Córdoba, Spain From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation , search For other uses, see Córdoba (disambiguation) . Córdoba —   Municipality   — View of the Roman bridge and the city of Córdoba Flag Coat of arms Córdoba Location in Spain Coordinates: 37°53′0″N 4°46′0″W  /  37.883333°N 4.766667°W  / 37.883333; -4.766667 Coordinates : 37°53′0″N 4°46′0″W  /  37.883333°N 4.766667°W  / 37.883333; -4.766667 Country   Spain Autonomous community   Andalusia Province Córdoba Judicial district Córdoba Founded 8th century BC (Pre-Roman settlement), 169 BC ( Roman colony) Government  - Type Mayor-council government  - Body Ayuntamiento de Córdoba  -  Mayor Andrés Ocaña ( IU ) Area  - Total 1,255.24 km 2  (484.7 sq mi) Elevation 120 m (394 ft) Population (2008)  - Total 325,453   -  Density 259.3/km 2  (671.5/sq mi) Demonym Cordobés/sa, cordobense, cortubí, patriciense Time zone CET ( UTC+1 )  - Summer ( DST ) CEST ( UTC+2 ) Postal code 14001 - 14014 Official language(s) Spanish Website Official website Córdoba ( Spanish pronunciation:  [ˈkorðoβa] ; also Cordova ; Qurṭuba قرطبة) is a city in Andalusia , southern Spain , and the capital of the province of Córdoba . An Iberian and Roman city in ancient times, in the Middle Ages it was capital of an Islamic caliphate . Historic Centre of Córdoba * UNESCO World Heritage Site State Party   Spain Type Cultural Criteria i, ii, iii, iv Reference 313 Region ** Europe and North America Inscription history Inscription 1984  (8th Session ) Extensions 1994 * Name as inscribed on World Heritage List. ** Region as classified by UNESCO. Today a moderately-sized modern city, the old town contains many impressive architectural reminders of when Qurṭuba (قرطبة), the thriving capital of the Caliphate of Córdoba , governed almost all of the Iberian peninsula. It has been estimated that in the latter half of the tenth century, Córdoba was one of the most populous cities in Europe. [ 1 ] Its population in 2008 was 325,453. [ 2 ] Contents 1 History 2 Geography 3 Climate 4 May celebrations 5 Main sights 5.1 Religious architecture 5.2 Civil and military architecture 5.3 Archaeological sites 5.3.1 Roman archaeological remains 5.3.2 Islamic archaeological remains 6 Museums 7 Theatres 8 Parks and Gardens 9 Notable people 10 Transport 11 Twin towns — sister cities 12 References 13 External links [ edit ] History The first trace of animal presence in the area are remains of a Neanderthal Man , dating to c. 32,000 BC. In the 8th century BC, during the ancient Tartessos period, a pre-urban settlement existed. The population gradually learned copper and silver metallurgy. The first historical mention of a settlement dates, however, to the Carthaginian expansion across the Guadalquivir , when the general Amilcar Barca baptized it Kartuba , from Kart-Juba , meaning "the City of Juba ", the latter being a Numidian commander who had died in a battle nearby. Córdoba was conquered by the Romans in 206 BC. In 169 the Roman consul Marcus Claudius Marcellus founded a Latin colony alongside the pre-existing Iberian settlement. Between 143 and 141 BC the town was besieged by Viriatus . A Roman Forum is known to have existed in the city in 113 BC. Roman temple. At the time of Julius Caesar , Córdoba was the capital of the Roman province of Hispania Ulterior Baetica . Great Roman philosophers such as Lucius Annaeus Seneca the Younger , orators such as Seneca the Elder and poets such as Lucan came from Roman Cordoba. Later, it occupied an important place in the Provincia Hispaniae of the Byzantine Empire (552-572) and under the Visigoths , who conquered it in the late 6th century. Córdoba was captured in 711 [ 3 ] by a Muslim army. In 716 it became a provincial capital, subordinate to the Caliphate of Damascus ; in Arabic it was known as قرطبة (Qurṭuba). In May 766, it was chosen as the capital of the independent Muslim emirate of al-Andalus , later a Caliphate itself. During the caliphate apogee (1000 AD), Córdoba had a population of roughly 400,000 inhabitants, [ 4 ] though estimates range between 250,000 and 1,000,000. In the 10th and 11th centuries, Córdoba was one of the most advanced cities in the world as well as a great cultural, political, financial and economic centre. The Great Mosque of Córdoba dates back to this time; under caliph Al-Hakam II Córdoba received what was then the largest library in the world, housing from 400,000 to 1,000,000 volumes. After the fall of the caliphate (1031), Córdoba became the capital of a Republican independent taifa . This short-lived state was conquered by Al-Mu'tamid ibn Abbad , lord of Seville , in 1070. In turn, the latter was overthrown by the Almoravids , who were later replaced by the Almohads . During the latter's domination the city declined, the role of the capital of Muslim al-Andalus having been given to Seville . On 29 June 1236, after a siege of several months, it was captured by King Ferdinand III of Castile , during the Spanish Reconquista . The city was divided into 14 colaciones , and numerous new church buildings were added. The city declined especially after Renaissance times. In the 18th century it was reduced to just 20,000 inhabitants. The population and economy started to increase only in the early 20th century. With one of the most extensive historical heritages in the world (declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO 17 December 1984), the city also features a number of modern areas, including the districts of Zoco and the railway station district, Plan RENFE. The regional government (the Junta de Andalucía ) has for some time been studying the creation of a Córdoba Metropolitan Area that would comprise, in addition to the capital itself, the towns of Villafranca , Obejo , La Carlota , Villaharta , Villaviciosa , Almodóvar del Río and Guadalcázar . The combined population of such an area would be around 351,000. On the Rio Guadalquivir , just downstream from the Puente Romano (Roman Bridge) is a restored Islamic water wheel that once raised water to the caliph 's palace. Roman mausoleum in the Victoria parade. Patio de los Naranjos and Alminar. Calahorra Tower. Santa Marina de Aguas Santas Church. Calleja de las flores. Gardens of the Alcázar . Entrance of the Córdoba Fair in the sunset. [ edit ] Geography The city is located on the banks of the Guadalquivir river, and its easy access to the mining resources of the Sierra Morena (coal, lead, zinc) satisfies the population’s needs. The city is located in a depression of the valley of the Guadalquivir. In the north is the Sierra Morena , which defines the borders of the municipal area. Córdoba is one of the few cities in the world that has a near-exact antipodal city – Hamilton , New Zealand . [ edit ] Climate Córdoba has a Mediterranean climate with Atlantic coastal influences. Winters are mild with isolated frosts. Summers, with increased daily thermal oscillations, have the highest maximum temperatures in Europe, exceeding 40 °C occasionally. Local minimum summer temperature is 27 °C, the highest in Spain and Europe. Precipitation is concentrated in the coldest months; this is due to the Atlantic coastal influence. Precipitation is generated by storms from the west that occur most frequently from December through February. This Atlantic characteristic then gives way to a hot summer with significant drought more typical of Mediterranean climates. Annual rain surpasses 500 mm, although there is a recognized inter-annual irregularity. In agreement with the Köppen climate classification , the local climate can be described as Csa. Registered maximum temperatures at the Córdoba Airport (located at 6 km of the city) are 46.6° (23rd, July 1995) and 46.2° (1st, August 2003). The minimum temperature is -8.2° (28 January 2005). [ 5 ] Climate data for Córdoba Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Average high °C (°F) 14.7 (58.5) 16.9 (62.4) 20.5 (68.9) 22.1 (71.8) 26.2 (79.2) 31.6 (88.9) 36.2 (97.2) 35.9 (96.6) 31.7 (89.1) 