Córdoba is a province of southern Spain, in the north-central part of the autonomous community of Andalusia. It is bordered by the provinces of Málaga, Sevilla, Badajoz, Ciudad Real, Jaén, and Granada. Its area is 13,769 sq kms.

Its population is 771,131 (2002), of whom more than 40% live in the capital, Córdoba, and its population density is 56.00/km². The River Guadalquivir and its tributaries (the Guadiato, the Bembezar, and the Guadajoz) run through the province, which also includes part of the Sierra Morena mountain range. Horses and cattle are raised, and its main products include cereals, vines, olives, fruit.

Cordoba city is famous for the Mezquita which at one time was second only in size to the Grand Mosque in Mecca. After the Christians reconquered the city in 1236 it was left standing and today we can marvel at its beauty. Also worth visiting is the Alcazar and the ancient Jewish area called ‘La Juderia’. In early May, the patios of the city are festooned with flowers and tourists wander from patio to patio enjoying the ambiance of the city.

The Sierra Morena north of Cordoba city is a wild mountainous landscape where deer and wild boar roam the pine and oak forests. The interesting town of Montoro sits on a bend of the Guadalquivir river and is famous for it’s bridge, which due to lack of funds was only completed when local women sold their jewellery.

The southern landscape of the province is dominated by endless fields of olive groves and vineyards and many of its towns and villages are famous for their production of olive oil and wine. One such town is Baena, which makes excellent olive oil that you can buy at one of the town’s presses. Montilla is equally well known for its fine wines, named after the town, which you can sample at its bodegas. Priego de Cordoba is an undiscovered gem of the south with a number of impressive Baroque churches.

The southern area also has a spectacular cycling and walking route along a former railway track. Here you can visit Zuheros, Luque and the charming town of Cabra.

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