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La Mezquita, the grandiose Mosque-Cathedral is located in the Andalusia city of Cordoba. It was definitely a place we had to check out whilst we were visiting this charming city.
The Mezquita is considered the most important ancient mosque in the Muslim world. The architecture is a unique combination of Visigoth, Christian, Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic styles. Now, you know why we had to witness it for ourselves
Mezquita de Cordoba visit:
La Mezquita Courtyard: (Mezquita de Cordoba)
As you enter the grounds of the imposing, whole block occupying Mezquita, the first thing that strikes you apart from the Mudejar designs that adorn the entrance doors, are the size of the doors themselves.
Each stands at about 20 feet plus by my estimation and looks to be solid brass. These doors open up to an impressive courtyard. The main focus is the fountain, as well as the beautiful minaret ( a second reincarnation).
Cordoba Mosque:
The original minaret was destroyed and rebuilt under the reign of Abd al Rahman III who wanted it pointing towards the north) and towering over one corner of the yard. We are now so used to the Mudejar style of architecture that we were not suitably impressed by the courtyard itself, unlike some other visitors :-).
Having seen some of the wonderful examples we have here in Seville, you can understand why. The courtyard was used for teaching and carriage of justice under Muslim rule. There are orange trees planted in the courtyard and close to the fountain was their water supply. The sculpture of Saint Rafael sits at the top of the minaret, which was used as a call to prayer.
Mezquita Mosque: (La Mezquita in English means Mosque)
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The geometric design of the Mezquita is amazing, and how thick are those pillars! You can just imagine all the man hours that went into building such an awesome monument.
Mezquita Cordoba history:
Also known as the mosque of Abderraman I. It was he who built the first mosque in 785! Imagine that for a second age wise. Insane right? It consisted of 11 naves and 11o columns of different heights due to the way the hall was built.
He is responsible for the horseshoe-shaped arches that are synonymous with this monument. It was actually an original design by the Visigoths but went on to become the signature style of the Muslims once introduced to them.
The candy cane stripes (alternating brick and stone) have been maintained throughout history. As the Muslim population grew, the mosque was extended over the years. I think this is my favorite part of the whole structure.
I sort of felt like l was in Willie Wonka’s chocolate factory. It was mind-blowing to me that thousands of years ago, men were capable of designing and executing such an intricate building. A building that has survived for hundreds of years and will definitely survive more. I can only imagine how much manpower went into the building.
Mezquita Cathedral: (Mezquita Catedral de Córdoba)
The placement of this is actually quite awesome. You are so busy oohing and aahing because more than likely you are following the edges, walking in a square if that makes sense.
You then look towards the middle and notice this amazing structure. Construction of the cathedral started in 1523 after then Bishop Manrique got permission from the King, Carlos V to build the church inside of the former mosque.
The heart of the mosque was torn down and replaced with this all marble and gold-domed cathedral in the image above. Work was finished in the 17th century. Mahogany and marble pulpits were added in the 18th century.
I loved the lights thrown by the stained glass windows that are abundant in the cathedral. Even though this reminds me of the Seville Cathedral, l have to say, l prefer the Mezquita Mosque.
The Mezquita covers over 24,000 square meters. It should be noted that the original mosque was constructed on the site of an ancient church that was dedicated to Saint Vincent, so l guess it goes to show that what goes around comes around :-). One thing that l kept wondering about during our visit was how the Muslim visitors felt when they saw the building.
There were a few Muslim tourists (women in the traditional hijab ) that we encountered. I kept thinking that if l were them, my thoughts would be “it’s about time that it became a mosque again”.
I swear sometimes l think that has something to do with all the unrest and tension between the Muslims and Christians. They want their turn again. I’m no historian or whatnot..just trying to make some sense of what is happening. Please enlighten me as to your thoughts :-).
Artifacts inside La Mezquita de Cordoba:
There were some really cool old artifacts on display inside the Mezquita too. Federico had studied some Latin in school and had fun schooling me on some of the finds. I love living history lessons.