25.0 (77) 18.9 (66) 15.3 (59.5) 24.6 (76.3) Daily mean °C (°F) 9.2 (48.6) 10.9 (51.6) 13.5 (56.3) 15.4 (59.7) 19.0 (66.2) 23.5 (74.3) 27.2 (81) 27.2 (81) 24.0 (75.2) 18.5 (65.3) 13.2 (55.8) 10.2 (50.4) 17.6 (63.7) Average low °C (°F) 3.7 (38.7) 4.9 (40.8) 6.4 (43.5) 8.6 (47.5) 11.8 (53.2) 15.5 (59.9) 18.1 (64.6) 18.5 (65.3) 16.2 (61.2) 12.1 (53.8) 7.6 (45.7) 5.2 (41.4) 10.7 (51.3) Precipitation mm (inches) 64 (2.52) 53 (2.09) 40 (1.57) 61 (2.4) 34 (1.34) 17 (0.67) 3 (0.12) 3 (0.12) 24 (0.94) 62 (2.44) 85 (3.35) 89 (3.5) 536 (21.1) Avg. precipitation days 7 6 5 8 5 2 1 1 2 6 6 8 56 Sunshine hours 168 172 212 212 271 312 352 328 241 208 176 148 2,800 Source: Agencia Estatal de Meteorología [ 6 ] [ edit ] May celebrations Tourism is especially intense in Córdoba during May because of the weather and as this month hosts three very popular festivals. [ 7 ] The May Crosses Festival takes place at the beginning of the month. During three or four days, crosses of around 3 meters of height are placed in many squares and streets and decorated with flowers and a contest is held to choose the most beautiful one. Usually there is regional food and music near the crosses. The Patios Festival is celebrated during the second and third week of the month. Many houses of the historic center open their private patios to the public and compete in a contest. Both the architectonic value and the floral decorations are taken into consideration to choose the winners. It is usually very difficult and expensive to find accommodation in the city during the festival. Córdoba's Fair takes place at the ending of the month and is similar to the better known Seville Fair with some differences, mainly that the Seville one is private, while the Cordoba one is not. [ edit ] Main sights [ edit ] Religious architecture Great Mosque of Córdoba , was originally a Visigoth Christian church which contains columns that date back to the Roman and Visigothic periods, built in the 600s AD . It was converted to a mosque and further constructed during the Umayyad period (its renovation started in 784). It was converted into a Cathedral after the Reconquista . Córdoba Synagogue (14th century) Fernandine and Alphonsine-style churches (13th century) San Nicolás de la Villa' San Miguel Santa Marina San Agustín San Andrés San Lorenzo San Pedro La Magdalena San Pablo Various monasteries and convents Walcha Cave (built in 1489) [ edit ] Civil and military architecture Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs (14th century) Palace of Viana with its flowered patios (16th century) Royal residences and palaces The Tower of Calahorra (14th century) The Plaza Vieja or Plaza Mayor Puerta del Puente (Bridge Gate, 16th century) Torre de la Malmuerta Walls and towers of the Muslim and also Christian period [ edit ] Archaeological sites [ edit ] Roman archaeological remains Roman Temple Roman Theatre, of which only scanty remains can be seen today. With a cavea of 124.23 meters of diameter (6 meters less than the Theatre of Marcellus in Rome), it was the largest theatre in Roman Hispania. Roman Mausoleum (1st century AD). It is a funerary monument discovered in 1993, located on the ancient road leading to Seville. Archaeological site of Cercadilla Roman bridge [ edit ] Islamic archaeological remains Guadalquivir Mills Archaeological site of Madinat Al-Zahra (10th century) [ edit ] Museums Archeological and Ethnological Museum of Córdoba. Julio Romero de Torres Museum. Museum of Fine Arts. Dioceses Museum. Baths of the Fortress Califal. Botanical Museum of Cordova. Three Cultures Museum. Bullfighting Museum. Molino de Martos Hydraulic Museum. [ edit ] Theatres Gran Teatro de Córdoba. Teatro Axerquía. [ edit ] Parks and Gardens La Mezquita at night as viewed from the Roman bridge . Garden of the Victory Garden of the Rivas Duc Garden of the Agriculture Garden of the Conde de Vallellano Garden of Juan Carlos I Park Cruz Conde Sotos de la Albolafia Balcón del Guadalquivir Peri-urban park of Los Villares Park of the Miraflores [ edit ] Notable people Cordova was the birthplace of five famous philosophers and religious scholars: In Roman times the Stoic philosopher Seneca , In classical Islamic times The Islamic scholar ibn Hazm , a major Muslim theologian and legal jurist, The Islamic scholar ibn Rushd or Averroes , one of Islam's most famous and eminent scholars and philosophers, Imam Abu 'Abdullah al-Qurtubi , a leading jurist of the Maliki madhab , and The rabbi and Jewish philosopher Moses Maimonides . Córdoba was also the birthplace of The Roman poet Lucan , The medieval Spanish poet Juan de Mena , and The Renaissance poet Luis de Góngora , who lived most of his life and wrote all his most important works but one in Córdoba. In addition some scholars have linked to Córdoba The Renaissance philosopher Abraham Cohen de Herrera and The prominent Jewish mystic Moses ben Jacob Cordovero Both of these were evidently descended from families which lived in Córdoba before the expulsion of the Jews from Spain . More recently, several flamenco artists were born here as well, including Vicente Amigo Joaquín Cortés Fosforito Paco Peña Juan Serrano (Flamenco) Also recently Fernando Tejero , actor [ edit ] Transport The city is connected by high speed trains to the main Spanish cities: Madrid , Barcelona , Seville , Málaga and Zaragoza . More than 20 trains per day connect the downtown area, in 54 minutes, with Málaga María Zambrano station, which provides interchange capability to destinations along the Costa del Sol, including Málaga Airport . [ edit ] Twin towns — sister cities Panoramic view of La Mezquita . See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Spain Córdoba is twinned with: [ 8 ] Córdoba , Argentina (1969) A Coruña , Spain (1976) Córdoba , Mexico (1980) Fez , Morocco (1982) Smara , Western Sahara(1987) La Habana Vieja, Cuba , Cuba (2000) Damascus , Syria (2001) Nurenberg , Germany (2010) León , Spain (2010) Manchester, UK [ edit ] References ^ "geography.about.com" . http://geography.about.com/library/weekly/aa011201a.htm .   ^ [1] ^ "Córdoba History" . http://www.cordoba24.info/english/html/geschichte.html . Retrieved 16 July 2009 .   ^ J. Bradford De Long and Andrei Shleifer (October 1993), "Princes and Merchants: European City Growth before the Industrial Revolution", The Journal of Law and Economics ( University of Chicago Press ) 36 (2): 671–702 [678]   ^ Valores climatológicos extremos. Córdoba ^ "Valores Climatológicos Normales. Córdoba / Aeropuerto" . http://www.aemet.es/es/elclima/datosclimatologicos/valoresclimatologicos?l=5402&k=and .   ^ Mayocordobes.es ^ http://www.ayuncordoba.es/hermanamientos.html [ edit ] External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Córdoba Official website of the city council. (Spanish) Córdoba Mosque and Roman Bridge - The second largest mosque and a Roman Bridge with 17 arches Córdoba, Roman City(Spain)- Tourism and Monuments in Córdoba (English) Tourism and Monuments in Córdoba (Spanish) Córdoba travel information (English) (Spanish) Natural Monument Sotos de la Albolafia Córdoba: The City that Changed the World by The Guardian v   •   d   •   e Cities and port cities in Andalusia Capitals of provinces Almería  · Cádiz  · Córdoba  · Granada  · Huelva  · Jaén  · Málaga  · Seville Port cities Algeciras  · Almuñécar  · Benalmádena  · Chipiona  · El Puerto de Santa María  · Fuengirola  · Marbella  · Moguer  · Nerja  · San Fernando  · Sanlúcar de Barrameda  · Torremolinos Other cities Antequera  · Aracena  · Baeza  · Cazorla  · Dos Hermanas  · Grazalema  · Guadix  · Jerez de la Frontera  · Linares  · Ronda  · Rota  · Santiponce  · Úbeda v   •   d   •   e Historical Capitals of the Arab Empire Medina (632–639)  · Kufa (639–661)  · Damascus (661–750)  · Baghdad (750–1258)  · Ar-Raqqah (796–809)  · Cairo (969-1174)  · Damascus (1174–1218)  · Cairo (1218-1250)  · Damascus (1250-1260))  · Hama (1260-1341)  · Cairo (1250–1517)  · Cordoba (756–1051)  · Mahdia (909–969)  · Marrakech (1121–1269)  · Fes (1215–1465)  · Granada (1228–1492)  · Tunis (1229–1574)  · Marrakech (1554–1659) v   •   d   •   e World Heritage Sites in Spain For official site names, see each article or the List of World Heritage Sites in Spain . North West Caves of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain 1   · Monuments of Oviedo and the Kingdom of the Asturias   · Roman Walls of Lugo   · Route of Santiago de Compostela 1   · Santiago de Compostela   · Tower of Hercules North East Caves of Altamira and Paleolithic Cave Art of Northern Spain 1   · Mudéjar Architecture of Aragon   · Pyrénées - Mont Perdu 2   · Rock-Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula 1   · Route of Santiago de Compostela 1   · San Millán Yuso and Suso Monasteries   · Vizcaya Bridge Community of Madrid Aranjuez Cultural Landscape   · El Escorial   · University and Historic Precinct of Alcalá de Henares Centre Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida   · Archaeological Site of Atapuerca   · Ávila with its Extra- mural Churches   · Burgos Cathedral   · Cáceres   · Cuenca   · Las Médulas   · Rock-Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula 1   · Route of Santiago de Compostela 1   · Salamanca   · Santa María de Guadalupe   · Segovia and its Aqueduct   · Toledo East Archaeological Ensemble of Tárraco (Tarragona)   · Catalan Romanesque Churches of the Vall de Boí   · Ibiza ( Biodiversity and Culture)   · Palau de la Música Catalana and Hospital de Sant Pau , Barcelona   · Palmeral of Elche   · Poblet Monastery   · Rock-Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula 1   · Silk Exchange in Valencia   · Works of Antoni Gaudí South Alhambra , Generalife and Albayzín   · Cathedral , Alcázar and Archivo de Indias , Seville   · Córdoba   · Doñana   · Renaissance Monuments of Úbeda and Baeza   · Rock-Art of the Mediterranean Basin on the Iberian Peninsula 1 Canary Islands Garajonay   · San Cristóbal de La Laguna   · Teide National Park 1 Shared with other region/s  · 2 Shared with France v   •   d   •   e Comarcas of Andalusia Comarcas of Autonomous Community of Andalusia La Accitania  · Alhama  · El Aljarafe  · Alpujarra Almeriense  · Alpujarra Granadina  · Alto Guadalquivir  · El Andévalo  · Antequera  · La Axarquía  · Bay of Cádiz  · Bajo Guadalquivir  · Baza  · Campiña de Baena  · Campiña de Carmona  · Campiña de Jaén  · Campiña de Jerez  · Campiña de Morón y Marchena  · Campiña Sur Cordobesa  · Campo de Gibraltar  · Condado de Huelva  · Condado de Jaén  · Córdoba  · Costa del Sol Occidental  · Costa Noroeste de Cádiz  · Costa Occidental de Huelva  · Costa Tropical  · Cuenca Minera  · Écija  · Filabres-Tabernas  · Guadalteba  · Huéscar  · Jaén  · La Janda  · Levante Almeriense  · Loja  · La Loma  · Málaga-Costa del Sol  · Comarca Metropolitana de Almería  · Comarca Metropolitana de Huelva  · Comarca Metropolitana de Sevilla  · Los Montes  · Nororma  · Poniente Almeriense  · Serranía de Ronda  · Sierra de Cádiz  · Sierra de Cazorla  · Sierra de Huelva  · Sierra Mágina  · Sierra de las Nieves  · Sierra Norte de Jaén  · Sierra Norte de Sevilla  · Sierra de Segura  · Sierra Sur de Jaén  · Sierra Sur de Sevilla  · La Subbética  · Valle del Almanzora  · Valle del Guadalhorce  · Valle del Guadiato  · Valle de Lecrín  · Valle de los Pedroches  · Valle Medio del Guadalquivir  · Vega de Granada  · Vega del Guadalquivir  · Los Vélez  · Las Villas || Córdoba, Argentina From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation , search Córdoba City of Córdoba From upper left: Panoramic view of Córdoba city centre, San Juan boulevard, La Cañada stream, Córdoba arch, Plaque commemorating the designation of the Jesuit block as world heritage in 2000, and San Martin square. Flag Coat of arms Coordinates: 31°25′0.0″S 64°11′0.0″W  /  31.41667°S 64.18333°W  / -31.41667; -64.18333 Coordinates : 31°25′0.0″S 64°11′0.0″W  /  31.41667°S 64.18333°W  / -31.41667; -64.18333 C Established 1573 Government  -  Intendant Daniel Giacomino Area  - Land 576 km 2  (22,239 sq mi) Elevation between 352 and 544 m (between 1,154.86 and 1,784.78 ft) Population (2008)  - City 1,309,536 (census)   -  Density 2,273.5/km 2  (5,888.46/sq mi)   -  Metro 1,528,000 (est)   [ 1 ] Time zone ARST ( UTC-3 )  - Summer ( DST ) ARDT ( UTC-2 ) Monument to Jerónimo Luis de Cabrera, depicting his 1573 foundation of Córdoba. Córdoba ( Spanish pronunciation:  [ˈkorðoβa] ) is a city located near the geographical center of Argentina , in the foothills of the Sierras Chicas on the Suquía River , about 700 km (435 mi) northwest of Buenos Aires . It is the capital of Córdoba Province . Córdoba is the second- largest city in Argentina after the federal capital Buenos Aires, with about 1.3 million inhabitants according to the 2001 census. The city was founded on July 6, 1573 by Jerónimo Luis de Cabrera , who named it after Córdoba, Spain . It was one of the first Spanish colonial capitals of the region that is now Argentina (the older city was Santiago del Estero , founded in 1553). The Universidad Nacional de Córdoba is the oldest university in Argentina. It was founded in 1613 by the Jesuit Order . Córdoba has many historical monuments preserved from the times of Spanish colonialism , especially buildings of the Roman Catholic Church . The most recognizable is perhaps the Jesuit Block (Spanish: Manzana Jesuítica ), declared in 2000 as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO [ 2 ] which consists of a group of buildings dating from the 17th century, including the Montserrat School and the colonial university campus (today the historical museum of the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, which since the early 20th century has been the second-largest in the country (after the University of Buenos Aires ) in terms of the number of students, faculty, and academic programs. As the location of the first university founded in the land that is now Córdoba, Argentina has earned the nickname La Docta (roughly translated, "The Learned Lady"). Contents 1 History 1.1 First settlement 1.2 Early European settlement 1.3 Contemporary history 2 Geography 2.1 Geology 3 Climate 4 Demographics 4.1 Ethnicity 4.2 Demographic distribution 5 Urban structure 5.1 Districts 6 Transportation 7 Metro 8 Economy 9 Sports 10 Education 11 Culture 11.1 Literature 11.2 Music 11.3 Monuments 11.4 Festivals 12 Twin cities 13 Image gallery 14 References 15 External links [ edit ] History [ edit ] First settlement In 1570, Viceroy Francisco de Toledo entrusted Spanish settler Jerónimo Luis de Cabrera , to populate and to found in the Punilla Valley . Cabrera sent an expedition of 48 men to the territory of the Comechingones . He divided the principal column that entered through the north of the provincial territory at Villa María . The one hundred man expedition set foot on what today is Córdoba on June 24, 1573. Cabrera called a nearby river San Juan (today Suquía ). The settlement was finally founded on July 6 of the same year and named Córdoba de la Nueva Andalucía, possibly in honor of ancestors of the founder's wife, originally from Córdoba, Spain . The foundation of the city took place on the left bank of the river on Francisco de Torres' advice. Depiction of the first map of Córdoba (1577). The settlement was inhabited by aboriginal people called Comechingones , who were living in communities named Ayllus. After 4 years, having repelled the aborigines, the settlement's authorities moved it to the opposite bank of the Suquía River in 1577. The governing lieutenant at the time, Don Lorenzo Suárez de Figueroa, planned the first layout of the city, of 70 blocks. Once the city core been moved to its current location, it acquired a stable population since its economy bloomed associated with the trade with the cities in the northern territories. In 1599, the religious order of the Jesuits arrived in the settlement. They established a Novitiate in 1608 and in 1610, the Colegio Maximo, which became the University of