Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
38. Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba
The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba is a fascinating building that mixes architectural styles
from three civilizations -Visigoth, Muslim and Christian. Along with the
Alhambra
of
Granada, it is one of the more important examples of western
Moorish Architecture
.
It was originally named basilica of San Vicente, in the
Visigoth era
.
After the Moorish in-
vasion, in the 8th Century, Christians and Muslims started to share the temple. The Moorish
rulers gradually expanded it using the Omeya architectonical style, but keeping many of the
Visigoth elements. This resulted in a peculiar hybrid mosque, whose most well-known fea-
ture is its huge praying hall, full of red and white arches.
After Córdoba was
reconquered in the 13th Century
, the mosque was slowly turned into a
cathedral, which added yet another layer to the building. But the Christian architects didn't
remove all the Moorish elements, and only transformed a part of the temple, building gothic
arches, several chapels and a choir. The external minaret wasn't torn down, but covered with
western elements of
Baroque style
.
Visiting this singular building is like taking a walk through different eras of Spain's history.
Image Credit: The mosque from an aerial view. Image by
Toni Castillo Quero
.
