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The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, also called the Mezquita and the Great Mosque of Córdoba,
is a medieval Islamic mosque that was converted into a Catholic Christian cathedral in the
Spanish city of Córdoba, Andalusia. The mosque is regarded as the one of the most accomplished
monuments of Moorish architecture.
The biggest attraction in Córdoba and a truly must-see building, the Mezquita is a massive
former mosque-turned-cathedral famed for its "forest" of columns topped with Islamic-style
red and white striped arches among its other many architectural highlights and serves as
a reminder of the glory and importance Córdoba held in medieval times. The building is full
of history and beauty - you'll want to give yourself at least a couple of hours to do
it justice.
Built in 786 as a mosque, the structure was expanded several times under Córdoba's Muslim
rule while still remaining largely true to the original design. Following the Christian
Reconquista of Córdoba in 1236, work immediately went underway to convert the building to a
church, and four centuries later a cathedral at the center of the building was constructed,
though not without controversy as it significantly altered the space. Today, despite the presence
of the cathedral, most of the original mosque structure remains remarkably well-preserved.
Approaching the Mezquita, the first thing you will notice is the massive bell tower
on the building's north side which looms over the surrounding buildings. Built in the 1600s
the tower replaced a minaret previously on the site. Along the outside of the building
the wall takes on the appearance of a fortress, with an elaborate set of Moorish-style archway
and windows spaced every so often.