Córdoba in 1613 (today National University of Córdoba), the fourth-oldest in the Americas. The local Jesuit Church remains one of the oldest buildings in South America, that contains, the Monserrat Secondary School, a church, and residence buildings. To maintain such a project, the Jesuits operated five Reducciones in the surrounding, fertile valleys, including Caroya, Jesús María , Santa Catalina, Alta Gracia and Candelaria. The farm and the complex, started in 1615, had to be left by the Jesuits, following the 1767 decree by King Charles III of Spain that expelled them from the continent. They were then run by the Franciscans until 1853, when the Jesuits returned to the Americas. Nevertheless, the university and the high-school were nationalized a year later. Each Estancia has its own church and set of buildings, around which towns grew, such as Alta Gracia , the closest to the Block. [ edit ] Early European settlement Rafael de Sobremonte , governor of Córdoba from 1784 to 1799. In 1776 the King Carlos III created the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata , in which Córdoba stays in 1785 as the Government Intendency of Córdoba, including the current territories of the provinces of Córdoba , La Rioja and the region of Cuyo . According to the 1760 census, the population of the city was promoting 22,000 inhabitants. During the May Revolution in 1810, the widespread opinion of the most notable citizens was of continuing respecting the orders of Fernando VII , attitude assumed by the local authorities, which led to the Liniers Counter-revolution . This position was not shared by the Dean Gregorio Funes , who was adhering to the revolutionary ideas, beside supporting contact with Manuel Belgrano and Juan José Castelli . In March 1816, the Argentine Congress met in Tucumán for an independence resolution. Córdoba sent Eduardo Pérez Bulnes , Jerónimo Salguero de Cabrera , José Antonio Cabrera , and to the Canon of the cathedral Michael Calixto of the Circle, all of them of autonomous position. The decade of 1820 belonged to caudillos , since the country was in full process of formation. Until 1820 a central government taken root in Buenos Aires existed, but the remaining thirteen provinces felt that after July 9, 1816 what had happened it was simply a change of commander. Cepeda's Battle faced the commanders of the Littoral with the central power. Finally, the Federales obtained the victory, for what the country remained since then integrated by 13 autonomous provinces, on the national government having be dissolved. From this way the period known like about the Provincial Autonomies began. From this moment the provinces tried to create a federal system that was integrating them without coming to good port, this mainly for the regional differences of every province. Two Córdoba figures stood out in this period: Governor Juan Bautista Bustos, who was an official of the Army of the North and in 1820 was supervised by the troops quartered in Arequito, a town near Córdoba, and his ally and later enemy, General José María Paz . In 1821, Bustos repelled the invasion of Córdoba on the part of Francisco Ramírez and his Chilean ally, General José Miguel Carrera . The conflict originated in a dispute with the power system that included the provinces of Buenos Aires , Córdoba and Santa Fe ; according to the 1822 census the total population of Córdoba was of 11,552 inhabitants. [ edit ] Contemporary history Colón Avenue, c.1900. Olmos Avenue (1943). The financial district. At the end of the 19th century the process of national industrialization began with the height of the economic agro-exporting model, principally of meats and cereals. This process is associated with the European immigration who began to settle the city, generally possessing the education and enterprising capacity appropriate for the development of industry. The majority of these European immigrants came from Italy (initially from Piedmont , Veneto and Lombardy ; later from Campania and Calabria ), and Spain (mostly Galicians and Basques ) At the beginning of the 20th century the city had 90,000 inhabitants. The city changed considerably its physionomy following the construction of new avenues, walks and public squares, as well as the installation of an electrified tram system, in 1909. In 1918, Córdoba was the epicentre of a movement known as the University Reform , which then spread to the rest of the Universities of the country, Americas and Spain. The development of the domestic market, the British investments that facilitated European settlement, the development of the railways on the pampas rapidly industrialized the city. Córdoba's industrial sector first developed from the need to transform raw materials such as leather , meats and wool for export. [ 3 ] In 1927, the Military Aircraft Manufacturer (FMA) was inaugurated. The facilty would become one of the most important in the world after the Second World war with the arrival of German technical personnel. From 1952, its production began to diversify, to constitute the base of the former Institute Aerotécnico, the state-owned company Aeronautical and Mechanical Industries of the State (IAME). Córdoba was chosen as the site of The Instituto Aerotécnico that later became the Fábrica Militar de Aviones . It employed the Focke Wulf men until President Juan Perón was ousted by a coup in 1955 . Lockheed Martin purchased FMA in 1995. Córdoba, according to the census of 1947, had almost 400,000 inhabitants (a quarter of the province's total). Subsequent industrial development led thousands of rural families to the city, doubling its population and turning Córdoba into the second largest city in Argentina, after Buenos Aires, by 1970. The city's population and economic growth moderated, afterwards, though living standards rose with the increase in the national consumption of Córdoba's industrial products, as well as the development of other sectors of economic activity. At times rivaling Buenos Aires for its importance in national politics, Córdoba was the site of the initial mutiny leading to the 1955 Revolución Libertadora that deposed President Juan Perón and the setting for the 1969 Cordobazo , a series of violent labor and student protests that ultimately led to elections in 1973 . Córdoba's current economic diversity is due to a vigorous services sector and the demand for agro-industrial and railway equipment and, in particular, the introduction of U.S. and European automakers after 1954. [ edit ] Geography Topographical relief map of the city of Córdoba La Cañada The city's geographic location is 31°25′0″S 64°11′0″W  /  31.416667°S 64.183333°W  / -31.416667; -64.183333 , taking as a point of reference San Martín Square in downtown Córdoba. The relative location of the municipal common land, is in the south hemisphere of the globe, to the south of the South American subcontinent, in the geographical centre - west of Argentina and of the province of Córdoba; to a distance of 702 km from Buenos Aires and 401 km from the city of Rosario As per the provincial laws No. 778 of December 14, 1878, Not. 927 of October 20, 1883, and Not. 1295 of December 29, 1893, the limits of the city of Córdoba are delineated in the northern part, South, East and West located to 12 km from San Martín Square which means that the common land has 24 km from side. The city, adjoins in the northern territory with Colón Department summarizing a total surface of 562. [ edit ] Geology The city is located in the plain of the quhog square of royal prince caspian Humid Pampa , to the east of the oriental cord of Córdoba Hills or Sierra Chica, also known as the Sierras Cordobas, which has an average height of 550 m. [ 4 ] It spreads at the foot of the mount, on both banks of the River Suquía, and flows into the San Roque reservoir ; from there, the Primero River goes east into the plains surrounding the city of Córdoba. Once inside the city, the La Cañada stream meets the Rio Primero