (August 1912): 80–91. https://doi.org/10.1086/474622.

Islamic History:

“Córdoba.” Encyclopedia Britannica, October 1, 2023. https://www.britannica.com/place/Cordoba-Spain. 

Mirmobiny, Shadieh. “The Great Mosque of Córdoba.” Khan Academy. Accessed November 19, 2023. https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/early-europe-and-colonial-americas/ap-art-islamic-world-medieval/a/the-great-mosque-of-cordoba. 

“Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba.” Encyclopedia Britannica, October 4, 2023. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mosque-Cathedral-of-Cordoba. 

Navajas-Romero, Virginia, Ricardo David Hernández-Rojas, Amalia Hidalgo-Fernández, and Juan Antonio Jimber del Rio. 2020. “Tourist Loyalty and Mosque Tourism: The Case of the Mosque-Cathedral in Córdoba (Spain).” PLoS ONE 15 (12): 1–21. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0242866.

Religion and Traditions:

Spain: Religions in Córdoba | UD Abroad Blog. sites.udel.edu/globalblog/2017/06/spain-religions-in-cordoba/. Accessed 19 Nov. 2023.

“Córdoba: The Ornament of the World.” Gordon Conwell, 20 Jan. 2021, www.gordonconwell.edu/blog/cordoba-the-ornament-of-the-world/.

“The Holy Week of Cordoba (Spain).” Www.turismodecordoba.org, www.turismodecordoba.org/8ingles-holy-week. Accessed 19 Nov. 2023.

“Inicio.” Patios de Córdoba, patios.cordoba.es/en/welcome/.

“Cordoba Fair. 21/05/2022. Fiestas in Córdoba | Spain.info in English.” Spain.info, www.spain.info/en/calendar/fair-cordoba/.

Food:

For more information on Cordovan cuisine and dishes please consider visiting the following links:

What to eat in Cordoba!

What is Pastel Cordobes?

How to make Flamenquin!

Please continue reading for the references and sources on Cordovan cuisine:

“The Gastronomy of Cordoba (Spain).” n.d. Www.turismodecordoba.org. Accessed November 20, 2023. https://www.turismodecordoba.org/the-gastronomy-of-cordoba#

Pizarro, José. 2018. José Pizarro’s Spanish Flavours.

“Noor – Córdoba – a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant.” n.d. MICHELIN Guide. Accessed November 20, 2023. https://guide.michelin.com/en/andalucia/cordoba/restaurant/noor.

“El Bar de Paco Morales – Córdoba – a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant.” n.d. MICHELIN Guide. Accessed November 20, 2023. https://guide.michelin.com/en/andalucia/cordoba/restaurant/el-bar-de-paco-morales.

“Taberna El No 10 – Córdoba – a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant.” n.d. MICHELIN Guide. Accessed November 20, 2023. https://guide.michelin.com/en/andalucia/cordoba/restaurant/taberna-el-n%C2%BA-10.

“La Cuchara de San Lorenzo – Córdoba – a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant.” n.d. MICHELIN Guide. Accessed November 20, 2023. https://guide.michelin.com/en/andalucia/cordoba/restaurant/la-cuchara-de-san-lorenzo.

“Casa Pepe de La Judería – Córdoba – a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant.” n.d. MICHELIN Guide. https://guide.michelin.com/en/andalucia/cordoba/restaurant/casa-pepe-de-la-juderia.

The Roman Aqueduct of Segovia

19 Sunday Nov 2023

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The Roman Aqueduct of Segovia is a great place for professors to take their students. The aqueduct is the most well-known structure of Segovia and gives insight into how the Romans brought over their technology and culture as well as how the city ran. The Aqueduct supplied water from the Frío River to Segovia till the 20th century. The aqueduct was built at a slight slope so the water would be at a constant flow. The origins of the structure are not entirely known but it is said to have been built around the first century A.D. when Segovia was under Roman rule. There is even a story about a girl who had to fetch water every morning and she ended up asking the devil for help. The devil said he would help if he could claim her soul if the structure was complete by the next morning. She agreed and was scared when she saw demons working on the aqueduct in the middle of the night. she then prayed for the structure to not be done by the time the rooster crowed. She got her wish and there is a gap in the aqueduct where the Virgin Fuencisia is today.  This structure is not only filled with amazing history but lore you cannot hear anywhere else!