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Things to remember on La Mezquita Cordoba visit:
- You might think of Cordoba as a warm place all the time. Not so, l had to buy a neck scarf and a hat, l was freezing. Dress warmly, or at least bring a sweater. You can always tie it around your waist. Since it is mostly cement, l am guessing even with a big crowd in the summertime, it might still be a bit chilly (not sure about that..so check.)
- Wear sturdy shoes. The courtyard has these wonderful inlaid stones. Unless you’re used to walking on hard surfaces, stick with comfy, sturdy footwear.
- Leave at least two to three, or even more hours to fully check out the Mezquita and appreciate all the various architecture. It really is amazing how they managed to combine so many different styles into one cohesive monument.
- Bring cash. They do not accept credit or debit cards at the box office. I know, we were surprised as well. Should you forget, go outside the door (use the one with the wheelchair ramp) and to the left. There is an ATM machine flat to the wall just a few yards on your right. Their fee is a reasonable $2.
La Mezquita altar. The blending of the Muslim and Christian forms is so unobtrusive and quite pleasing to the eye.
La Mezquita Hours: (Visita La Mezquita de Cordoba Horarios)
Monday – Saturday from 10am-6pm
Sundays: 9am-10.30 & 2pm-6pm
The entry fee is €8 ($10) for adults. Half price for 10-14-year-old kids and free for under 10.
If you’re hungry after your tour of La Mezquita, I highly recommend La Tranquera for the most awesome Argentinian food.
Is visiting La Mezquita worth visiting?
Hell Yeah!!! 🙂 . It is big. It is beautiful. It is historic. Heck, how many times would you come back to Cordoba assuming you were a tourist? I bet the answer would be just zero. I suggest you ignore all those people that say “Oh, it’s just too touristy a thing to do. I am quite okay with just seeing it from the outside”.
A UNESCO site that is truly worthy. Living history. If you’re short on time, Cordoba makes for an excellent day trip from Seville, combine with a Cordoba Alcazar tour for a full day even though l would suggest a couple of days in Cordoba to fully appreciate it.
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Have l convinced you to visit Cordoba, and more specifically the great mosque La Mezquita? Are you a history or architecture buff and consider this beautiful? If not, what is your architectural style favorite? If you’ve been, how did you like it, and would you recommend this UNESCO world heritage site?
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Your pictures are ridiculous! What type of camera do you use???
Haha! Don’t forget that has been his job for over 13 years. Photographer, but we use all Nikon.. D2xs, D7000 and D300 along with all the Nikon glass lenses. He is also old school and still uses a manual polarizing filter. Thanks for the compliment 🙂
ha ha I started singing, “The Inquisition” as soon as I read that. Wow the architecture is amazing. I’m always blown away what people built hundreds or thousands of years ago…how did they do that without the tools we have today? Mind blowing!
Federico didn’t get it when l started singing it as soon as l saw the seats..haha!!! I always wonder the same thing. These days with all the advancements made, we still can’t make roads that last longer than a few years while these ginormous structures last forever using only pencil, paper and the sun :-). Insane!
Oh.My.God. The white marble interior dome of the cathedral is breathtaking. So intricate and so beautiful. They just don’t build things like they used to! The more I travel to Islamic countries or places where there’s a large Islamic influence, the more and more enamored I become with Islamic art and architecture – it’s incredible. And the Mezquita looks like a great place to witness all sorts of architectural styles under one roof. Like you, I love living history lessons. Reading history is one thing, but to actually walk through it is mind-blowing – it’s one of the many reasons I travel. Beautiful pictures, and cute picture of you too! 🙂
It really is stupendous! Definitely worth the price of entry. It was almost like they said.. “Okay, the Muslim did a grand job, we must do it even better”. Nothing like healthy competition 🙂 . You know, l was impressed with the Seville Cathedral and the way they mixed both religions, but l think this stands out more because there were 3 other styles involved. Really awesome!
Great photos Kemkem (or should I say Federico). Hey, is it springtime in Cordoba? I see trees with leaves, something we don’t have yet in Prague. I think Cordoba sounds like a place that has to be visited in the area, looks stupendous.
