Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Great Mosque of Córdoba or Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba is a gateway to a world long lost. Visiting this magnificent place constitutes an irreplaceable experience that involves all the senses and lightens every spirit. Altogether, visiting the city Córdoba is a must if you want to understand the muslim past of Spain, or if you just want to enjoy the fine and simple spirit of andalusians.
 |
| The Great Mosque of Córdoba, as seen from la Torre de la Calahorra |
A little bit of history...
The construction of the Mosque began under the rule of Umayyad prince Abd al-Rahman I in the year 785. His ambition was to erect a temple that would rival in magnificence those of Baghdad, Jerusalem, Damascus and even Mecca! He decided to start the construction on the site of a former Roman temple dedicated to the god Janus, which he purchased from the conquered visigoths, who had also constructed a church dedicated to St. Vincent in the same place.
Following several enlargements by Abd al-Rahman II, Abd al-Rahman III, Alhakem II and Almansor, the total extension of the Mosque is 23,400 square meters, with 856 columns (the world famous pictures of the horseshoe arches that look like palmtrees in an oasis).
 |
| Inside the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba |
 |
| Inside of the Great Mosque of Córdoba |
 |
| Approaching the mihrab of the Great Mosque of Córdoba |
During the Reconquista (A period in History where Christians won back the Iberian Peninsula from Arab rule ) it is said that Ferdinand III was so amazed by the size of the Mosque, that he observed that only a noble people were capable of its construction. This is why he decided that the Mosque should not be destroyed, and commanded that a Christian church had to be built inside, so that the resulting edifice would be a symbol of the coexistance that both cultures mantained for centuries.
 |
| Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady |
 |
| Horseshoe arches surround the Cathedral |
 |
| Horseshoe arches vs. vaulted ceiling: a feast for the eye! |
A day in Córdoba, exploring the Mosque Cathedral
My brother and I were staying at Granada, so we woke up really early to take the two hour and a half bus to Córdoba. Our day started at the Gate of Almodóvar, right in front of Córdoba's jewish quarter, La Judería.
 |
| First pic of the day: in front of the Gate of Almodóvar |
As we walked the quaint network of narrow streets, I peered every now and then inside the inner patio of a house to catch a glimpse of everyday life in Córdoba.
So, we kept walking and I started to see the tip of the minaret of the Mosque, and it was a matter of minutes before we stood in front of its colossal structure.
 |
| Minaret of the Mosque-Cathedral: the Christians turned it into a bell tower during the Reconquista |
You perceive many things when you're in front of such a mystical place, but what got to me first, was the intense scent of oranges coming from the Patio de los Naranjos, or orange courtyard. We sat for a minute to look at the orange trees, before we got our tickets, that cost 8 euros without the guided tour.
 |
| The dome dominates the city skyline |
 |
| Gate of Forgiveness, one of the gates that crosses the entrance to the Patio de los Naranjos |
 |
| The scent of oranges welcomes you to the Mosque-Cathedral |
Inmense peace and serenity takes over you when you walk the naves and across the arches. Just being inside the Great Mosque calms you and makes you wonder. It's amazing how capable the human race is of creating a building of such grandeur. The inspiration and humanity are transmitted from every stone. It's a proof of how delicate our spirit is when we try to connect to the supernatural and give a meaning to our lives.
Another spectacular feature in the Mosque-Cathedral is the Mihrab. The mihrab is a niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the qibla; that is the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, hence the direction in which muslims have to pray. It is decorated with a mosaic, that was a present from emperor Niceforo Focas from Contantinople to Alhakem II. In order to see something alike, you have to go to Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.
 |
| Blue and golden are the prevailing colors of the mosaic |
 |
| Mihrab of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba |
 |
| Mihrab |
 |
| Dome of the Mosque |
As an amateur photographer, I must say I felt kinda overwhelmed but at the same time very honoured to be able to photograph such an amazing place with stunning geometrical designs and refined features.
I truly felt like I was visiting a place where I had been before. A special and weird kind of déjà vu you only get when you let yourself be guided by whatever it is your heart wishes to see.
About the Author
Traveller and writer, 21-years-old. Born in Panama City, German-Panamanian. Journalist. Very fond of every expression of art. I love to learn languages. Constantly living adventures!
0 comentarios