Porto - Barcelona Day 14 Cordoba - Zuheros

Good morning Cordoba as viewed from the apartment and will be leaving Cordoba in the afternoon to Zuheros.

Without wasting much time in the morning, we went out for a ride and hoping to see more places. 

We found Plaza de la Corredera Square, kind of a red square to me with 4 storey buildings surrounding the square. Located at GPS : 37.883834, -4.774545. There are a number of restaurants and taverns with outdoor terraces making the place a perfect place to relax and chill. You can also walk and shop around the square with the many shops.

Apparently it is a historical town square dating back to the 17th century & bounded by an old town hall, a jail and bull fighting arena.

One of the most magnificent places in Cordoba, covering an area of 67,000 square feet, this rectangular square ranks among the largest sites of its kind in Andalusia.

After much poking around the corners I found a market at one of the many door openings. It is de la Corredera Market.

The Mercado de la Corredera is a busy morning food market selling all kinds of fresh produce.

We were sort of getting familiar with Iberian ham market and also its pricing.

Later we bumped into these statues at a college known as Colegio Ntra. Sra. de la Piedad
at Plaza de las Cañas, GPS : 37.882719, -4.774286

A beautiful monument called the "Triumph of San Rafael". It honors the Archangel Raphael, the Guardian Angel of Cordoba saving the people of Cordoba from evil plague. It date back in the 18th century, in the rococo style, consisting of a pedestal surrounded by columns. It was sculptured by French sculptor Michel Verdiguier. My Brompton had the honour to be with the monument.

We were denied entry at the front entrance of Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos also known as the Alcázar of Córdoba because of an event. We were directed to see other places at the north of the site. I later found out it was Torre del homenaje (Tower of Homage) that we visited, a tower with access corridor of a horseshoe arch. 

 The Tower of Homage has been a National Historic-Artistic Monument since 1943. 

A picture outside the Tower of Homage before we move on to another spot.

And it was back to the Roman Bridge one more time for a morning view, the sky was obviously bright and beautiful.

At the street of Ronda de Isasa for the second time with daylight.

It was time to load our bags, check out from the apartment and find our way to the Bus Terminal.

Estación de Córdoba (Railway Station of Cordoba) is where the bus terminal is situated and it is just across the road.

Crossing over the the Bus Terminal.

Getting prepared to board a bus at 1pm for our next destination. 

I was glad that we did not attempt to cycle to Zuheros as the terrain does not look friendly at all as I observed from the bus.

The majority of the land is covered with olive plantation and the scenery is about all the same as we travelled towards Zuheros. 

The bus has finally arrived at Zuheros at a bus stop right in front of a restaurant, there were customers sitting outside the restaurant but were not so friendly when we did not get any reaction after saying hello to them. Probably at this remote place up in the highland there is no Chino (Chinese) people and would seem awkward to see one. Name of the restaurant is Meson Atalaya located at Santo Road, GPS : 37.544446, -4.313017. At the opposite of the restaurant is a museum, Juan Fernández Cruz Museum of Customs and Popular Arts. 

After a good meal at Meson Atalaya we proceeded looking for our accommodation in this secluded land.

I was wondering what porky place is this, it was closed. I think it has to be a butch shop.

Zuheros is a mountain village located in the province of Córdoba, Spain and has a small population of less than 1,000 inhabitants. 

It was too steep to cycle at some part and safer to walk. An elderly man walking up slowly with his walking stick, I guess it's his daily routine coming up the the commercial spot.

Taking the opportunity to snap a few shoots at this quiet village as the ladies were happily pushing their bikes.

Then the scenery changed with natural mountain appearing at the backdrop. 

Still at a pushing mode and enjoying the beautiful landscape of Zuheros.

Yeah, it down hill and let's carefully roll it down.

The view was awesome and there are have lovely trails to walk or maybe bike in this serene atmosphere.

That spot with old buildings in the middle had to be place we will be staying and judging from the location it looks fabulous tucking in the midst of the green mountain surrounded with olive plants.

The path leading to Hacienda Minerva, a typical Andalusian farm house that has been converted into a beautiful rural hotel. GPS : 37.542917, -4.334303.

A group of guests who came together with an organised bicycle tour and they were all on mountain bikes.

The main entrance to the boutique hotel, a 4-star hotel and everyone of us really like the place.

The courtyard surrounded with rooms and truly a great experience to spend a night in farm land.

The simple room that was homely and comfortable.

Looking out from the balcony and enjoying the view of the farm house.

While others saying "hello" to friends at the opposite balcony.

What a unique light switches found on the wall in the room.

A cosy dinner at a quiet dining corner in the evening and the food was good coupled with a nice bottle of white wine. Good night Zuheros.