The Shores of the Guadalquivir
The Guadalquivir runs through the province of Córdoba from east
to west and divides it clearly into two parts, the Sierra Morena mountain
range to the north and the flat countryside, "campiña",
to the south. The river winds through delightful villages, frequently
passing from mountainous areas to "campiña". Montoro
is a good example. The river there, which is crossed by a Renaissance
bridge, gently meanders through and which are overshadowed by the tower
of San Bartolomé which in turn overlooks the Square of Spain in
the heart of the town with its impressive buildings, including the present
town-hall.
The river defines the territory and on both sides there are many villages
- Villa del Río, Almodóvar del Río, Palma del Río
and so on -; and surprises, such as the modern mosque in Pedro Abad where,
of course, there is also no lack of interesting churches like the Asunción.
Very close by we find El Carpio which has a solid tower overlooking the
compact gathering of white houses. Having passed through Córdoba,
the river runs close to the most important Arabic runs in Andalusia, those
of the Palace Medina Azhara. At some six kilometres from the capital,
there are remains of what was once a lavish palace built by Abderramán
III. There are also delightful views of Córdoba city and the river
valley which can be seen froom the hermitages on the lower foothills of
the immediate mountain range.
Almodóvar del Río, near the capital and Breña reservoir,
conserves an impressive castle of Gothic-Mudéjar desgin and Arabic
origin which is in very good condition. In Posadas we can admire the parish
church of Nuestra Señora de las Flores and to conclude, bordering
the province of Seville, Palma del Río which boasts three kilometres
of well-conserved old city walls and slender towered churches, such as
that of the Asunción. From Palma del Río, we can see the
convent of San Francisco which is today not only a church but also a guest-house
and restaurant. Among orange groves, next to Palma, the river Guadalquivir
and Genil unite. The Genil is the other large river of Andalusia which
passes through localities in Cordoba such as Puente Genil, a lively well-looked
after town which has lovely parish churches such as that of Jesús
Nazareno. This is the home of quince jelly and is also famous for its
unusual Semana Santa and its own permanent museum.
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