The church of Santa Mariá Magdalena was one of the first of 12 churches Fernando III built after conquering Córdoba in 1236. Located in the prosperous neighbourhood of La Magdelena east of the city centre, it served as a model for later churches. It combines the Romanesque, Gothic and Mudejar styles of architecture. The main entrance is at the west end of the church below a rose window. The side door on the south side, the oldest in Córdoba, presents an alfiz with decorations of pointed diamonds. The 17th-century tower consists of sections which become narrower towards the top.
While there is little documentary evidence of the history of the church, it is known that its construction was well advanced by the end of the 13th century. Over the years, the building has undergone several transformations. The sacristy is an addition from the early 16th century while plastered ceiling vaults were added in the 18th century, covering the medieval woodwork until they were recently removed.
In 1990, the church was seriously damaged by fire. Thereafter it was no longer used as a church and was deconsecrated. Now owned by the Cajasur bank, it is a venue for concerts and other cultural events.
References:The Château du Lude is one of the many great châteaux of the Loire Valley in France. Le Lude is the most northerly château of the Loire Valley and one of the last important historic castles in France, still inhabited by the same family for the last 260 years. The château is testimony to four centuries of French architecture, as a stronghold transformed into an elegant house during the Renaissance and the 18th century. The monument is located in the valley of Le Loir. Its gardens have evolved throughout the centuries.