Apr
10
2012
Jun
15
2012
Apr
10
2013
Jun
15
2013
Apr
10
2014
Jun
15
2014
Apr
10
2015
Jun
15
2015
Apr
10
2016
Jun
15
2016
Marvel Over the Mezquita Great Mosque in Cordoba, Spain
Published by Alexandra E. Szydlowska, Writer
Country: Spain 
The Experience
Cordoba's Great Mosque in Andalusia, southern Spain, is a glory of the Islamic world and Europe's most magnificent Muslim monument. What makes this UNESCO World Heritage Site especially intriguing is its long and checkered history, once serving as a Roman temple, Visigothic cathedral, Christian church, and Moorish mosque.
Today, the Great Mosque of Cordoba (“La Mezquita”) is Cordoba's cathedral, known as the “Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption” since the Spanish Reconquista (711-1492) saw the Moorish empire fall to Christian conquerors. A curious blend of architectural styles and Islamic influences still linger inside Cordoba Mezquita's stunning interior.
For many Andalucians, the Cordoba Mosque is a lasting symbol of city's heyday as the Moorish Empire's westernmost Caliphate. The mosque's construction lasted over two centuries, beginning under Emir Abd ar-Raman I in 784 AD during a time when the city's public spaces flourished alongside its prosperity and population. Many stunning mosques, public baths, patios, gardens and fountains were built, while the royal court cultivated some of Iberia's most eminent Jewish, Arabic and Christian scholars.
Cordoba became a place of pilgrimage for Muslims who could not travel to Mecca or Jerusalem, and the Mezquita was central to this change. Its architectural design was revolutionary, providing a simple, open space where the spirits of worshippers could roam free. During the 9th century, the Cordoba Great Mosque held relics of the prophet Mohammed, along with an original copy of the Koran, making it a site of particular importance to Muslim worshippers.
When Cordoba was captured from the Moors in 1236 by King Ferdinand III of Castille, the Mezquita was not torn down but simply consecrated and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Eventually a nave, chapels and a choir were added, but efforts were made to preserve at least some of the Islamic features of Cordoba's Mezquita. It's this curious layering of styles over the centuries that gives the Mezquita its unique appearance.
The spacious interior of Cordoba’s Great Mosque is entered through the tranquil Patio de los Naranjos: a courtyard of orange trees and fountains where worshippers would cleanse their bodies. The eye is immediately drawn to the cathedral tower rising dramatically out of the heart of the Great Mosque. Built during the early 13th century out of the Mezquita's minaret, it strikes a contrast with the rest of the building.
Once inside the prayer hall, you are surrounded by a forest of 856 columns constructed out of jasper, onyx, marble, and granite. Representative of many periods, from Roman to Visigothic and Byzantine, these pillars were excavated from the various sacred buildings which occupied this spot. Supporting a series of red and white striped arches, they make for an iconic photograph.
The mihrab, built under Emir Al-Hakim II, is a domed shrine which faces Mecca. Its walls are decorated with the kinds of intricate and lavish patterns often seen in Moorish palaces, while its portal features a shimmering gold mosaic. Sourced from Byzantine Constantinople, it depicts flower motifs and extracts from the Koran.
Don't miss out on visiting the Cordoba Cathedral Mosque, where you are transported centuries ahead to the dramatic architecture of Christian Spain. The cathedral's focus is its 16th-century Baroque choir, noted for its gothic archways, mahogany stalls and intricate marble carvings. The altar is also awe-inspiring, featuring a richly ornamented screen of jasper and red marble.
Today, the Great Mosque of Cordoba (“La Mezquita”) is Cordoba's cathedral, known as the “Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption” since the Spanish Reconquista (711-1492) saw the Moorish empire fall to Christian conquerors. A curious blend of architectural styles and Islamic influences still linger inside Cordoba Mezquita's stunning interior.
For many Andalucians, the Cordoba Mosque is a lasting symbol of city's heyday as the Moorish Empire's westernmost Caliphate. The mosque's construction lasted over two centuries, beginning under Emir Abd ar-Raman I in 784 AD during a time when the city's public spaces flourished alongside its prosperity and population. Many stunning mosques, public baths, patios, gardens and fountains were built, while the royal court cultivated some of Iberia's most eminent Jewish, Arabic and Christian scholars.
Cordoba became a place of pilgrimage for Muslims who could not travel to Mecca or Jerusalem, and the Mezquita was central to this change. Its architectural design was revolutionary, providing a simple, open space where the spirits of worshippers could roam free. During the 9th century, the Cordoba Great Mosque held relics of the prophet Mohammed, along with an original copy of the Koran, making it a site of particular importance to Muslim worshippers.
