The Mosque of Córdoba, the Jewel of the Islamic West

The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba is the main construction of the entire Islamic West, declared a World Heritage Site, and where we can find a rich mixture of architectural styles.

Fortunately for all of us, after the Christian conquest of Córdoba, this mosque was not destroyed as happened in other places, but the Cathedral was integrated into it for Catholic worship. That is why in a unique place in the world and one of the most amazing and the main monument to see in Córdoba.

We recommend you take this guided tour of the Mosque of Córdoba in which you will discover this unique temple in both the Islamic and Christian worlds.

Brief History of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba

The Visigoths already had a basilica here before the Muslim invasion in 711.

It was in the year 785 when the Muslims began to build this beautiful building, becoming the second largest mosque in the world behind Mecca.

By the way, it is not oriented towards the Arab city, but towards the south, something common in the mosques of Al-Andalus.

In subsequent centuries, the Mosque of Córdoba underwent various extensions until in 1238, after the Reconquest of the city, it was converted into a Catholic cathedral, preserving its structure.

Various subsequent reforms added Renaissance, Baroque and Plateresque elements, giving it that mixture of style that we can enjoy today.

What to see in the Mosque of Cordoba

From the outside, the Mosque of Córdoba is impressive.

The set that it forms with the Roman Bridge of Córdoba is a typical image of the city and one of the most photographed. But upon entering its interior, its beauty captivates any visitor.

The Mosque of Córdoba is made up of several spaces such as the Patio de los Naranjos, formerly the Patio de las Abluciones, where the old minaret is located.

In the 17th century, this element was transformed into the bell tower of the Cathedral and it is the one we can see today. Another defined space in the Mosque of Cordoba is the spectacular Prayer Room, the most famous area of ​​the monument, formed by a forest of 800 marble, granite and jasper columns on which 400 two-color horseshoe arches rest.

The Mihrab, the element that usually indicates the direction of Mecca (and we have already said that this is not the case here) is another great jewel of the monument.

It is made up of stucco, marble and Byzantine mosaics with vivid and bright colors on a gold background. Your eyes can not stop admiring all these elements.

But this is not all that is important to see in the Mosque of Córdoba because mixed with all Muslim elements we find the Cathedral, built inside. From here we highlight the Main Chapel and the Choir, as well as the numerous chapels that surround the nave.

Among these chapels we must highlight the Chapel of San Clemente, used as a museum, the Chapel of San Pedro, the Chapel of San Bartolomé, the Tabernacle or the Holy Spirit. The famous writer Luis de Góngora is buried in San Bartolomé.

The Treasury of the Cathedral is another point of interest on your visit to the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba.

You can find more information on the official website of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba.