Manu is as knowledgeable as he is personable. Punctual and courteous with an excellent command of his subject. Fluent in English. Well recommended.
Private tour in Cordoba Manuel Esteban B
5.0
(10) reviews
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Manuel Esteban B.
5.0
Guide rating
82
Reviews
Tours delivered
15 hrs
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Nice to meet you! My name is Manu and I am architect, licenced guide and master degree in historical construction techniques. I love showing the cities where I work and live with architecture and arts focused tours. I am passionate about Granada, Málaga, Cordoba, the Alhambra palatine city, Seville and the whole Andalusian region. I studied my architecture degree and master in Granada, and during my degree I traveled all around the andalusian region and worked as photography teacher and editor in an arts and architecture international magazine. When I finished I lived for half a year in Yokohama in Japan, where I could study the traditional construction techniques of the country and the culture. Lately, I worked as architect for the university of Castilla La Mancha, doing some restoration projects and new buildings in cities with a wonderful heritage, such as Toledo. During this period I did an extra master course in traditional construction techniques in the Architecture School of Madrid, specializing in Islamic construction techniques and in buildings I knew, such as the Alhambra. Since 2013 I started publishing and speaking in national and international conferences, so in 2018 I applied for obtaining my official guiding license, and finally decided to start working on my own architecture studio So nowadays I work as guide and architect, running my own projects which include restoration, refurbishments and new constructions, collaborating with national and international studios while I also enjoy doing routes and meeting people from all around the world. My tours, in English and Spanish, mainly focus on the configuration of the cities, neighborhoods and buildings through analyzing their history and architecture. I do deep-cultural walking tours in Granada, Sevilla, Cordoba, Guadix and Málaga with visual resources, for people that wants to get deeper in knowledge with an academical basis. I also focus my tours in particular buildings or construction techniques, but if you are interested in a particular period, character, architect, feel free to ask! I always like to enrich my tours with literature, music, and gastronomy recommendations, considering travelling as an holistic experience, for deeply enjoying the wonderful cities in Andalucia. So if you come to the south of Spain and you want to build a unique journey, contact me! CREDENTIALS - Msc. Architect by the University of Granada (2015) - Master degree in Historical Construction Techniques by the Politechnic University of Madrid (2017) - Master degree in Teaching for Secondary Degrees and Technical Formation by the University of Granada (2021) - International Internship in Yokohama National University in Japan (2015) - Technical Assistant Architect in the University of Castilla La Mancha (2016-2018) - Urban Photography Course Manager at the Architecture School of Granada (2013-2014) - Guiding License (CAN-Nº 3978) (2018) - Manager of Manu Barba Architecture Studio (2018-) - Official Guiding License for the Picasso Museum in Málaga (2019) - Official Guiding License for the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba (2023)
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Manuel Esteban B.
The city of Córdoba is a curious point in the history of mankind since we can find ourselves in a place that has been relevant in the territory over thousands of years, from republican Roman times to the present. However, if a building stands out among the jewels that this city shows (and sometimes hides) to the visitor, it is the Mosque of Córdoba. This mosque stablished in the year 758 by Emir Abderraman I, the only survivor of the Ummayad family, is one of the oldest examples of Islamic sacred space we have in the world, as well as being a constructive paradigm, being an example of beauty and functionality that influenced iberian and european architecture for hundreds of years. During this route we will visit this iconic building and its surroundings, analyzing its urban location, its genesis, and its constructive and symbolic secrets in order to fully understand the relevance of this building in history
Manu is as knowledgeable as he is personable. Punctual and courteous with an excellent command of his subject. Fluent in English. Well recommended.
Manuel had to cope with our train being cancelled, and a significant delay, but he seemed completely unbothered by the change in the schedule. (Good advice: Don't buy your train tickets too much in advance) Manuel knows EVERYTHING about this amazing place, as well as about the city of Cordoba. Being an architect himself, he is excited to tell others about the evolution of this unique site over all the centuries. He is personable, and his English is better than mine. He's the one you want!
Manuel, as an architect, was the perfect guide for our tour of the Mosque of Cordoba. He handled our group of 11 people, ages 13 to 80, perfectly. He was very knowledgeable, engaging and warm. We all enjoyed him greatly!
We simply had a wonderful tour! Manu is knowledgeable about the history but perhaps even more so about the technological and architectural achievements that make a deep impression and generate appreciation for what the Mosque represents.
Our afternoon with Manu was absolutely amazing. He met us with enthusiasm to show us all the interesting history and architectural details of the Mezquita. He has deep knowledge of both and was keen to reveal and build on each level of detail as to the evolution of the site and its importance to Cordoba and Andalucia. His approach helped us steer clear of other tour groups as he provided context. A trained architect, he enjoys simplifying the complex construction through the use of his iPad and photos. The afternoon flew by and he was kind to share some of his favorite restaurants and taverns. He is a first class guide.
Manu was an incredible guide through the Mosque of Cordoba. His extensive knowledge of the history, art and architecture made for a wonderful experience. He was personable and available to answer any questions, and also gave us great recommendations for other sites in the area. I would highly recommend Manu for any tours throughout the Andalusia region. Thanks so much Manu - can't wait to come back to this beautiful part of Spain! Tiffany New York City
We will start from Puerta del Puente, a XVI century gate by the bridge close to the mosque and we will: - Analyze the urban environment for understanding the strategical importance of the place - See and understand the gate composition in the mosque. - See the tower, courtyard and its evolution. - Understand the origin, evolution and development of the mosque since the 758 until its sacralization in 1236. - Locate the castillian developments done in the interior for adapting the sacred space from islam to cristianism.
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Walking tour, no transportation needed.
s/n Plaza del Triunfo, Córdoba, Andalucía, 14003, Spain
Puerta del Puente. A gate close by the mosque and the bridge over river Guadalquivir. (https://goo.gl/maps/Z3k5fdbH1WrteLyaA)
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