near the city centre area. Two kilometers to the east, Isla de los Patos (Ducks Island) was repopulated with ducks and swans in the 1980s. It was reported in March 2006 that a large number of ducks had died due to unspecified causes. [ 5 ] Pollution caused by chemical waste is suspected as the cause, but avian influenza is also being investigated. Jimmy Whales was once walking in a tour through this country when he believed that there should be a new town called Cordoba. Beyond the city limits, the river flows towards the Algarrobos swamp and ends its course on the southern coast of the Mar Chiquita (or Mar de Ansenuza) salt lake . All in all, the river has a length of approximately 200 kilometers and carries, on average, 9.7 m³/s, with minimum of 2 m³/s and maximum of 24 m³/s [ 6 ] with a peak during the summer months. Pollution of the water and of the riverbank is a major environmental issue in Córdoba. Periodic cleaning operations are carried out to increase the quality of the water and to preserve the viability of fishing , both in the San Roque reservoir area and downstream. [ edit ] Climate Córdoba climate chart The climate of the city of Córdoba, as that of most of the province, is moderated by the altitude and, especially, the pampas winds, cold winds that blow from the South-western quadrant, originates in the Antarctica . The variations or thermal extents are greater than in Buenos Aires, and lower in annual rainfall: 750 mm / year. The annual average temperature calculated during the 20th century was 18 °C. In January, the hottest month of the austral summer, the average maximum is 31 °C and the minimum 17 °C. In July, the coldest month of the year, the average temperatures are between 19 °C and 3 °C. In winter it is very frequent that temperatures rise above 30 °C, due to the influence of the wind Zonda. Due to the extension of the metropolitan area , there exists a difference of 5 °C between the central area and the Greater Córdoba. The central district, a dense high-rise area is located in a depression, and it is the core of an important heat island . In addition the city presents a phenomenon of smog , but not as dense to make consequences for the health population. According to studies realized by the Meteorological National Service from 1873, the annual rainfall registered in the city, shows a significant change in the trend from the half of last century. The annual average of rains has increased mas of 100 mm in the last 50 years. The result of these studies, were compared with the global trends of temperature and was observed that the annual rainfall of the city is highly correlated by world trend of this variable. In the first half of the 20th century, the variations of the rain registered as those of the average temperature of the Hemisphere South are very slightly notable, compared with the one that is observed from 1950. [ edit ] Demographics Córdoba Metropolitan area Urban growth of Córdoba from 1573 to 2007 Population 1,357,200 Male population 649,955 Female population 683,433 Population growth 1.0% Birth rate 19/1,000 Death rate 4.9/1,000 Infant mortality rate 18.1/1,000 Life expectancy 75.6 years [ edit ] Ethnicity The most common ethnic groups are Italian and Spanish (mostly Galicians and Basques ). Waves of immigrants from European countries arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The main contributors were Spain, Italy, France, Eastern European nations such as Croatia, Poland, Hungary, Russia, Romania, Ukraine and the Balkans (especially Greece, Serbia and Montenegro), Switzerland, Germany, the United Kingdom and Ireland, Armenia and Scandinavia (especially Sweden). By the 1910s, 43 percent of the city population was non-native Argentine after immigration rates peaked. [ 7 ] [ 8 ] Most immigrants, regardless of origin, settled in the city or around Greater Córdoba . However, in the first stages of immigration, some formed colonies (especially agricultural colonies ) in different parts of the city, often encouraged by the Argentine government and/or sponsored by private individuals and organizations. [ edit ] Demographic distribution Córdoba is the second largest city in the country in population and concentrates 40.9% of the Córdoba Province population of 3,216,993 inhabitants and represents almost 3.3% of the Argentine population, which according to estimates to June 2008, reached 39,745,613 inhabitants. Driven by migration both domestic and from abroad, the city's rate of population growth was an elevated 3.2% annually from 1914 to 1960; but, it has been declining steadily since then, and has averaged around 0.4% a year, since the national census of 2001. According to the last provincial census of 2008, the city has 1,315,540 inhabitants, representing an increase of 3.78% with regard to the 1,267,521 registered during the national census of 2001. [ 9 ] Greater Córdoba is the metropolitan area of the city of Córdoba, a union of medium localities of the department Colón, from the north to the south. Great Córdoba is the second urban agglomeration of Argentina as for population and surface refers. The growth of the metropolitan area was not equal in all directions, it spreads approximately up to 50 km (31 mi) to the northwest of the Córdoba city centre in a thin succession of small localities. This is almost the maximum distance from the Buenos Aires city center to the most distant of its metropolitan area points; whereas in the rest of the cardinal points it comes to 15 km (9 mi). The city receives a constant flow of students from the North-East, Southwest regions of Argentina and of other South American countries, owed principally to the National University of Córdoba, which increases gradually the city population. Córdoba grows constantly, expanding especially towards the southern areas of Alta Gracia and Villa Carlos Paz . Demographic Evolution [ 10 ] 1810 1869 1895 1914 1947 1960 1970 1980 1991 2001 2008 Population 9.080 34.458 54.763 134.935 386.828 586.015 801.771 990.968 1.179.372 1.284.582 1.315.540 [ 11 ] Rate of demographic growth 17,5 44,5 29,3 31,5 31,1 21,1 13,2 9,8 Largest cities of Argentina (2007 INDEC estimate) [ 12 ] Rank City Name Province Pop. - Rank City Name Province Pop. view   •   talk   •   edit 1 Buenos Aires 3,050,728 11 Resistencia 377,000 2 Córdoba 1,372,000 12 Santiago del Estero 357,000 3 Rosario 1,242,000 13 Corrientes 345,000 4 Mendoza 885,434 14 Bahia Blanca 304,000 5 Tucumán 789,000 15 San Salvador de Jujuy 298,000 6 La Plata 732,503 16 Posadas 287,000 7 Mar del Plata 604,563 17 Paraná 268,000 8 Salta 516,000 18 Neuquén 255,000 9 Santa Fe 493,000 19 Merlo 244,168 10 San Juan 453,229 20 Quilmes 230,810 [ edit ] Urban structure Land use map of Córdoba The use of the city soil is regulated by the municipality, which determines and destines 26,177 hectares to urban area (40.24 %), 12,267 hectares to the industrial dominant area (21.3 %), 16,404 hectares to rural area dominant (28.45 %) and 5,750 hectares to other uses as military proposes, or institutional spaces (9.98 %) of the total area of the city. [ 13 ] Green spaces include different types of spaces, from squares, small squares, up to urban, green linear parks of different scales as the river Suquia , bicycle pathways and highway s). The surface supported by the Municipality of Córdoba in character of green Urban adds approximately 1645 hectares. The historical centre is shaped by quadrangular blocks of some hundred thirty meters of side. The disposition of the neighborhoods and principal avenues is radial. From the city centre district large avenues that lead to the most peripheral neighborhoods are born. In conformity with the demographic growth the city has expanded principally to the northwest and to the southeast, following the trace of the National Route 9 . [ edit ] Districts Panorama of the Nueva Córdoba Skyline. Córdoba is the second most important commercial area in Argentina, as well as home to one of the most important financial