When Cordoba was captured from the Moors in 1236 by King Ferdinand III of Castille, the Mezquita was not torn down but simply consecrated and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Eventually a nave, chapels and a choir were added, but efforts were made to preserve at least some of the Islamic features of Cordoba's Mezquita. It's this curious layering of styles over the centuries that gives the Mezquita its unique appearance.
The spacious interior of Cordoba’s Great Mosque is entered through the tranquil Patio de los Naranjos: a courtyard of orange trees and fountains where worshippers would cleanse their bodies. The eye is immediately drawn to the cathedral tower rising dramatically out of the heart of the Great Mosque. Built during the early 13th century out of the Mezquita's minaret, it strikes a contrast with the rest of the building.
Once inside the prayer hall, you are surrounded by a forest of 856 columns constructed out of jasper, onyx, marble, and granite. Representative of many periods, from Roman to Visigothic and Byzantine, these pillars were excavated from the various sacred buildings which occupied this spot. Supporting a series of red and white striped arches, they make for an iconic photograph.
The mihrab, built under Emir Al-Hakim II, is a domed shrine which faces Mecca. Its walls are decorated with the kinds of intricate and lavish patterns often seen in Moorish palaces, while its portal features a shimmering gold mosaic. Sourced from Byzantine Constantinople, it depicts flower motifs and extracts from the Koran.
Don't miss out on visiting the Cordoba Cathedral Mosque, where you are transported centuries ahead to the dramatic architecture of Christian Spain. The cathedral's focus is its 16th-century Baroque choir, noted for its gothic archways, mahogany stalls and intricate marble carvings. The altar is also awe-inspiring, featuring a richly ornamented screen of jasper and red marble.
When to Go to Cordoba Mezquita
The best time of the year to visit the Mezquita Cordoba is from mid-April to mid-June when the city's parks are in bloom and the summer temperatures are comfortable. The peak tourism months of July and August are always the busiest; and exploring the Mezquita on the weekend can be difficult. The best time to visit is on weekday mornings when entrance is free from 8.30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Odds n' Ends
Entrance to the Mezquita is through the Patio de los Naranjos, where there is an office selling tickets at 8 euros for adults, and 4 euros for children. Opening hours can vary, so it's worth checking with the tourist offices for updated times. Mass is held at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Sunday. Note that tourists are not admitted during this time unless they are attending the mass.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
The Hotel Maimonides Is A First-class Hotel Located In The Heart Of Cordoba*s Jewish Quarter, And Just Opposite The Mosque, The Cathedral, The Palacio Epsicopal ... 0 miles away
$37 EUR+
If you are looking for a budget accommodation in Cordoba, Spain then Hotel Los Patios is the right choice. Located in the city centre, the ... 0 miles away
$27 EUR+
+ 23 others. Show all.
More Experiences Nearby
- Stomp to the Rhythm of Flamenco in Sevilla
- The reserved and resistant find it hard not to be swept up by the beat. Even the rhythmically inept, are unable to resist clapping along. And, just as the dancer and singer lock into a stare so intense you think one of them might explode, you yourself become helpless to take your eyes off of the stage. Flamenco dance, born in Spain, is at its best in Andalusia's capitol – Sevilla. The earliest records of flamenco dance are from as recent as the 1800s, but there is evidence that suggests this tradition goes back quite a bit further. Flamenco traditionally ...75 miles away.
While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
1 to 4 peopleWhen making a booking, you will need to advise your pick up and drop off details. Your transfer will be confirmed instantaneously ...0.38 miles away via Cordoba.
$106+
Carpe Diem! Book to do this experience now!
See the magnificent Cathedral, converted within an original mosque when the Christians conquered Cordoba in 1236. Modifications took 234 years, so the original Gothic style ...
Starting from $44.23 per person.
Starting from $44.23 per person.
Books and DVDs
Elsewhere on the Web
Media References
- Córdoba Adds to Its Allure - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- Cordoba's Hymn To Islam - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- THE 1,001 DELIGHTS OF ANDALUSIA - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
Travel Insurance. Simple & Flexible.
Language Guides
Portugese 
,
Spanish
are some of the languages spoken in Spain. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!
Discussion
Experienced this and have something to share? Experienced something like this somewhere else? Looking for advise or travel companions? Use this space to leave your mark. Our writers and editors are more than happy to help answer your questions.
Recent Tweets
Listed below are the most recent comments made on Twitter for "cordoba mezquita ":
