Cordoba, Spain

Fact 1 - The Mezquita-Cathedral of Córdoba, originally a mosque, once housed a fragment of Muhammad's skull, making it a significant religious artifact for both Muslims and Christians.

Fact 2 - Córdoba was the capital of Islamic Spain (Al-Andalus) and, during the 10th century, was the largest and most sophisticated city in Western Europe, boasting a population estimated at around 500,000 – surpassing even Constantinople.

Fact 3 - Córdoba holds the record for the most flowerpots adorning its houses, a tradition that culminates in the annual 'Fiesta de los Patios Cordobeses,' a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event where residents compete for the most beautifully decorated courtyards.

Fact 4 - The Roman Bridge of Córdoba, despite being heavily restored over the centuries, still retains 16 of its original arches from the 1st century BC, demonstrating remarkable Roman engineering and durability.

Fact 5 - During the Feria de Córdoba, it's traditional for women to wear elaborate flamenco dresses (trajes de flamenca), which each year are dictated by the latest fashion trends, making the Feria a significant event in Spanish couture.

Fact 6 - Medina Azahara, the ruined palatial city near Córdoba, was built by Abd-ar-Rahman III and is believed to have been deliberately destroyed less than a century after its completion due to political turmoil and resentment over its extravagance.

Fact 7 - Córdoba played a crucial role in the rediscovery of Classical Greek texts. Its libraries were instrumental in preserving and translating works of philosophers like Aristotle, which were later reintroduced to Europe during the Renaissance.

Fact 8 - The local specialty 'Salmorejo Cordobés' is not just a cold tomato soup; authentic recipes often include *jamón ibérico* (Iberian ham) and hard-boiled eggs, but surprisingly, no vinegar at all – differentiating it from its gazpacho cousin.