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30 Thursday March 9 2017
Latest Christchurch news at www. .kiwi
Travel
Walk the maze of cobbled lanes and courtyards
•From page 29
Spanning the Guadalquivir River,
this grand old Roman Bridge turns
on a celestial light show (below). In
a scene straight out of a fairytale, as
the rays of the rising sun caresses
the honey-hued limestone bridge,
the resulting mirror reflection on
the water, produces a sensational
“river of gold” mirage.
Much of Cordoba’s medieval
architecture is constructed in the
honey-coloured stone, so the magic
hours of the rising and setting sun
create a photogenic feast.
Central to the local way of life
is the cherished – even revered –
patio. Throughout most of May the
annual Festival of the Patios
is a source of incredible local
pride, and a monumental tourist
draw.
Even back in the days of the Romans,
Cordoba homes were built
with a central patio or courtyard, as
a trusty refuge from the scorching
heat.
The tradition was enhanced by
the Moors, with stone mosaics,
ceramic tiles and water features,
vividly accentuating the decorative
touches to the patios.
May is a magical month to
plan a visit to the city, when over
50 patios, tucked away behind
heavy doors and iron gates, are
thrown open for public viewing,
for free.
It’s a tantalising encounter with
authentic Cordoba living and you’ll
notice that patio decoration is not
only a big business, but powered
by plenty of “keeping up with the
Joneses” rivalry.
The Star
EXPLORE:
Lose
yourself
in timehonoured
Juderia, the
Old Jewish
quarter.
PRETTY: May is a magical month to visit Cordoba when
over 50 patios open for public viewing.
FAST FACTS
•Cordoba is handily
connected on the highspeed
AVE railway line with
Seville and Madrid. Lock in
your rail plans in advance,
by booking tickets or a
rail pass to suit with the
experts in great train travel,
Rail Plus. Phone 09 377
5415 or visit www.railplus.
co.nz
91.3
JASE & PJ
WEEKDAYS 3 -7PM
Z MONLINE.COM