Works Cited

“Aqueduct.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Accessed November 19, 2023. https://www.britannica.com/technology/aqueduct-engineering.

“Aqueduct of Segovia.” World Monuments Fund, February 1, 2019. https://www.wmf.org/project/aqueduct-segovia.

Warren, Karen. “The Roman Aqueduct of Segovia: Bringing Water to the City.” WorldWideWriter, April 30, 2023. https://www.worldwidewriter.co.uk/exploring-roman-aqueduct-of-segovia.html.

Santiago de Compostela: An Unmissable Learning Experience

19 Sunday Nov 2023

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Written by Aiden Dumond, Edited by Grace Bailey

Professors! Thinking about an educational trip to Spain? Well, look no farther than Santiago de Compostela. This city is the capital of Galicia, Spain. Around forty years ago, Santiago was declared a world heritage site under UNESCO which is an educational organization by the United Nations. This city has become an attraction to the public through both an educational and cultural lens, and it is certainly worthy of a study abroad program. These kinds of programs are excellent ways for students to experience a new culture while walking through a city with a deep and rich history. That firsthand experience is invaluable as a student. Such study abroad programs are typically offered by many schools and can range a number of days or even months so that the students can comprehensively learn about the history of the place through traditions, attractions, and even the public infrastructure. Of course, another addition to these programs is the opportunity for students to learn a language within its cultural context – complete immersion is the best and most efficient way for a language-learner to thrive!

A study abroad program held in Santiago de Compostela would be an amazing opportunity for students and professors. Firstly, Santiago de Compostela is a beautiful city. This is because of the centuries of different types of architecture have built on top of each other, creating something new and attractive in the modern era. Santiago de Compostela provides students with fascinating and distinctive examples of architecture from multiple time periods in Spain. Romanesque architecture, Gothic-styled architecture, and a marriage of the two decorate nearly every aspect of the city. These two architectural types were used centuries apart from one another, and yet they somehow complement each other in a eclectic manner that allows students to peak into the past, imagining a culture long gone. With Santiago de Compostela as a homebase, students can learn about the history behind not only the city, but Spain itself. Notably, Santiago de Compostela was destroyed in the 10th century, an example of the turbulent tension between Muslims and Spanish Christians. The city was constantly battled over, and the architecture reflects that conflict.

In Galicia, Spain, the native language is Galician; however, a majority of the population today speaks Spanish, so you don’t need to worry about juggling multiple languages. (Yes, these languages are similar but significantly different!) However, with a good chunk of the population using two languages, this provides an opportunity for students to learn not only one new language, but another similar one with linguistic derivatives.

Additionally, the capital city of Galicia is home to many museums of which hold an astounding amount of information regarding local history and lore – the context necessary for a comprehensive understanding of the city. There are many museums to pick from, but consider the Museo do Pobo Galego. This museum is used specifically to exhibit the things that make up the history of Galicia – items like bagpipes and boats. Check the hours on their official website because they vary depending on the day.

Furthermore, Santiago de Compostela has a historical landmark known as the Santiago de Compostela Archcathedral Basilica that would be a perfect photo-op that highlights the historical artchitecture of the city. If you’re thinking about staying within walking distance of the cathedral, there are numerous housing options, some of which can be viewed by looking online here. Places to eat are just as easy as this city provides plentiful options of traditional cuisine and more. This city provides students and professors with the opportunity to learn about Spanish history, language, art, and architecture in an immersive setting. A study abroad program in Santiago de Compostela would give students a chance to excel in their chosen field in a city that encourages growth and learning. Please see our Further Information section for related academic articles.

Works Cited:

Fernández, Belén Ma Castro, et al. “Historic City, Tourism Performance and Development: The Balance of Social Behaviours in the City of Santiago de Compostela (Spain).” Tourism and Hospitality Research, vol. 16, no. 3, 2016, pp. 282–93. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26366493.

Fique, Simon. “Ciudad de La Cultura: Modernity and Architecture in Santiago de Compostela.” Consilience, no. 8, 2012, pp. 34–49. http://www.jstor.org/stable/26188713.

