Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba

January 9, 2017
mosque cathedral mezquita catedral cordoba spain españa
Welcome to the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, the city's undisputed gem. It is one of the most exceptional monuments in the world, a testimony to the ancient alliance of art and faith. Its islamic architecture comes together with Christian architecture to create one of the most beautiful examples of its kind. Inside we come across impressive works of art which bear witness to the passage of the centuries. It is a sacred place open to the entire world. The space was first a Visigoth Basilica of San Vicente in the 6th century. With the arrival of the Muslims the area was divided and used by both communities. Adb al-Rahman I built the original Mosque in 786, it was enlarged several times under the governments of Adb al-Rahman II, Adb al-Rahman III, Al-Hakam II and finally Almanzor. In 1246, after Cordoba had been won back by the Christian kings, the main altar for a Catholic church was built inside. The works for the Catholic Cathedral continued until the 18th century when the spectacular choir stalls were built. 
mosque cathedral mezquita catedral cordoba spain españa
We visited this world heritage landmark on our first day in the city. We stayed at Eurostars Consquistador Hotel which is opposite the Mezquita, an unbeatable location. After going through the door of Saint Catherine we were greeted by Patio de los Naranjos, an orange tree courtyard with views of the bell tower which reminded me of the one we saw in Seville.
mosque cathedral mezquita catedral cordoba spain españa

mosque cathedral mezquita catedral cordoba spain españa

mosque cathedral mezquita catedral cordoba spain españa
The famous red and white striped arches are the first thing you see inside. Now, I've been to many places and I often feel that's becoming increasingly difficult for something to take my breath away when I travel. However, the Mezquita has managed to do that. The neverending arches and the many treasures this temple houses, the different architectural styles and religions meeting in one place... It's hardly impossible not to get goosebumps when you think about what the place must have looked like at its peak. 
mosque cathedral mezquita catedral cordoba spain españa

mosque cathedral mezquita catedral cordoba spain españa

mosque cathedral mezquita catedral cordoba spain españa

mosque cathedral mezquita catedral cordoba spain españa

mosque cathedral mezquita catedral cordoba spain españa

mosque cathedral mezquita catedral cordoba spain españa

mosque cathedral mezquita catedral cordoba spain españa

mosque cathedral mezquita catedral cordoba spain españa

mosque cathedral mezquita catedral cordoba spain españa
In the heart of the mosque we found the Renaissance Cathedral. The choir stalls and the ceilings are awe-inspiring.
mosque cathedral mezquita catedral cordoba spain españa

mosque cathedral mezquita catedral cordoba spain españa

mosque cathedral mezquita catedral cordoba spain españa

mosque cathedral mezquita catedral cordoba spain españa

Have you ever been to Spain? What is your favorite city?
xo Cristina