Last of the weekend trip, but certainly not least – Cordoba!

Like all of Spain, Cordoba had many lives and influences.  (Really wanted to say “influencers” just to put it in today’s lingo😂🤪)  There were Romans, Moors and finally the “Christianization”.  In order to enter the Old City, one must pass over the old Roman bridge past the gate.

Imposing gate on the main bridge to the city.

Approaching the old city of Cordoba via the Roman Bridge.

The Mosque-Cathedral – or Mezquita – of Cordoba.

The bell tower (305’ high) as seen from Court of Oranges. The tower encases the remains of the mosque’s former minaret.

Before getting to the Mezquita, one can wander the narrow streets of the old Jewish quarter and perhaps stumble upon the Synagogue that was used as a chapel for many years until some of the plaster eroded away and the inscription to the right was found identifying the structure as a Synagogue!

The Jewish Synagogue adjacent to a church has not been used but once for several hundred years.

Then – finally – the Mezquita, which will take your breath away!  (As indicated a few times, photographs do not do justice.)  The original Mosque was built on the site of a Visigothic church between 785 and 787AD by the founder of the caliphate of Cordoba.  It was modified and enlarged several times as a Mosque to the point of handling 20,000 prayers.  During the 16th century a cathedral was built in the heart of the Mosque and the entire building was consecrated to be a Catholic Church!  The true miracle here is that the catholic Christians did NOT tear down this structure and build their church on top of the site.  Thank goodness.  As this is a true sight to behold!

The first glimpse of the more than 850 columns of granite, jasper and marble.  All part of the Muslim Prayer Hall.

The mihrab (pulpit) for the one who calls the Muslims to prayer constructed in the 10th Century.

My favorite – An unusual mixture of Muslim and Christian features after converting to a church.

The complex is huge…over 225,000 square feet.

Views of the many elaborate and beautiful sections of the Mosque Cathedral.  Another juxtaposition of the Moorish architecture and Christian stained glass window.

Views of the cathedral in the middle of the mosque.

The Capilla Teresa, which comes out once a year for parade.

The main alter.

The choir portion of the traditional Catholic church built in the center of the Muslim Mosque.

Visiting this edifice can take all day and is really in need of a guide to point out all the details – Moorish and Catholic.  So – Cordoba doesn’t really get it’s due as the day is spent at the Mezquita!  Again, another trip to enjoy the rest of Cordoba.

This trip provided a glimpse into three very important sights – The Alhambra in Granada, The Real Alcazar in Seville and the Mezquita in Cordoba.  All began during the Moorish domination and some modified to fit the Catholic Christianization.  A wonderful opportunity to see these great sights before saying goodbye to Spain.

E & G – grateful for these experiences and winding down