Do not misunderstand, there’s a reason why the Great Mosque of Cordoba is one of the most popular attractions in the city.
It’s huge. Indeed, enormous. It’s like the physical representation of the history of Andalusia and of the domains it has been submitted to . It lived a historical path marked by very specific changes. It’s beautiful, majestic and artistically rich.
A bit of history
The Great Mosque of Cordoba is a reminder of the Andalusian historical stages.
Its construction dates back to the mid-sixth century – Christian period of Spanish history – and since that moment it has seen many changes linked to the territory conquests: with the arrival of the first Muslim community, after being divided, it was used as a place of worship for both religions; with the growth of the Arabic population over time, it has been completely transformed in a mosque.
During the period of Muslim dominion – lasted more than four centuries – it was continuously transformed, with the addition and modification of important elements.
The Spanish Reconquista (reconquer) – lasted 750 years and ended in 1492 – has given this masterpiece back to Christians in 1236.
This event has not stopped the cycle of changes.
Today, even though it preserves some typical features of a mosque, it’s a cathedral, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, to be exact.
Structure
The whole building stretches over 23,400 square meters.
It’s a large rectangle with 19 naves and 856 columns, with capitals in different styles.
It has 5 doors, all very beautiful: Puerta de las Palmas (Door of the Palms), Puerta de San Sebastián (Door of Saint Sebastian) and Puerta del Sabat (Door of the Sabat) have direct access to the building, while Puerta de Santa Catalina (Door of Saint Catherine) and Puerta del Perdón (Door of Forgiveness) overlook the Orange Tree Courtyard (Patio de los Naranjos), a small green oasis dressed of palm trees, cypresses and orange trees.
The Minaret, nowadays the Bell Tower, is not oriented toward Mecca (south-east) but completely toward south. That’s because ʿAbd al-Raḥmān – according to the legend – was senta way from the city of Damascus by the Abbasids and, feeling nostalgic about the city, wanted to specifically direct the miḥrāb of the Mosque of Cordoba in the same direction as the Damascus’.
Importance and recognitions
The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba has been a National Monument since 1882. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984 and in June 2014 was given the honour of being classified as a Site of Outstanding Universal Value, recognising that the religious use of the temple has guaranteed the preservation of the monument.
Why I was disappointed
I must first say that the disappointment I felt during the visit of the Great Mosque of Cordoba does not change my mind about the importance and the majesty of this monument. It is amazing, seriously.
But there are some points that turned off my enthusiasm – probably due also to the high expectations I had created before.
Too much
The mixture of architectural style with a religious nature, although it makes this place unique, takes away a lot of charm. To visit a mosque where there are Christian holy objects and altars and crucifixes – in my opinion – is not the best.
Too dark
Being a very large area, natural light illuminates a very very small part. And this prevent to fully appreciate all its aspects. And to easily takes good pictures.
Too expensive
10 Euros for entry and small booklet. No additional explanations, no students concession, just a little price reduction for children and disabled people.
Some conclusions and practical information
Despite my expectations were not fulfilled, I can’t deny that the Great Mosque of Mosque deserves a visit.
If you want to know what else deserves a visit in Cordoba, read the post CORDOBA IN A DAY.
I leave you some information that may help you:
Address: Calle del Cardenal Herrero, 1 – 14003 Córdoba, Spagna
Phone: 0034 957 470 512
Opening hours:
From November to February
Monday to Saturday 10:00 -18:00
Sundays and religious holidays 08:30 – 11:30 and 15:00 – 18:00
From March to October
Monday to Saturday 10:00 – 19:00
Sundays and religious holidays 08:30 -11:30 and 15:00 – 19:00
Free entrance Monday to Saturday 08:30 – 09:30
Price: 10 Euros, reduction 5 Euros
Website: http://www.catedraldecordoba.es
Email: informacion@cabildocatedraldecordoba.es
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