“Hotels in Santiago de Compostela.” Booking.com. https://www.booking.com/city/es/santiago-de-compostela.html?aid=2049312;label=santiago-de-compostela-DUdUpdK0VGzDiR5_dRYvbAS452206611296:pl:ta:p1:p2:ac:ap:neg:fi:tikwd-30466243:lp9008646:li:dec:dm;ws=&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrL-a3_bOggMV6UlHAR0u5QmJEAAYASAAEgL5MPD_BwE

“Santiago de Compostela.” UNESCO. Compostelahttps://whc.unesco.org/en/list/347/#:~:text=With%20its%20Romanesque%2C%20Gothic%20and,remarkable%20P%C3%B3rtico%20de%20la%20Gloria.


Religion and Traditions in Córdoba, Spain

19 Sunday Nov 2023

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If you’re looking to visit a place rich and diverse in culture, you might find yourself looking into visiting Cordoba, Spain. Cordoba’s rich culture can be credited by three religions: Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Much of the religious culture can be found in the 300+ mosques that reside in Cordoba. The most famous of these is the Mezquita, which is also known as the Cathedral of Cordoba and the Great Mosque of Cordoba.

This mosque was converted into a cathedral in 1236 during the Reconquista and resembles Moorish and Renaissance architectural styles. The Mezquita is a must see if you want to first-hand experience the refined age when Muslims, Jews and Christians lived side by side and enriched their city with a heady interaction of diverse, vibrant cultures.

Additional scholarly information about religion in Cordoba can be found by visiting the links below.

https://sites.udel.edu/globalblog/2017/06/spain-religions-in-cordoba/

https://www.gordonconwell.edu/blog/cordoba-the-ornament-of-the-world/

While Cordoba has many must see traditions, one of the most well-known is Holy Week. 60 processional floats and 32 processions take place during Cordoba’s Holy Week. Members of so-called brotherhoods, associations of believers, bear adorned Jesus and Mary statues through the city’s streets. The oldest statue visitors can look at is the statue of the Suffering Christ from the 13th century. Processions are joined by penitents and singers of religious flamenco chants, and the scent of incense can be smelt everywhere. Attending one of the many processions of Holy Week is a must. A detailed itinerary of the week can be found here.

Additional information regarding Holy Week in Cordoba can be found by clicking the link below.

https://www.turismodecordoba.org/8ingles-holy-week

Another popular tradition takes place during the month of May – the Patio Contest. To officially launch into this celebration, a parade known as the Battle of the Flowers takes place during the first week of the month. During the Patio Contest, single-family homes open their doors to allow for a view of their courtyards and patios. While this tradition is a contest, it also entertainment for locals and for those who travel from afar to take in the sights and smells of the spring in Cordoba. Gardeners and homeowners spend months preparing for the month of May and the Patio Contest. Additionally, the patios host singing, guitar playing, and dancing. The fiesta is perceived as an integral part of this city’s cultural heritage, imbuing it with a strong sense of identity and continuity by bringing people of all ages and backgrounds from the community together. The official website of this special tradition can be found here.

Additional information about the Patio Contest can be found at the link below.

https://www.turismodecordoba.org/repositorio/2023/202304261140330000001682502033.0208.pdf?cache=1682502033.1502

The Fair of Cordoba encapsulates the culture that fills Cordoba. Typically held at the end of May, this festival marks the feast of Our Lady of la Salud (Health). The fair takes place at a special fairground in El Arenal. While there is much to do and see, horse-riders and men or women in gypsy dress can be seen in the casetas (individual enclosures belonging to each association) which are laid out in rows in the different streets of the fairground. The fair consists of many rides for thousands of people to enjoy, as well as good food, wine, and dancing. The map and program for the Fair of Cordoba can be found here.

Additional information regarding the Fair of Cordoba can be found by clicking the link below.

https://www.spain.info/en/calendar/fair-cordoba/

History of Segovia

19 Sunday Nov 2023

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Segovia is a remarkable city located just north of Madrid in the autonomous community of Castile and León. Over the centuries it has been inhabited by Celtiberians and Visothos. When the Romans inhabited the city, they brought over their architecture, inventions, and culture. An example of this is the Aqueduct that stretches 11 miles through the city. In the 6th century, the Romans lost the city to the Moors. In 1088 the city was reconquered by King Alfonso VI making it Christian once again. During this time Segovia was one of the most important cities in the Kingdom of Castille. Between the 12th and 15th centuries, several Kings of Castile called Segovia their home. In 1474 Queen Isabella was crowned in the Church of San Miguel which is located within the city. There was major industry growth in the city in the 16th century and this is when they became known for the fabrication of cloth. In 1941 Spanish law registered Segovia as a “Historic Site” and in 1985 the UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.

