Mezquita Catedral Cordoba Spain: History and Architecture

The Mezquita, also known as the Mosque-Catedral of Córdoba, is the most famous mosque in Spain. It is also reputed as Spain Mosque converted to Church. During our day trip to Cordoba from Seville we visited Cordoba Mezquita and spent couple of hours exploring the inside of Mezquita. Please read on to know the brief history and unique Mudejar architecture of Mezquita Catedral Cordoba.

History of Cordoba Mezquita in Brief

Mezquita was once a mosque which now houses 16th century church. But prior to mosque there existed a church of San Vicente built during 6th century. There are some mosaic remains from that original church. Reading the history of Mezquita had my mind confused and I was not sure what to expect as I stepped into the wonder of medieval world.

The history of Mezquita (Mosque) started in 774 BC but the history of Cathedral in Mezquita started in 13th century. Cordoba was captured from Moors in 1236, Mezquita was then dedicated to Christians but they did not do any architectural alterations to it. History states that Christians simply dedicated Mezquita to Virgin Mary and worshiped inside it.

Road trip Cordoba to Seville sights-Another hectic plan for the day! After the near tiresome day at Granada and drive from Granada to Seville I was surprised to see the family all eager and full of energy for the next road trip. 141 km to Cordoba!

The Córdoba Mezquita, a stunning architectural masterpiece, reflects centuries of cultural and religious transformation in Spain. Originally built as a small Christian Visigothic church in the 6th century, it was transformed into a mosque in 784 AD by the Umayyad Emir Abd al-Rahman I shortly after the Islamic Moors conquered the Iberian Peninsula.

Over the centuries, successive rulers expanded the mosque, most notably Abd al-Rahman III and Al-Hakam II, turning it into one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world. The Moors, who were known for their advanced architectural skills, designed the inside of Mezquita. When you are there notice the famous horseshoe arches, intricate mosaics, and stunning mihrab (prayer niche) showcase the height of Islamic art and architecture.

While they designed extensively, they also took care to preserve the architectural and artistic heritage, the Roman and Visigoth structures, incorporating them into the architectural design of the Cordoba Mezquita. History texts mention that: The Mezquita held an original copy of Koran and an arm bone of Prophet Mohammed. This place was one of the major Muslim pilgrimage sites.

Reconquer of Mezquita by Christians

In 1236, when Córdoba was reconquered by Christian forces during the Reconquista, the mosque was converted into a Catholic cathedral by constructing a Gothic cathedral nave inside the existing structure. Despite the addition of Christian elements like the various chapels, Baroque-style choir stalls and altars including a Renaissance-style nave called the Capilla Mayor. However, they did not disturb the original mosque’s structure, making it a unique blend of Islamic and Christian art and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In 1520s both the Bishop of the Cathedral (Bishop Manrique) and Carlos V (Charles V, King of Spain) took the decision to construct a cathedral inside the Great Mosque. The construction of the Catedral of Cordoba was started under the direction of the Spanish architect Hernán Ruiz I and after his death by his son and grandson.

The more I observed the contrasting designs in this grand monument, the more I lost track of time. Two hours passed in a flash. By the end of my tour of the Córdoba Mezquita, I found it hard to decide which I admired more—the intricate Christian elements or the beauty of the Mudejar architecture.

Cordoba Mosque Interior

Tour of Mezquita Cordoba

The Various Design Elements of Mudejar Architecture

The fusion of Islamic and Christian architectural design elements makes Cordoba architecture unique. It has 2 distinct parts – one is this mosque and another a church. An amazing place, as I passed by the columns I felt as if I was walking between different time intervals.

Hypostyle Hall with Bicolour Arches

Once inside for tour, the first impression was as if I had stepped into a forest of red and white striped columns and arches, that created a mesmerizing visual effect. The double-tiered arches of the arcaded hall are a defining feature of the Mezquita. These arches are a hallmark of Mudejar architecture in the building and have become symbolic of the mosque’s unique aesthetic.

It is not brightly lit inside and I fumbled with my camera settings. It took a few clicks and adjustments to get some decent shots. Once I did that, I focused to frame but the symmetry everywhere stumped me.

