Protected by Unesco, the Mezquita or Great Mosque has had a long and interesting life.
In 756 the Caliph of Damascus set up court and started building. He built the Great Mosque on the site of a Roman Temple which had been converted into a church by the Visigoths. But alas the only reminder of the Caliph after the end of a civil war in 1031 was his Mosque.
In 1236 the city was captured by Ferdinand III and the Mosque had it’s fourth reincarnation when a cathedral was built within it. Imagine how big a mosque it is to incorporate a cathedral within.
How wonderful that this temple/church/mosque/cathedral is still around today for all to see.
By dusk the heat of the day is dissipating and thoughts turn to socializing, and what better place to prop yourself and relive the highlights of the beautiful historic centre of Cordoba, than against the walls of the Great Mosque, The Mezquita.
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Fantastic Friday – Manholes
Jan I love the contrast of the night sky against the yellow in your photos. I’m sorry I missed Cordoba last year.
Hi Leigh, I liked Cordoba and the mezquita is the highlight of the historic district, although the fort and gardens are beautiful also. We really needed more time there but I was glad we went even though we only stayed 1.5 days! You can see a lot in a short time in the historic precinct as it is all walkable and close. Jan
What a beautiful building! Is it still used as a cathedral today?
Yes Lisa, Mass is still celebrated in the Cathedral. Unfortunately muslims are not allowed to worship even though the Cathedral is built inside the mosque. There has been tension over this in the past. Jan
I’ve missed Cordoba on my trips to Spain so it’s great to see your wonderful photos of the Mosque.
Thanks Jenny, I shall do a post soon showing the inside. Cordoba was compact, friendly, and dare I say it -touristy, with a beautiful fort and gardens to see as well as this amazing mosque. Thanks Jan
These are fabulous photos – I love the way you caught the light.
I know Jackie, The thought of all its personas and it still being viable today, is amazing. Thanks for commenting. Jan
Hi Jackie, I love that I have these photos to look back on. It was a special night for us, but it is only looking back at the photos that I remember the exact colour of the sky and the mosque at night. Thanks Jan.
Wow, that mosque looks so imposing! And I love it that there are so many people. If I go visit, I’d definitely stay a while there too. Not too many such buildings last for centuries undamaged!
Hi Aleah, The historic precinct in Cordoba is beautiful and compact so a lot can be seen in one day. The mosque is amazing inside. It looks weird with the Cathedral inside of it. Jan
how incredible is that building! Stunning 😉
Thanks Lisa, Looking back on the photos reminds me of how beautiful the night was. Jan
Beautiful photos, I love the colors 🙂
I do too. Looking at the photographs takes me back to that night. I remember the old man with his brimmed hat and walking stick, who sat beside me on the wall, ate his icecream and then hobble stiffly into the night. Jan
There’s something about seeing these places at night that adds so much charm. Thanks yet again for a window into a different land!
Hi Jordan, That night was gorgeous as it had been such a hot an action packed day. Jan
love the golden light that was created! Fun post
Thanks Jade, and it wasn’t until I looked back on these photographs that I realized the contrast between the yellow lit building and the blue evening sky. Jan
Great photos and interesting history. Yes, I can see myself resting against the wall on a nice, warm evening. 🙂
Thanks Cathy, Sitting on the wall and enjoying the evening is a great memory, and such a wonderful backdrop. Jan
Oh there is so much to see and do in Spain! Beautiful pictures. They make me want to visit. Love the yellow, it is really stunning.
Nice shots of an interesting place that I’d never heard of before.
Thanks Dick, I did not realize before visiting Spain, the huge amount of Islamic architecture especially in Andalucia. Jan
Love how this is lit up. Like Leigh, I also missed Cordoba last year. Just one more reason to go back to Spain (like I really need another one) 🙂
Hi Nancie, So often there is a reason to return. Lucky us. Jan
I love how the yellow plays in these pictures. What wonderful architecture and such rich history too. We sadly missed Cordoba during our visit to Spain a few years ago too.
Hi Mary, I did not realize myself until I looked back on the photos, the interaction of the yellow and blue. Love photos! Jan
What a beautiful building! I imagine it was so nice to view at night, after the heat of the day had waned. 🙂
Hi Krista, How lovely it would be to have a building like this in your home town. The only trouble would be that you would have to share it with so many tourists. Jan
I’m looking forward to a post about the intereior of this place. I cannot image a cathedral inside a mosque. As it is, I love your shots of the exterior and all the beautiful architecture.
Thanks Michele, It is a strange sight indeed. I think it would be better as a mosque only, but you cannot change history! Jan