Works Cited

Centre, UNESCO World Heritage. “Old Town of Segovia and Its Aqueduct.” UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Accessed November 19, 2023. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/311/.

“General Information.” PDF. Accessed November 19, 2023. https://segovia.es/en/city/general-data.

“History.” History | Turismo de Segovia. Accessed November 19, 2023. https://turismodesegovia.com/en/mint/history#:~:text=The%20Royal%20Mint%20of%20Segovia,which%20belonged%20to%20the%20Crown.

“Segovia.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Accessed November 19, 2023. https://www.britannica.com/place/Segovia-province-Spain.

“Segovia (Spain).” Organization of World Heritage Cities, November 17, 2022. https://www.ovpm.org/city/segovia-spain/#:~:text=Historical%20reference,of%20Castile%20resided%20in%20Segovia.

Roman Influence in the City of Cordoba

19 Sunday Nov 2023

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How often do you think about the Roman Empire? The people of Cordoba Spain probably think about it every day. Cordoba was settled by the Romans in 152 B.C. and quickly became a bustling capital city in the Roman Baetica Province. When the Moors took over, it became their capital city as well, proving just how strategic the city was. Many ruins and artifacts can be seen throughout the city from both the Roman Empire and Al-Andalus. Some of the Roman structures that still stand in the city are the famous Roman bridge, the walls of the original city, and a ruined temple that was only rediscovered in 1950. If you want to see Roman influence in Spain, then Cordoba should definitely be on your bucket list.

The Roman Bridge of Cordoba

The bridge was constructed over the Guadalquivir River and was used as a strategic site for the Roman Legions when the native Iberians were rebelling. It was then reconstructed by the Moors as it was falling apart from years of neglect. The Moors once again used the bridge as a strategic battle site when defending the city against Christian invaders. The bridge consists of a total of 16 arches, but over the many years of renovations, only 2 of the original arches remain. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially listed the Roman Bridge as a World Heritage Site in 1984. HBO’s Game of Thrones also featured the bridge in Season 5, episode 3. The bridge sits right next to the world-famous Mosque Cathedral of Cordoba!

                For more information about the bridge, you can go to any of these links:

https://www.spain.info/en/

https://www.turismodecordoba.org/puente-romano

https://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-europe/roman-bridge-cordoba-0013820

Roman Temple

                The only known Roman temple in the city of Cordoba sits right next to the town hall on a street named Calle Claudio Marcelo in the middle of a shopping district. The temple was dedicated to the Cult of the Emperor. More information about the Roman practices of worshiping emperors as deities can be found in, Professor Henry Fairfield Burtnon’s The Worship of The Roman Emperors. Today there’s only 11 pillars and a few marble stones remaining, taking up a relatively small footprint. There are also some pieces of the temple on display at the Archeological Museum in Madrid, and if you keep your eyes peeled, you might be able to see some scattered all across Cordoba. This piece of history is a constant reminder of just how influential the Roman Empire was to Cordoba.

                To read more about the temple, these are some great links to read up on:

https://www.mezquitadecordoba.org/en/monuments/roman-temple.html

https://www.turismodecordoba.org/roman-temple

The Walls of Cordoba

                In ancient times, walls were a near perfect and essential part of defense. They were able to keep unwanted visitors out of the city and they acted as watch towers to spot any enemies that may be approaching. The wall that the Romans built around Cordoba is a popular draw for anyone who wants to see a piece of history. There are walls around the entirety of the old Roman city, the Moors and then the Christian rulers extended the wall to surround their editions. The Roman walls were built shortly after the city was destroyed when Julius Ceasar attacked Pompeii during the civil war. In fact, Cordoba is home to probably the best-preserved sections of Roman walls anywhere in the old empire. Just like the nearby bridge, UNESCO has labeled the wall as yet another World Heritage Site.

                Once again, to read more about the wall, you can go to:

https://www.infocordoba.com/spain/andalusia/cordoba/city_walls.htm

https://www.romeartlover.it/Cordoba2.html

https://travel.sygic.com/en/poi/cordoba-city-walls-poi:44001

https://www.thetravel.com/the-roman-walls-of-lugo-are-the-best-preserved/

                Cordoba is a must visit for anyone who needs to get their Roman Empire fix, there’s just so much history that has been beautifully preserved. This blog only shows a fraction of interesting sites to visit and learn about during your time in the city.