The Colors of Cordoba

ue to a run of monotheistic cannabalism, Spain's southern city of Cordoba has retained much of the Moorish architecture from the city's 500 years under Islamic rule. Long after the Moors were driven from the Iberian Peninsula, some newer buildings were built to emulate the Moorish style. Instead of destroying La Mezquita (the city's mosque), the Christians actually constructed a cathedral in the center of it.

The patio of La Mezquita in late afternoon light.

The candy-cane arches of the inside of La Mezquita can be a little dizzying. Some red stripes are brick, and others are simply painted on.

The walkway of La Mezquita's patio speaks of centuries of guests.

Cordoba: an Arabic Legoland.

The Christians found some of the Moorish architecture too attractive to tear down.

Other flourishes in Cordoba, like these Roman pillars, have survived even longer, and remain as a reminder of the age of the city.

Streets and residences alike use tiles to label themselves, even the Communist Party headquarters of Andalucia. Had I not understood the translation of this sign, the picturesque tile lettering would have led me to believe that I had found a quaint, small-town police station.

And speaking of communists, what would a Spanish city be without leftist graffiti?

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