districts in South America. The district is home to the Bank of Córdoba and other private banking institutions. Sightseeing places include San Martín Square, the Jesuit Block (declared UNESCO World Heritage Site ) and the Genaro Pérez Museum. The streets mostly follow a regular checkerboard pattern, and the main thoroughfares are Vélez Sarsfield, Colón, General Paz and Dean Funes Avenue, and April 27 Sreet. The point of origin of the city is the San Martin Square, surrounded by the Municipality, the Central Post Office, The streets mostly follow a regular checkerboard pattern Downtown Córdoba is home of large shopping malls, notably Patio Olmos . This mall is the result of a massive regeneration effort, recycling and refurbishing the west side old warehouses into elegant offices and commercial centres. An important cultural point of interest is the Palacio Ferreyra, a mansion built in 1916 based on plans by the French architect , Ernest Sanson . The Ferreyra palace was converted into the Evita Perón Museum of Fine Arts (the city's second) in 2007. Located at the corner of Hipólito Yrigoyen and Chacabuco Avenues, it has now been restored and adapted to house the city's principal art gallery. Nueva Córdoba has a number of important avenues such as Yrigoyen and Vélez Sarsfield . Most of the university students in this growing city live in this neighbourhood, and a recebt construction boom has been transforming this upscale area into the fastest-growing section in the city. Residential section in the New Córdoba district. Ciudad Universitaria is a district located in the southern area of the city, next to the 17 hectares (43 acre) Sarmiento Park , the city's most important one. The Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC) has most of its facilities in this area. The UNC was the first university built in Argentina, founded by Jesuits around 1622. The Universidad Nacional de Córdoba is also famous for the "Reforma Universitaria", a student led protest that started in March 1918 in the Medical School, in which the students rebelled against the prevailing university system. This was an old anachronic system in which professors were authoritarian and inefficient, with a religiously oriented curriculum. Eventually this revolt lead to a more secular curriculum and some significant re-structuring of the university government. The distinctive nature of the movement derived not only from its radical demands, but also from its extremist tactics, the level of sophistication of its organization, and its major continental impact. In fact, the Reform Movement rapidly spread from Córdoba to Lima (1919), Cuzco (1920), Santiago de Chile (1920), and Mexico (1921). Another important university, the UTN , dedicated to the teaching of engineering sciences, is located in this part of the city. There are also a gym and football stadium and tennis courts for the students. The Córdoba Zoo is located in this district. Located about 6 kilometers (3.75 miles) from downtown Córdoba is the Cerro de Las Rosas. This very affluent neighborhood is famous for its schools, shops and educational institutions. This neighborhood's economic activity centers around the Rafael Núñez Avenue, a long wide road that stretches for a few miles and has restaurants, boutiques, banks and other shops. Over the last decade, this neighborhood has experienced steady growth; however, some of its most affluent inhabitants have moved to gated communities for security reasons. Some of these communities, such as "Las Delicias" and "Lomas de los Carolinos", are in the old Camino a La Calera. [ edit ] Transportation Trolleybus in Córdoba city centre. Taravella International Airport. The Córdoba public transport system includes buses, trolleybuses , taxis and remis. Long-distance buses reach most cities and towns throughout the country. Long-distance railway passenger service is provided by Ferrocentral twice weekly overnight to Buenos Aires Retiro Station and a twice weekly daytime service to Villa Maria which follows the same route. The Córdoba to Buenos Aires train has a dining car, Turista, Primera and Pullman coach class, as well as Camarote class in a sleeping car. Prices range from AR$27 for Turista to AR$240 for two people sharing a bedroom. It departs Córdoba on Wednesday at 9:13 PM and Saturday at 4:21 PM. The trip takes 15 hours and uses Hitachi made cars. The Córdoba to Villa Maria train uses ex Portuguese stainless steel coaches. The Argentine government had projected to build a high-speed train between Buenos Aires-Rosario-Córdoba . Originally scheduled to be started in 2008, with its inauguration in 2010, it is still waiting for financing to be completed. It will eventually join Córdoba and Buenos Aires, with an intermediate stop in Rosario , in about 3 hours at speeds of up to 350 km/h. [ 14 ] The city is served by the nation's third largest airport Ingeniero Ambrosio L.V. Taravella International Airport . [ edit ] Metro Main article: Córdoba Metro A map of the future metro system. On December 10, 2007 it was announced that a consortium of Iecsa/Gela companies was to build the US$ 1.1 billion metro system in Córdoba. In April 2008, President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner , signed the project into law. The works, however, are currently "on hold" due to the world financial crisis. [ edit ] Economy The Patio Olmos Shopping Gallery. Since World War II, Córdoba has been developing a versatile industrial base. The biggest sectors are car manufacturing ( Renault , Volkswagen , Fiat ), railway construction (Materfer) and aircraft construction ( Fábrica Militar de Aviones ). Furthermore, there are textile, heavy and chemical industries and some agrobusinesses. Córdoba has been considered the technological centre of Argentina. The Argentinian spaceport (Centro Espacial Teófilo Tabanera), where satellites are being developed and operated for CONAE , is located in the suburb of Falda del Carmen. The software and electronic industries are advancing and becoming significant exporters; among the leading local employers in the sector are Motorola , Vates, Intel , Electronic Data Systems , and Santex América. [ edit ] Sports Football (soccer) , like in the rest of Argentina, is the most popular sport. Several leagues and divisions compete in the local championship annually. Some important teams are Belgrano , Talleres , Instituto de Córdoba , and Racing de Córdoba . Basketball could arguably be the second most popular sport in Córdoba city. Asociación Deportiva Atenas is the most popular club, and one of the most successful in Argentina, having won the National League (LNB) seven times, and being three times winner of the South American League. Rugby union is also a very popular sport in Córdoba, which has close to 20 teams with many divisions. Tala Rugby Club , La Tablada , Palermo Bajo , the Córdoba Athletic Club (one of the oldest clubs in Argentina and founded by the British who worked in the building of the Argentine Railroads around 1882), "Córdoba Rugby Club", "Jockey Club Córdoba", and "Universitario" are some of the most prestigious teams. Córdoba is one of the strongest rugby places in Argentina, and is the home of many international players. Many of the great players in Argentina and Italy began their careers in the Córdoba's rugby clubs. Golf and tennis are also very popular; notable players that started playing in Córdoba include Ángel "Pato" Cabrera and Eduardo "Gato" Romero in golf and David Nalbandian in tennis. The Argentine stage of the World Rally Championship has been run not far from the city since 2004. Hockey and tennis are also important sports in Córdoba. [ edit ] Education Location of Universities in Córdoba. 1. National University of Córdoba . 2. National Technological University . 3. Catholic University of Córdoba . 4. Blas Pascal University . 5. 21st Century business university . 