The bustle and noise of central Córdoba fade away with a visit to this quiet residential area with tree-lined streets and local amenities.

Huerta de San Rafael is a small neighbourhood just north of the centre of Córdoba in the district of Norte-Sierra. Walk along its peaceful streets to get a sense of typical homes and daily pastimes for citizens of this Andalucían region.

Stop at restaurants and taverns frequented by locals to enjoy tapas and cocktails.Try specialties such as the Cordoban salmorejo, a creamier version of chilled gazpacho thickened with breadcrumbs and topped with boiled egg, delightfully refreshing on hot days typical during the area’s summer months. Snack on just a few tapas selections or create a full meal of braised oxtail, egg and potato tortilla, flamenquínes (deep-fried, thin-sliced ham) and other local specialties. Order wine, beer or sangria to accompany your meal or savour during a relaxing evening.

As you travel from the centre of Córdoba to Huerta de San Rafael, notice the large open area with a tall column along the southern side of the Avenue of Liberty. This is the Monument to the Victims of Terrorism (Monumento victimas del terrorismo). A statue Estatua Séneca y Nerón honours two local policemen María Angeles García García and Soledad Navarro, who died while trying to capture Italo-Argentinean anarchists who robbed the Bank of Santander on December 18, 1996. This act of violence and terrorism was highly unusual in the generally peaceful city of Córdoba. The site was dedicated in 2012.

The neighbourhood of Huerta de San Rafael starts here at the Avenue of Liberty. To the west is Huerta de la Reina. Wander through its Jardín Virgen de la Estrella on your return to the centre of Córdoba. You can drive to Huerta de San Rafael in 11 minutes from the centre of Cordoba. It takes just a few minutes longer to get here on foot, so leave your car at your hotel and enjoy the walk on a pleasant day.