Frank (bbqboy)
Haha! Say Federico! I was giving orders and every once in a while, he was like..here..take whatever pictures you want, like you want..so the courtyard and the “inquisition” are mine..haha! Yep! It’s Spring, so l was sneezing a bit in the mornings, but l didn’t mind. I think when you come, we might be persuaded to tag along..haha! We loved it and you can see why a lot of Spaniards come from all over to spend weekends there.
That is absolutely amazing! I am always impressed by these buildings that managed to survive for so long, despite being so huge and built in times when you wouldn’t think they would have the means to actually build something as impressive. I can only imagine how great it actually feels to be there and experience it all first hand.
It felt great. At first Federico was balking at the entry fee, as it said €18 or 28, l forget now. We were like..oh too much 🙂 . Then we asked the security guard, and he sad that price was for the evening performance or something like that. On some special nights, l think there is some sort of show with the lights thrown from the windows, hard to understand his fast Spanish, and a choir or something. The regular price was definitely worth it. Very impressive. Imagine the genius of the architects in those days..they had nothing, and their stuff lives forever! 🙂
Really awesome architecture! Have never been to Spain! This article encourages me to come sooner!
Hahah!!! Yes, Spain is calling your name 🙂 . It really is awesome. You can’t help but love it.
Beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the compliment 🙂
Spain looks so beautiful. And these pics are crazy amazing!!
Thank you for the compliment :-). I love the history and the grandeur of it all. I think that’s what l like most about Europe..the living history 🙂
I need to trade places with YOU! The pictures are absolutely stunning, my gosh. Everything looks so up close and in your face.
Haha! You would have to split yourself into 80% him, and 20% me since he takes most of the pictures. Sometimes it’s infuriating carrying a big camera and lens, but it is worth it when we see the pictures. Thank you 🙂
Your pictures are always so amazing you make me feel like I am right there with you! Beautiful! Cultural! Bravo!
Aaawwhh! Thank you so much 🙂 . It really means a lot. We try to take you along for the ride as much as possible. I know l hate to look at photos of bloggers blocking the view of the actual places..haha!! Move.. L say 🙂 😉 .
I don’t know how I would be able to enjoy all that beauty in one visit. Why don’t we make such beautiful buildings anymore? My mind’s made up, I am definitely coming to Spain, I hope you are ready to host me 🙂
I’m sure you will find a way 🙂 . What are you waiting for? We are totally waiting for you, especially now that you know we have one more year! Rachael..come on down!!! Spare room! I wish l knew why we don’t build such things of grandeur anymore, especially with the technology nowadays. We will be remembered for mini malls 🙂 .
I don’t really need to be convinced to travel, but I’m definitely sold on Cordoba (and La Mezquita) now 🙂 I don’t consider myself an architecture buff but this is breathtaking.
“I don’t really need to be convinced to travel” – I love that :-). We bought Cordoba too..lock, stock..and barrel. I have one more post to write about this awesome city. It really is breathtaking for sure 🙂 .
Absolutely the photos are great. But the writing gets me every time. You mentioned the workers who built these buildings briefly in your text. And that thought colored every photo I looked at after.
I really couldn’t help but wonder about the workers, especially when you see the tiny stones laid out on the courtyard…all colors.and the uniformity! Thanks so much for mentioning about the writing. It really means a lot. I try to convey what l feel and l wonder if that comes across, so it’s nice to know that you “get” it :-).
I’m with you as far as loving “living history lessons” and learning the stories, cultures, traditions and histories behind the places we visit is fascinating! And let me tell you, K, your photos have definitely INSPIRED us to visit Cordoba! Absolutely beautiful and I can’t wait to wander around this for several hours when we head to Spain again in May. Anita
Sometimes l feel like an old fuddy-duddy for liking living history..lol! I feel like l should just do like others “10 great things to see” then stock photos 🙂 because few bother to actually go in. I think l will stick with the small audience and write about the actual places. People have to find history fascinating..haha…I am so glad you will be checking out this awesome place on your visit. Let us know when you have your dates, maybe this time we can actually meet up :-). Thanks so much for the compliment :-).
