Jon Clarke (Publisher & Editor)CORDOBA has triumphed over Malaga making it through to the last six cities in the race to be European Capital of Culture 2016.
The results – announced on Thursday by the President of the selection committee, Manfred Gaulhofer – mean the end of a six year campaign for Malaga to promote the cultural attractions of the city.
But for Cordoba, it is a reason to celebrate.
The Andalucian city was once one of the most important cities in the world ruling the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa from 929 to 1031.
And today the whole city is a World Heritage Site due to its historical legacy.
Moreover, it is one of the most multi cultural cities in all of Spain with two religions coming together in the symbol of the city, the Mosque-Cathedral.
All these factors stand the city in good stead to become the European Capital of Culture.
But competition remains fierce with the other remaining contenders – Burgos, Segovia, San Sebastián, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Zaragoza – all keen to take the highly coveted title.
The chosen city will be announced in June 2011 when they will come head to head with the representative for Poland.
Cultural heritage of Spain would be served well with the leadership of this incredible city.
Not surprising Malaga was chucked out; what a mess that place is. A total disrespect for town planning in one place. Cordoba is a different story.
Cordoba is a wonderful city – well deserving of City of Culture title. Town planning there could give lessons to many other cities.
Presume Suzanne doesn’t mean the council flats near the ringroad then? They’re not really quite up to World Heritage standard!
I think it is honour for Cordoba being among last in the race for European Capital of Culture. I am a Pakistani journalist working with a leading English newspaper. I visited Spanish cities including Madrid, Cordoba and Grenada in 2008.
Cordoba perfectly enjoys historical legacy.
regards
Muhammad Anis
Senior Correspondent
The News Islamabad
Pakistan
WELL SAID!!! MUHAMMAD ANIS.
I already said Cordoba was in a completely different league.
Btw Muhammed, it’s Granada, not Grenada – different places completley lol.