Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba

This building is officially called politically correct: "The Mosque-Cathedral Complex in Cordoba." But colloquially, the name is shorter — the Mosque "Alhamah", or simply "Mosque", or "Mesquite".As in most other cities with a history dating back thousands of years, most of the buildings stand in place of those that existed before. So, once in the center of Roman Cordoba there was a temple dedicated to the sun god. Later, the Visigoths built the temple of San Vicente in its place. After the transfer of the city to the Arabs in 711, both Muslims and Christians used it together, dividing it into two zones. But the prosperous city grew rapidly, space became scarce, and in 786, Abdarrahman I bought the Christian part of the church and some other buildings around. In just a few years, a magnificent mosque was built on this site.Columns, capitals, and stone from various Roman and Visigothic structures in Spain, Europe, and even Africa were used to speed up construction. Therefore, the oldest part of Mesquite is actually an archaeological museum.Later, as the city grew, the Mosque was expanded three times under different rulers: under Abdarrahman II and Alhakim II, the length increased to the south, to the river, and to the north, due to the expansion of the courtyard. Under Vizier Almanzor (Al Mansour), the largest increase in the complex took place, almost doubling, due to an extension on the eastern side. As a result, the total area reached almost 24 thousand square meters.Before going inside, we walked around this giant rectangle from three sides. As always, with the arrival of Christians, Muslim and Christian details began to become closely intertwined. For example, on the southern facade there are Christian frescoes and sculptures under the Arab arches.

This is my first time coming here. Before, I was very excited and looking forward to trying this place once. It really didn't disappoint me because it was so beautiful and fun. Truly unforgettable, this place will forever impress me. The people here are very friendly and sociable, which is very valuable. I love this place and hope to come back many times in the future. Thanks a lot!!!

In all my travels, I've never been as profoundly impressed by a monument as I have by the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. It's not just a building; it's a living testament to the beauty that emerges when different cultures converge. A must-visit for anyone seeking a blend of history, art, and spiritual wonder.

The central church, with its awe-inspiring presence, stands as a symbol of the harmonious coexistence of diverse cultural influences. Walking through the intricate archways and marveling at the intricate details, I found myself in constant amazement.

The craftsmanship within the cathedral is nothing short of extraordinary. Every corner holds a treasure trove of precious items and icons, each telling a story of dedication and artistic brilliance. The meticulous handcrafting evident throughout the cathedral adds an authentic touch, making the experience all the more immersive.