Last Friday 20th March, 35 of us were able to visit the archaeological site of Madinat al Zahra on the outskirts of Cordoba. This was rearranged as the weather had been so bad, that the site was closed for a few days. We left Nerja and headed off for our usual breakfast stop before continuing to Madinat al Zahra. On the Bus, Rafa gave us some background history about the site.
The Visitors Centre was once a striking looking modern building but these days, due to poor maintenance, there were buckets and crates on the floor to catch the leaks ! I had the booking document and it seems we were expected. I had sorted out our EU visitors who have free entrance and others for whom there is a small entrance fee. The video with English subtitles is still well worth watching as it sets the scene before visiting the site. We also had a short time to see some of the exhibits in the Museum. We left the Visitors Centre to board the authorised bus to the site. Again, we were expected and I paid for each of us and we all boarded. Upon arrival, we stood at the Balcony area overlooking the site, where Rafa gave us more information. We then descended by a flight of steps to commence our walking tour. Rafa has so much knowledge and enthusiasm that is was difficult see it all and we had to cut the visit short in order to get to the restaurant for lunch. The restaurant was prepared for us and looked charming, arranged in 4’s with small terracotta jugs of wine on the table plus bottles of water, we enjoyed a Moroccan themed lunch.
After lunch, we boarded our bus for the journey back to Nerja. We made good time and arrived at approx 7.00 pm. All in all, another enjoyable and educational day.
Christina Sinclair
Co-ordinator
Nerja History Group
email:nerjahistorygroup@yahoo.com
www.nerjahistorygroup.com