Diverse diversions

 We are going for a wander round the heart of Cordoba.  The ways are narrow and stuffed with the most glorious tourist  tat and rubbish sellers.

First we go to the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos.  If you are going to have a place, make it convenient for the river and the cathedral.  https://cultura.cordoba.es/equipamientos/alcazar-de-los-reyes-cristianos/   A fort was built by the order of Alfonso XI in 1328.  It was over the former gaff of the Umayyad governor, who built over that of the Roman big cheese. It got reworked when gunpowder came along to make things interesting. Ferdinand and Isabella established as a headquarters of the Inquisition and of operations against the remaining Moorish lands in Granada. 

Two days ago, Alberto was impressed. ‘Visited during an evening event with projections and lighting effects in the first half of May. The garden is extremely well-kept and full of various plants and trees, ponds, and fountains. I would have preferred to enjoy the gardens "unspoiled," but unfortunately the site was closed during the day. It's worth a visit, especially in spring. ‘

Onwards we traipse, to the Banos del Alcazar Califal - the 10th century Moorish baths.  https://banosdelalcazarcalifal.cordoba.es/?id=2  11 hours ago Maryse wrote ‘A very warm welcome, I highly recommend it. Lucia is friendly and welcoming. Thank you very much. ‘  

On to the sinagoga de Cordoba - a 1315 structure.   Seokjin mused, six months ago, ‘This is the only remaining synagogue in Andalusia and one of just three preserved in all of Spain. Built in 1315 by Isaq Moheb in the Mudéjar style, it is small in size but renowned for its intricate decoration. After the expulsion of the Jews in 1492, it was used as a church, hospital, and school before being restored and preserved as a historic monument and cultural site. ‘  https://www.juntadeandalucia.es/cultura/enclaves/enclave-monumental-sinagoga-de-cordoba  

Next door is the Casa Andalusi. http://lacasaandalusi.com/casaandalusi/  This is must for fans of tiles and much else besides. Patty opined ‘A cozy little museum of a typical Cordoban house with an interesting display about the development of paper making. Also has a Roman mosaic, a beautiful courtyard, and many artifacts on display. It's open on Monday and is only 4 euros per person. ‘

Now we are off to the Tablao Flamenco El Cardenal.  This flamenco theatre has music, dancing and traditional costumes - all in a 17th century palace. https://tablaocardenal.es/   Benito was impressed.  ‘We stumbled upon this flamenco show in the afternoon and stopped by half an hour before showtime to see if they had tickets. Thankfully they did but it's probably best to pre-book. The guitarist and singer were outstanding and the flamenco dancers were just exactly what you would want to experience in a traditional dance and show. The ticket came with a drink and was a great price of $25 euros for such a fantastic show. ‘

So we end our day. We are by the Hermanitas de los Ancianos Desamparados retirement home - but we aren’t going in.