6. Aeronautical universital institute . Córdoba has 6 Universities. National University of Córdoba , established since 1613, is the 4th oldest in the Americas and the first in Argentina. It has about 105,000 students. The National Technological University has one of their branches in the city. Catholic University of Córdoba is the oldest private university in Córdoba, it has nearly 10,000 students. [ edit ] Culture [ edit ] Literature La Cañada (The Glen), perhaps the most emblematic structure in Córdoba. The Córdoba Cabildo (colonial seat of government). The Cathedral appeared as a project in the first map of Córdoba in 1577. Córdoba has long been considered one of the most culturally rich cities of Argentina. The Literary activity flourished in the city at the beginning of the last century. Córdoba was the city of Leopoldo Lugones , Arturo Capdevila and Marcos Aguinis, among many other prestigious writers. Among the city's best-known museums are the Caraffa Fine Arts Museum , founded in 1916, and the Evita Fine Arts Museum , founded in 2007. The Paseo del Buen Pastor , a cultural center opened in 2007, features an art museum, as well as a shopping gallery devoted to local vintners, cheese makers, leather crafters and other artisans. [ edit ] Music The typical music in Córdoba is the cuarteto . It can be heard in many parties and pubs. The most popular cuarteto singers are: Carlos La Mona Jiménez , Rodrigo , La Barra and Jean Carlos, among others. The places they usually sing are named bailes (dances). One of the first groups was Cuarteto de Oro . Other very popular music styles among the youth are electronic music (or electro ), as well as reggaeton . These are commonly played at "boliches," as night clubs are known in Argentina. Córdoba is sometimes referred to as the Night Life City (or, the city that never sleeps), because of its wide range of clubs and teenage matinées (dancing clubs). Córdoba also enjoys a rich musical culture that includes classical , jazz , rock , pop and electronic in a variety of venues. Córdoba is home to the Teatro Libertador San Martín , which regularly features classical music, opera, folk music, theater plays, etc. [ edit ] Monuments Córdoba has many historical monuments left over from the colonial era. In the centre, near the Plaza San Martín square, is the Jesuit Cathedral, whose altar is made of stone and silver from Potosí . Every ornament inside is made of gold and the roof is all painted with different images from the Bible. Another important building is the Cabildo (colonial government house), located next to the church. The Jesuit Block, the Monserrat School, the University and the church of the Society of Jesus are located in Córdoba. [ edit ] Festivals Different festivals occur year-round. The first is in February, the Carnival , where children enjoy throwing water balloons at each other on the street. Then in the middle of the year, on July 20, Friends Day is celebrated. Usually, most of the teenagers meet at Parque de las Naciones or Parque Sarmiento and spend the afternoon there. At night, they go dancing to different places, and enjoy a drink. The last festival is Spring Day , held on September 21, which is Students' Day. Many go to the park or spend the day in the nearby city of Villa Carlos Paz . There they can enjoy lots of activities like concerts, dancing, going down town or visiting the river bank. [ edit ] Twin cities Córdoba has 17 twin cities: Belo Horizonte , Brazil Campinas , Brazil Chongqing , China Ciutadella de Menorca , Spain Cochabamba , Bolivia Curitiba , Brazil Florianópolis , Brazil Izhevsk , Russia Izmir , Turkey Lódz , Poland Natal , Brazil Marín , Spain Morelia , Mexico Santa Cruz de la Sierra , Bolivia Tampa , United States Tiberias , Israel Turin , Italy Valparaíso , Chile Xi'an , China [ edit ] Image gallery The Córdoba Gateway Sarmiento Park Torreecipsa.jpg The Ecipsa Tower Libertador Theatre Los Capuchinos Church Plaza España Colón Avenue San Jerónimo Street Provincial courthouse The Palacio Ferreyra Fine Arts Museum Caraffa Fine Arts Museum La Mundial, the "world's narrowest building" Provincial Legislature Paseo del Buen Pastor Cultural Center 27 th of April Street The Coral Building [ edit ] References ^ INDEC: estimaciones de población ^ UNESCO ^ cordoba.gov: ciudad histórica Ciudad Historica ^ "Geografía e historia de la Provincia de Córdoba" (in Español) (pdf). Policía de la Provincia de Córdoba . http://www.policiacordoba.gov.ar/Download/Apuntes_Geografia_e_Historia_de_Cordoba.pdf . Retrieved 18 September 2008 .   ^ http://www.lanacion.com.ar/EdicionImpresa/informaciongeneral/nota.asp?nota_id=792738 lanacion.com ^ http://www.ramsar.org/ris/ris_argentina_chiquita_s.htm ramsar.org ^ Dinámica migratoria: coyuntura y estructura en la Argentina de fines del XX ^ http://www.buenosaires.gov.ar/areas/hacienda/sis_estadistico/anu_estadistico/01/web01/c110.htm ^ "Censo 2008: Somos menos que lo que se esperaba." (in español). La Voz del Interior . http://www2.lavoz.com.ar/08/09/02/secciones/sociedad/nota.asp?nota_id=236558 . Retrieved 2 September 2008 .   ^ "Observatorio urbano - Guías estadísticas: Capítulo III: Demografía." (in Español) (web). Municipalidad de Córdoba.. 2007 . http://www.cordoba.gov.ar/cordobaciudad/principal2/Docs/observatorio/guia07/CAPITULO3_07.pdf . Retrieved 15 oct 2008 .   ^ "Censo 2008: Somos menos que lo que se esperaba." (in español) (web). La Voz del Interior . http://www2.lavoz.com.ar/08/09/02/secciones/sociedad/nota.asp?nota_id=236558 . Retrieved 13 de octubre de 2008 .   ^ "3218.0 - Instituto Nacional de Estadistica y Censos, Argentina, 2006-07" . INDEC . 2008-03-31 . http://www.indec.mecon.gov.ar/nuevaweb/cuadros/4/EPHcont_1trim08.pdf . Retrieved 2008-06-06 .   ^ "Datos territoriales de Córdoba." (in Spanish) (web). 2007 . http://www.cordoba.gov.ar/cordobaciudad/principal2/default.asp?ir=55_4 . Retrieved 02 August2008 .   ^ Puesta en marcha del tren rápido Rosario-Buenos Aires-Córdoba [ edit ] External links Municipality of Córdoba - Official website. (Spanish) Municipal information : Municipal Affairs Federal Institute (IFAM), Municipal Affairs Secretariat, Ministry of Interior, Argentina. Cordoba.com.ar - Shooping, Restaurants, Hotels, Tourism and more. Portal Nueva Córdoba (Specific Site of Nueva Córdoba's neighborhood) Guide of Córdoba (especially for culture and nightlife) Everything about Córdoba (Services, maps, transportation) La Voz del Interior - Córdoba's most important newspaper University of Córdoba Universidad Tecnologica Nacional - Facultad Regional Cordoba Capillas y Templos de la Provincia de Córdoba - Argentina Córdoba Debate - The Vestibule of the City Tourism of Córdoba How to reach Córdoba? find the best road, maps and distances from other argentinian cities v   •   d   •   e Provincial capitals of Argentina La Plata, Buenos Aires   · San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, Catamarca   · Resistencia, Chaco   · Rawson, Chubut   · Córdoba, Córdoba   · Corrientes, Corrientes   · Paraná, Entre Ríos   · Formosa, Formosa   · San Salvador de Jujuy, Jujuy   · Santa Rosa, La Pampa   · La Rioja, La Rioja   · Mendoza, Mendoza   · Posadas, Misiones   · Neuquén, Neuquén   · Viedma, Río Negro   · Salta, Salta   · San Juan, San Juan   · San Luis, San Luis   · Río Gallegos, Santa Cruz   · Santa Fe, Santa Fe   · Santiago del Estero, Santiago del Estero   · Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego   · San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán v   •   d   •   e Main cities of Córdoba Province Capital city City of Cordoba Regional Cities Rio Cuarto   · San Francisco   · Villa Carlos Paz   · Alta Gracia   · Bell Ville   · Villa Dolores   · Dean Funes   · Jesus Maria   · Laboulaye   · Cosquin   · La Falda   · || Accommodation | Arts & Crafts | Business & Economy | Destinations | Education | Entertainment | Flora & Fauna | Health & Beauty Internet & Communication | Living in Andalucia | News & Media | Property | Recreation & Sports | Society & Culture | Travel & Tourism Related Pages The Natural Parks of Cordoba The