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Monday Morning Photo - Roman Bridge and Mezquita, Córdoba

The iconic Roman Bridge with the Mezquita to the right and Alcazaba to the left behind it. I can´t think of a better approach to the city than parking by the bridge (always found spots for free and often left  the car for a night or two) and walking across it to the walls of the Mezquita. We´ve just spent another night in the city, exploring the narrow, labyrinth of streets, tiny plazas and just inhaling the city vibes and bustle - is it obvious we´re countryside dwellers? Wanting to stay in Córdoba? See my 3 Great Hotels in Córdoba post on Luxury Spain Travel. Fancy a Hammam Baths Experience in Córdoba ? Read the Post on Luxury Spain Travel. See the Monday Morning Photo List.
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Castles and Battles Route

The Castles and Battles route or Ruta de Castillos y Batallas starts with Castillo de Calatrava la Vieja in the region of Ciudad Real to the north of Andalucia and travels down through Jaen province into the province of Granada, ending with the magnificent Alhambra Palace in Granada city.

Castillo la Vieja, Ciudad Real, Castle and Battle Route
Castillo de Calatrava la Vieja, Ciudad Real

It is said that Jaen province has the most fortifications in Europe and that there isn´t one town, and there are 97, within its borders that doesn´t have some form of castle, fortress or look-out tower.

Some have been restored while others lie in ruins but the sheer number of monuments is staggering. I climb a hill, and there are many, to find a watch tower or one nearby. The sheer ingenuity of the whole system is mind boggling in its coverage of the land, wild or tame, accessible or seemingly not so.

Route of Castles and Battles Map

The Route of Castles and Battles is based on military events dating from the war between Hannibal and the Roman Empire, later the skirmishes of the Reconquest between the Muslims and Christians to the Peninsular War between Napoleon and the Spanish army. The itinerary of the route is as follows.

Castle and Battle Route in Jaen

Santa Elena
La Carolina
Vilches
Linares
Baños de la Encina
Bailen
Andujar
Arjonilla
Arjona
Lopera
Porcuna
Jaen
Torredelcampo
Torredonjimeno
Martos
Alcaudete
Alcala la Real

Castle La Mota, Alcala la Real
La Mota, Alcala la Real


Castle and Battle Route in Granada

Montefrio
Illora
Moclin
Granada and The Alhambra

The Alhambra Palace
Detail, The Alhambra



More posts?

Medieval Monuments in Andalucia


Walking in the Footsteps of the Troops Ruta 1212



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