The Mezquita or the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba is one of the, if not the most fascinating place I experienced during my one month trip around Spain. It is a solid tie between this and La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
It is a basilica within a mosque within a cathedral, like when you stuff an Oreo inside a chocolate chip cookie stuffed inside a double fudge brownie. A most outrageous inception involving massive structures for worship instead of little sweet treats you pull out of the oven.
A short walk through the orange tree-lined Patio de los Naranjos brought me to the entrance
of the Mosque-Cathedral
Nothing could have prepared me for what appeared before my eyes
Over 856 of jasper, onyx, marble and granite pillars
Supporting a sea of red and white arches made of brick and stone
And so, I did what everyone else would have done. I took a selfie for posterity!
The glass floor gave me a nice view of the original grounds
The site where Mezquita stands was originally the Basilica of Saint Vincent before the Muslims conquered Spain in the 8th century and built a grand mosque over the Catholic place of worship. The construction lasted over two centuries, expanding the building and adding a courtyard, making it the most magnificent mosque out of thousands in Cordoba upon its completion in 987.
Exquisite mihrab
In 1236, Cordoba returned to the Christian rule after being reconquered by King Ferdinand III. Since then, the Villaviciosa Chapel and Royal Chapel among many other chapels and prayer rooms have been constructed within the mosque.
The tour guide wouldn't budge. Lol.
What joy to meet a priest who gave me blessings for safe travels
The most majestic addition to the mosque was the Renaissance cathedral nave built at the center of the massive structure, under the permission of King Charles V.
It was so immaculate and pristine.
This is my favorite of the one million photos I took inside the Mezquita.
How beautiful to see two different religions, two different architectural styles,
two different cultures, two different peoples co-existing in peace and true harmony.
As it should be outside of the Mezquita, outside of Cordoba, outside of Spain, in the whole world.
Muhammad Iqbal, a philosopher and the national poet of Pakistan, after visiting the
Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba in 1931, described it in his poem:
Sacred for lovers of art, you are the glory of faith,
You have made Andalusia pure as a holy land!
Do not miss this architectural and cultural wonder when in south of Spain!
Mosque Cathedral of Cordoba: Calle del Cardenal Herrero, 1, 14003 Córdoba, Spain