Granada, Seville and Cordoba
The 5th edition of a highly-praised guidebook that captures the individual character of each of these remarkable Andalucían jewels.
Cadogan's expert authors explore Granada, Seville and Córdoba, the three great cities of al-Andalus. Discover the unique monuments, vibrant culture and secret gardens of delight bequeathed by the brilliant golden age of an extraordinary civilization. Gaze in wonder at Granada's Alhambra and the Mezquita in Córdoba; explore the whitewashed warrens and hidden patios at the heart of each city; and escape to wild sierras or Mediterranean beaches.
-Includes in-depth cultural and historical background
-Contains practical travel advice and easy-to-use maps
-Hand-picks the best places to stay and eat
-Recommends the top sights and best day-trips for each city
Excerpt: Dust in the Wind
The poets of al-Andalus devoted most of their attention to sensuous songs of love, nature, wine women and boys, but amidst all the lavish beauty there would linger, like a basso continuo, a not of refined detachment, of melancholy and futility. Instead of forgetting death in their man-made paradises, the poets made point of reminding their listeners of how useless it was to become attached to these worldly delights. After all, only God is forever, and why express love to something that would one day turn to dust? Why even attempt to build something perfect and eternal- the main ingredients of the lovely, delicate Alhambra are plaster and wood. The Nasrid kings, were they to return, might be appalled to find it still standing.
The Christians who led the Reconquista had no time for futility. ...click here to read the rest
Dana Facaros and Michael Pauls can be reached at: michel.pauls@wanadoo.fr