Province of Cordoba The Villages of Cordoba Our Podcasts More Information Destinations Home Cordoba City Home Art Galleries Cinema Fascinating Facts Hotels Madinat al-Zahra Main Sights Map May Crosses Festival May Festivities Mezquita Video Mosque Museums Parks & Gardens Patios Restaurants Restaurant Guide Shopping Spring Fair Transport Video Cordoba City - Home The Mosque of Cordoba Accommodation | Self catering Cordoba was founded by the Romans and due to its strategic importance as the highest navigable point of the Guadalquivir River, it became a port city of great importance, used for shipping Spanish olive oil, wine and wheat back to Ancient Rome. The Romans built the mighty bridge crossing the river, now called "El Puente Romano". But Cordoba's hour of greatest glory was when it became the capital of the Moorish kingdom of El-Andalus, and this was when work began on the Great Mosque, or "Mezquita", which – after several centuries of additions and enlargements – became one of the largest in all of Islam. When the city was reconquered by the Christians in 1236, the new rulers of the city were so awed by its beauty that they left it standing, building their cathedral in the midst of its rows of arches and columns, and creating the extraordinary church-mosque we see today. Most beautiful courtyard contest As well as the unique mosque-cathedral, Cordoba's treasures include the Alcazar, or Fortress, built by the Christians in 1328; the Calahorra Fort, originally built by the Arabs, which guards the Roman Bridge, on the far side of the river from the Mezquita, and the ancient Jewish Synagogue, now a museum. Cordoba's medieval quarter, once the home of the Jewish community, is called "La Judería" (The Jewry), a labyrinth of winding, narrow streets, shady flower-filled courtyards and picturesque squares such as La Plaza del Potro. In early May, homeowners proudly festoon their patios with flowers to compete for the city's "most beautiful courtyard" contest. Search Hotels in Córdoba City Destination: Accommodation Cheap Hotels in Cordoba Hotelopia.co.uk offers lowest prices guaranteed on all rates & exclusive discounts in Cordoba hotels. Booking.com 34 hotels in Córdoba. Book now your hotel in Córdoba online. Great rates. Direct payment at hotel. No reservation costs! Hostel Search   Self Catering Apartments Cordoba Apartments Only-Apartments provide apartments in Cordoba for all pockets. Apartments in Cordoba close to the main areas, restaurants, pubs and bars Hover the cursor over Cordoba to see bigger map and click to go to the maps page. top of page This website is published by Andalucia Com S.L and is protected by copyright . || || The Virtual Jewish History Tour Cordoba The city of Cordoba is the capital of Cordoba Province. It's situated at the highest navigable point along the great Guadalquivir River, which flows westward through the center of the Province toward Seville (138 km SW) and into the Atlantic Ocean. To the north of the city sits the Sierra Morena Mountain Range. Population of Cordoba is approximately 311,000 people with no significant Jewish community today. General History The Romans (206 B.C.E.) built the original city on the most strategic site of the Guadalquivir River. From Cordoba, they shipped Spanish olive oil, wine and wheat back to Rome. They built the mighty bridge that spans the river, El Puente Romano. But the city's greatest glory was to be achieved under the Moors (711). Cordoba became the capital of El Andalus and was destined to become a center of Moorish art, architecture, philosophy and poetry. The city's most famous landmark, Mezquita, or Great Mosque, was one of the largest in all Islam. An investigation into the history of this magnificent structure reveals the checkered story of Cordoba's past. The Romans built a pagan temple on the site which was destroyed by the Visigoths (400 - 711) when they conquered Spain. In its stead, the Goths erected a church for St. Vincent which, in turn, was razed by the victorious Moors, who set to work building the Mezquita. The spectacular landmark took more than 200 years to complete and more than 1,000 pillars of granite, onyx, marble and jasper support its arches. When the Christians seized the city in 1236 they were awed by the beauty of the mosque and decided to build a cathedral in the midst of its columns and arches. Another famous monument is the Alcazar, or Fortress, which was constructed by the Christians in 1326. Jewish History Cordoba plays a pivotal role in the history of Jewish life in the middle ages. In the tenth century it became the seat of Jewish learning, scholarship and culture, gradually eclipsing the Babylonian academies of Sura and Pumbeditha. Its preeminence was undoubtedly the result of the grand achievements of one man, Hasdai Ibn Shaprut (915-970). A doctor, diplomat and scholar, Hasdai served the courts of Caliph Abd al-Rahman III and his successor Hakam II. His meteoric rise to power and influence brought acclaim to the Jewish community. Hasdai's family wealth made it possible for him to surround himself with Jewish poets, philosophers and scholars. Under his tutelage, the great grammarian, Menahem ben Sharuk (910-970) completed the first dictionary of Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic, and launched a systematic investigation into Hebrew grammar. As secretary to the great diplomat, it was Menahem who penned Hasdai's famous letter to the King of the Chazars. Vying for Hasdai's favor was Dunash ben Labrat. He was a merciless critic of Menahem, and the two maintained an intense rivalry throughout the balance of their lives. Ben Labrat's contribution to Hebrew poetry was the introduction of meter. Hasdai did not neglect the study of the law. He maintained a correspondence with Saadiah Gaon, the head of the Sura Academy and frequently sent money. His generosity earned him the title Resh Kallah, Head of the School. But Hasdai was not content with looking eastward for halachic guidance. He established an academy for Talmud study in Cordoba and purchased copies of the Talmud from the Babylonian communities. Under the guidance of Moshe ben Chanoch , the Cordoba academy flourished, becoming the Andalusian Sura. The Cordoba Jewish community of Hasdai's time, situated near the alcazar, southwest of the city, was wealthy and vibrant. But the situation would soon change. In 1013, the Berbers lay seige to Cordoba and the city entered into a process of gradual decline, marked by occasional periods of glory. In later years, another famous native of Cordoba, Moses Maimonides , would flee the city, forced out by the ferocity of Almohade persecutions. In 1236 Cordoba was reconquered by the Christians and the community was labeled a "scandal against Christianity." Ferdinand and Isabella used Cordoba as their headquarters when they waged war against the remaining Moors in Granada, and the tribunal of the Inquisition established in Cordoba was especially cruel. Many Conversos were martyred during the 1480's. In 1483, Jews were exiled from Andalusia. Visiting Today One of the only three pre-expulsion synagogues remaining in Spain, the Ancient Synagogue at Calle de los Judios 20, which was built in 1315, was declared a national monument in 1985. Nearby, a statue of Maimonides has been erected in the Plaza de Tiberiades (named to perpetuate the connection between his birthplace and where he is buried). The entrance to the ancient Juderia is near the Almodovar Gate. A small Jewish museum - Casa de Sefarad - Casa de la Memoria - contains items from local pre-expulsion Jewish homes and also an exhibition on the Sepharadic tradition. There is also an area dedicated to Sepharadic ( Ladino ) Music. Sources: This material was originally published in Sparks! - an e-zine for Jewish families located on the Internet at http://www.sparksmag.com Jewish Travel Guide 2006 International Edition published in association with the Jewish Chronicle Malaga — Seville — Granada — Barcelona — Madrid