There are 800 red and white columns topped with double arches. The alternating red and white colours are created using brick and stone, a design technique that adds both structural strength and aesthetic appeal. Of the double arches, upper one is the Romanesque arch and the lower one a Visgothic horseshoe arch. This unique blend of design allowed the builders to elevate the roof, creating a spacious and airy interior. From one end it seemed as if the columns extended to infinity giving the Mezquita its distinctive rhythm and harmony.

Mezquita de Cordoba

Great Mosque of Cordoba 

Prayer Hall Mihrab in Mezquita de Cordoba

The intricately carved marble and the vibrant mosaics shimmering in soft light caught my attention as I walked towards the Mihrab of the Córdoba Mosque. It has delicate patterns of gold and blue. This was a sacred niche, where the imam once led prayers. The semi-circular design of Mihrab, crowned by a stunning horseshoe arch, was unlike anything I had seen before—an exquisite blend of geometry and artistry. It is in the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca and hence the direction that Muslims faced when praying. This part was built in 10th century by Al Hakam II. It is said that 3 thousand pounds of colored glass and enamel adorn the walls and the dome here. These were designed by Byzantine craftsmen then.

Mezquita de Cordoba Mihrab

DOME OF THE MIHRAB-MOSQUE OF CORDOBA

Villaviciosa Chapel in Mosque of Cordoba

The Villaviciosa Chapel, a major highlight of Mezquita of Córdoba, is a fascinating blend of Islamic and Christian architectural elements, signature of Cordoba architecture. Here, I took time to absorb visually the beauty of Mudéjar coffered ceiling with intricate wooden geometric patterns, a stunning array of intricate arches and vaults. The star-shaped ribbed vaulting dominates the ceiling.

Originally part of the mosque – prayer hall for Muslims, it was transformed into a chapel after the Christian Reconquista of Córdoba in the 13th century.

*Note: Mudejar architecture developed in Spain after the Reconquista, when Muslim artisans, known as Mudejares (Muslims living under Christian rule), continued to work on buildings for Christian patrons. It is a fusion of Islamic design elements with Gothic, Romanesque, and Renaissance Christian styles.

Mezquita de Cordoba Architecture

Villaviciosa Chapel-star shaped ribbed vaulting

Difference between Mosque and Cathedral part of Cordoba Mezquita

The transition from the Muslim part of the Mezquita to the Christian section is nothing short of mesmerizing. I suddenly found myself crossing into a world of contrasts. The most striking change was the colour—stepping from the dim, red-and-white striped forest of columns into a bright, white environment was like entering a different realm. I had to adjust my camera settings just to capture the stark difference for proper photography.

The architectural styles diverged dramatically. As I looked up, the ceiling seemed to soar into the sky. The catedral’s towering Renaissance-style nave, with its grand arches and verticality, made me feel the profound contrast between the two faiths’ approach to prayer. The cathedral’s construction is vertical, reaching towards the heavens, Christians feel ‘close’ to God with these heights. While the mosque spreads out horizontally, covering an expansive area, the horizontal expanse of the mosque conveyed a different message—Muslims, I thought, feel ‘small’ in front of God, humbled by the vast space around them.

Even their orientations reflect this difference—the mosque faces south, toward Mecca, while the cathedral is aligned east, toward Jerusalem. The 90-degree difference between the two is a striking reminder of the distinct religious traditions housed under one roof.

Catedral of Cordoba in Mezquita

Ceiling art inside Mezquita Catedral Cordoba

There is a display of ornate golden baroque religious iconography with Christ on the cross, plenty of relics and statues which emphasis on death and the hope of an afterlife. This is again in contrast with the interiors of mosque which does not allow for the artistic representation of the prophets, human or animal forms. It is more calligraphy I felt, which conveys messages from Koran.

Paintings inside Mezquita Catedral Cordoba

Christian Design Elements of Catedral in Mezquita

The Renaissance-style nave and transept is large, bright space with high ceilings and soaring arches contrasts sharply with the low, dimly lit hypostyle hall of the mosque. The nave’s vaulting is adorned with elaborate stonework, and light floods in through large clerestory windows, creating a sense of vertical grandeur.

The opulent Baroque altars have intricate wood carvings, gilded decoration, and religious sculptures, all highlighting the Christian devotion of the period. The high altar, in particular, is richly adorned, displaying typical Baroque extravagance and religious iconography. The finely carved mahogany choir stalls and seats are intricately detailed with scenes from the Bible and the lives of saints, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era.

