Echoes of Al’Andalus:
Exploring the Three Abrahamic Faiths in Cordoba
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Dates: June 3-8 2019
Retreat Description
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Over a thousand years ago, Cordoba was the political, religious and cultural centre of the Iberian peninsula – also known as Al’Andalus. At the time, and for over a century, Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities coexisted in relative harmony. Their theological, artistic and cultural exchanges yielded much fruit – this was particularly true of the mystics and poets of the time, which influenced later generations of spiritual teachers.
This retreat will introduce you to the shared life – convivencia in Spanish – of the three Abrahamic faith communities in Al’Andalus: Andalusi Muslims, Sephardic Jews and Mozarabic Christians. We will also explore together the spiritual wisdom of some of these teachers: the Sufi Ibn Arabi, the Sephardic Jews Moses of Leon and Moses Ibn Ezra, and the Christian Mystics Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross.
The programme includes guided visits to key sites in Córdoba: its magnificent Cathedral-Mosque, the mediaeval Synagogue and the Sephardic House. We will walk on its Roman bridge, stroll through the narrow streets of the Judería (Jewish quarters), and have time to reflect and relax in the middle of nature.
Hosted and facilitated by Daniel Muñoz and Guy Wynter, at Los Abetos Retreat-Hotel, it will also include talks and guided visits led by specialist guest speakers from the city of Córdoba.
Download programme here:
Retreat Leaders
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Daniel Muñoz Triviño is a lecturer in History of Christianity at the Faculty of Theology of Madrid (Fliedner Foundation). He has led retreats and courses on the Spanish mystics, and is the author of Transformed by the Beloved: a guide to spiritual formation with John of the Cross (BRF, 2014). Until October of 2018, he was chaplain and programme director at the Los Olivos Retreat Centre in the Sierra Nevada National Park, Granada (Spain). Alongside his husband, Guy, he is the co-founder and co-director of Los Olivos Retreats.
Venue
This special retreat will be hosted at Los Abetos, a charming retreat-hotel in the foothills of Cordoba’s mountain range. This former aristocratic country house, set in a residential area just outside the city, is surrounded by forested hills and mature gardens. Its facilities include outdoor courtyards, terraces, two swimming-pools, bar and restaurant, as well as a dedicated hall for the teaching sessions and shared worship. Given its tranquil environment, and proximity to the city, it is the perfect setting for a Los Olivos retreat in Córdoba.
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Find our more about the venue here:
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The price, per person, includes:
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6 days / 5 nights full board (en-suite accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner, bar 2 lunches).
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Retreat sessions: teaching & input.
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All visits and entry fees to sites during your stay (see programme).
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Return complementary transfer from Malaga to Cordoba (in air conditioned bus) are included in the price.
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There will be a pick up from the Malaga train station (María Zambrano) at 14.30 on the first day of the retreat to go to the venue. The transfer back on the last day will leave Cordoba at 10.30, arriving back at the Malaga station around 13.00.
The price, per person, does not include:
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Travel insurance.
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Flights.
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2 lunches when out in Cordoba.
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Soft/alcoholic drinks with meals (water is provided).
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Tea/coffee during morning/afternoon breaks (these may be acquired at the hotel cafe).
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All details correct at time of publishing, but subject to update/change.