Mezquita in Spain - Cathedral of Saint Mary in Muslim style

The Mezquita in Cordoba, also known as the Mezquita-Catedral or the Great Mosque Cathedral of Saint Mary, is one of the most famous and impressive works of Muslim architecture in Spain. It is also an example of a unique combination of Muslim and Christian styles, which gives it a special character.

The building was designed as a mosque in the eighth century, during the reign of the Umayyads in Spain. It was originally a more modest mosque, but later extensions transformed it into one of the largest mosques in the world.

In 1236, the mosque was converted back into a Christian church when Ferdinand III of Castile conquered Córdoba. The Christian rulers decided to preserve the mosque and instead of destroying it, they enhanced its beauty by adding new spaces and monuments.

The main hall of the mosque is called the Prayer Hall, and is impressive in its size and architecture. It is characterised by a forest of columns that support arches of different types and ornamentation. The columns come from different places and are made of different materials, which gives the interior of the mosque a unique look.

The Mihrab is the focal point of the Hall, it is a semi-circular niche in the wall of the mosque, pointing in the direction of Mecca and serving as the place where the imam leads prayers. The Mihrab at the Mezquita in Cordoba is beautifully decorated with mosaics and detailed carvings.

During the Muslim period, the mosque had a distinctive minaret. After the Christian conquest, it was converted into a bell tower, known as the Giralda. It is 54 metres high and is an exceptional example of the adaptation of an architectural element to a new context.

The Villaviciosa Chapel is a small chapel located inside the Mezquita, known for its beautiful carved details and rich decorations.

After the Christian takeover, the mosque became part of the cathedral, which began to be built inside the existing structure. This part, known as the Catedral Nueva (New Cathedral), has more typical Gothic architecture and is a contrast to the mosque part.

The courtyard surrounding the mosque, called Patio de los Naranjos, is famous for its distinctive orange trees. This is the place where worshippers used to take ablutions before prayers.

The original mosque was designed by the architect Abd ar-Rahman I. However, the numerous alterations and extensions that took place over the centuries were the result of different architects. There is no single person responsible for the entire building in its current form.

The Mezquita is one of the largest mosques in the world. The main prayer hall measures approximately 160 metres by 130 metres.

The cathedral is distinguished by its characteristic double columns and arches, which create a unique interior corridor within the mosque. A tall double gallery of columns supports the eastern part of the building, where there is a mihrab - an alcove indicating the direction of prayer in Islam.

The interior of the mosque contains more than 856 (of the original 1293) columns of jasper, onyx, marble and granite. Some of the columns have simple and others have spiral decorations.

Characteristic features of the Mezquita include mosaic decoration, ceramic tiles, carved boards, arches and geometric compositions that combine elements of Arabic, Byzantine and Muslim art.

The mosque is a symbol of tolerance and coexistence between different cultures and religions. It is a place where architecture, art and history bear witness to the long-standing influence of different civilisations in the Spanish territory. For Muslims, the Mezquita is a historic place of worship that recalls the presence of Islam in Spain for centuries. For Christians, it is a sacred site that symbolises the reclaiming of areas of wartime conquest and the spirit of unification among different faiths.

The Mezquita in Córdoba attracts nearly 1.5 million tourists from all over the world to admire the unique combination of architectural styles and rich ornamentation. It is one of the highlights of tours in Spain.