The dome above the transept, located at the intersection of the nave, is another notable feature. The dome is adorned with elaborate stonework and religious motifs, contributing to the grandeur of the Christian addition.

Catedral of Cordoba organ

Ceiling of Mezquita Catedral Cordoba

Mezquita Catedral Cordoba Tickets

Where to Buy Tickets with Audio Guides

Unlike Alhambra, where there is limited number of tickets, Mesquita Catedral Cordoba has no dearth of tickets. We were there on a day trip from Seville and reached around 11AM. There were hardly 10 to 15 people ahead of us. I have not read a single instance where a tourist would have returned without being able to visit the interior of Mezquita.

Open Timings of Mezquita Catedral Cordoba

March to October
From 10 AM to 7 PM from Monday to Saturday
From 8.30 AM to 11.30 PM and 3 PM to 7 PM Sundays and feast days
November to February
From 10 AM to 6 PM from Monday to Saturday
From 8.30 AM to 11.30 PM and 3 PM to 6 PM Sundays and feast days.

Ticket Price

Adults: 8 euros
10 to 14-year-children: 4 euros
Below 10 years old: free
From Monday to Saturday, from 8.30 AM to 9.30 AM, it could be possible to visit the Cathedral free, but individually and in silence. In this period of time group visit isn’t permitted.

FAQ about the Mezquita Catedral Cordoba

What is the Mezquita of Córdoba?

The Mezquita of Córdoba, also known as the Mosque-Cathedral, is a historical religious monument in Córdoba, Spain. Originally built as a mosque during the Islamic rule of Spain, it was converted into a cathedral after the Christian Reconquista in the 13th century.

Why is Mezquita famous?

It’s renowned for its architectural beauty and the unique blend of Islamic and Christian elements. Its vast hypostyle hall, with its iconic red-and-white striped arches, stands in contrast to the Renaissance-style cathedral nave inserted into its heart.

Who built the Mezquita of Córdoba?

The Mezquita was originally built by Abd al-Rahman I, the founder of the Umayyad Emirate of Córdoba, in 784 AD. It was expanded several times by his successors, including Abd al-Rahman III and Al-Hakam II. After the Christian conquest of Córdoba in 1236, it was transformed into a Catholic cathedral.

When was the catedral inserted into the Mezquita?

The construction of the catedral within the mosque began in the 16th century under the reign of Emperor Charles V. The Gothic-Renaissance-style nave and choir were built in the center of the mosque, altering its original layout but preserving much of the Islamic structure.

What is the dress code for the Mezquita of Córdoba?

The Mezquita Catedral is an active place of worship, so visitors are expected to dress respectfully. Both men and women should avoid wearing revealing clothing. Shoulders should be covered, and shorts or skirts should be of an appropriate length. Also bags bigger than a small day pack are not allowed inside. It is a no for storage for luggage or strollers.

How long does it take to visit the Mezquita of Córdoba?

A typical visit to the Mezquita-Cathedral takes around 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much time you spend exploring the details of its architecture and history. If you are particularly interested in both the Islamic and Christian elements, or plan to visit the Bell Tower and surrounding areas, you might want to allocate more time.

What is the best time to visit the Mezquita of Córdoba?

The best time to visit is early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid large crowds. Early mornings also offer a special atmosphere, as visitors can enter for free between 8:30 and 9:30 AM (except Sundays and religious holidays), though this is for quiet reflection without guided tours. Spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons in Córdoba, as summer can be extremely hot.

Does the Mezquita Catedral Cordoba allow free entry?

Yes, the Mezquita offers free entry for individual visitors from 8:30 to 9:30 AM on weekdays, except Sundays and religious holidays. During this time, no guided tours are allowed, allowing for quiet reflection. Outside of these hours, there is an admission fee, though it is free for Córdoba residents.

What is the meaning of Mezquita?

“Mezquita” is the Spanish word for “mosque.” In the case of the Mezquita of Córdoba, the term refers to the building’s original function as a mosque during the Islamic rule of Spain. Today, it is also a cathedral, so the full name is “Mezquita-Catedral” (Mosque-Cathedral), reflecting its dual religious history.

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