I agree, you have amazing photos. I seriously need to pick your brain on how you capture the moments so great. I’ve been to places and events thinking I nailed it to get home and like wait, whet!
Thank you :-). Feel free to pick the already picked over brain..hahah! Isn’t it frustrating to check out what you thought was awesome and find them absolutely the opposite? As soon as l get some spare time, l will write a quick post on helpful points to make the photos better? It sounds like something that everyone might like…no?
You did a great job of capturing the beauty of the buildings. I really enjoyed them.
Thank you very much. That is always good to hear 🙂
Wow, La Mezquita Cordoba is beautiful! Your photographs make me want to get back to experience Spain right now! I know that I have so much more to see of the country only having been to Madrid, Pamplona, and BCN. Thank you for the inspiration Kemkem! 😀
Thanks Chanel 🙂 . There are so many other parts of Spain that we still have to discover too, including Pamplona, even though l am positive l don’t want to run with the bulls. Eat them..yes..but run with them..no, thank you 🙂
Amazing photos! Thank you for sharing, you are inspiring me more and more to travel off the beaten path.
Oh Mimi, l am so glad to hear that. Really, l am 🙂 . I think the important part is to travel, be it beaten, off the beaten, or carry your own machete and cut trees down to make a path 🙂 . Thanks a lot for the comment, and let the off beaten path travels begin 🙂
Great article and amazing photos! I’ll definitely put La Mezquita on my list if I ever get the chance to visit it! Admission is reasonable, unlike in some other European countries and it is definitely worth it 🙂 Have to share it 🙂 Best regards!
Thank you so much for the compliment 🙂 . Yes, it is reasonably priced which makes it a must visit. I was shocked the first time we went to Barcelona. We didn’t mind paying 18€ to visit the Sagrada, but every single church wanted 9-10€ also to look inside…Heck no! 🙂 . Thanks for sharing..much appreciated.
The Mezquita is an amazing structure with remarkable history. I am always impressed by the flow of religions from Morocco and the Moors up through the Iberian Penensula and then back down to Africa. You seem to have looked at (and photographed) every feature and area in this huge site.
The Mezquita certainly is. I too love learning about the Moors..we were so enthralled with the Mezquita, it was hard to stop snapping. I really can’t wait to visit it again :-). Our whole time in Cordoba was amazing for the most part.
Such gorgeous pictures of the sights in Cordoba. It was truly an awe inspiring visit. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reading. I was kind of shocked that l liked it way better than l thought l would :-).
Oh my. You have succeeded in making me regret that I did include Cordoba in my travels to Malaga, Seville, and Granada. La Mezquita is a spectacular architectural achievement besides being so full of history! Too bad for us!
Haha! That means you have to come back this way then. It really is so worth it. We actually considered moving there from Seville, but the act that we wanted to be closer to water sealed the deal, but our days there were fantastic.
Your photos are just gorgeous, and make me want to head back to Spain to see everything we missed! There is so much amazing history and architecture!
There certainly is a lot of history, and the architecture awesome. I am constantly in awe that l live in these really old and beautiful places. I guess you have to come back to Spain :-).
Wow! Your photos are simply spectacular and I loved the tour. Those tips at the end are a favorite of mine so keep them coming. And I too wonder when going through those ediices that have been mosques, cathedrals, mosques, cathedrals over the centuries just how either side could feel good about worshipping on a spot that carries so much violent takeover (from other equally as devout believers throughout history.
Thanks Jackie :-). When l think of how much hatred there is between Christian faiths even, I have no doubt that people are oblivious to everyone else who doesn’t believe as they do and then of course disposing of them by any means necessary is “okay” in their book. I always remember one of my best friend’s parents who believed only in the Anglican church and everything else, Baptist, Catholics etc were all “going to burn in hell”..so much hatred for others, but every Sunday…they were right there in church! 🙂
La Mezquita is a fabulous building. And it is so massive that I managed to walk around for quite a while without even noticing the cathedral in the middle!
It is quite massive and so l can understand not seeing the cathedral for a while, especially because there is so much to admire from all angles, but l’m glad you did notice it eventually :-).