Sotogrande..The Heart of Andalusia
The Heart of Andalusia. Recently it struck me just how perfectly positioned our lovely town of Sotogrande is. Looking at the map as we embarked on our latest road trip, I could not help but notice how Sotogrande sits at a heart of a perfect triangle – Seville and Jerez on one side, Granada and Cordoba on the other.
This time, we were adventuring into the heart of Moorish architecture; starting with a fascinating trip to the Alhambra. Sat upon the hill Al-Sabika, on the left bank of the river Darro, the Red Palace was everything it promised to be and more. The greatest concern of the architects of the Alhambra was to cover every single space with decoration, no matter the size of the space. Most of the interior arches are false arches, with no structure; they are there only to decorate. Walls are covered with beautiful and extremely rich ceramics and plasterwork and the wooden frames are all exquisitely carved. Step outside and you are able to wander through the restored gardens of the Generalife, while taking in the incredible view.
The next day we ventured to Cordoba, staying the night at the amazing Hospes de Palacio de Ballilo; the 16th century Bailiffs Palace which has been converted into a spa hotel. The glass floor of the dining room is even built over the ruins of the old Roman Domus, though even that cannot distract you from the quality of their food.
Heading out into the ancient Roman streets of Cordoba, we visited the vast Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba, generally regarded as one of the most accomplished monuments in Moorish Architecture.
We walked across the sympathetically restored Roman Bridge across the picturesque Guadalquivir river, before grazing in the countless little tapas bars that grace the medieval alleyways.
So, if you want adventure, great food, fabulous wine, fascinating architecture and culture galore, I strongly suggest you take a look at Granada and C´ordoba. Walk until your feet hurt through the twisting historic streets of Córdoba and eat yourself silly at the myriad of fabulous tapas bars on the sophisticated Calle Navas in Granada.
And the best thing of all? Once you have stated your appetite for architecture and history; beautiful Sotogrande sits waiting, like a jewel by the Mediterranean Sea ready to welcome you home.
