One of the sites that should not miss if you happen to be around the Spanish ring is Córdoba. The one place that defines Córdoba is the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba (@Mezquita) and its Bell Tower. Most of it early history is only through oral tradition. Very little is actually known about its origin. Legends say that it started as a small church dedicated to their patron saint St Vincent during the Visigoth era. Emir Abdul-al-Rahman I from the Ummayad kingdom who conquered the Iberian peninsula actually shared part of the building for the Muslim worshippers. He later bought over the rest of the erection and started construction of a grand mosque.
The result is a majestic building which boasts of the splendour of incorporation of Roman columns, Goth architecture, Renaissance and Caliphal designs all into one. This historic site has gained UNESCO World Heritage status.
In its pre-Reconquista heydays, it used to be a medical and educational hub as well as a place of silk production.
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| At the entry of the Mosque-Cathedral. Note the Roman styled bridge over Guadalquivir ©FG |
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| The entrance ©FG |
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The characteristic Roman arches with maroon-beige striation for which the Mosque-Cathedral is known for. ©FG
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| Mihrab (directed toward Mecca) ©FG |
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| The intricate Cathedral ceiling quite advanced for its age. ©FG |
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| The Chapel ©FG |
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| The Bell Tower formerly was a minaret for the mosque. ©FG |
N.B. With all the globalisation and borderless world concept, it was no surprise that besides the usual tapas and paella, that óne of the best briyani can be tasted in a small restaurant in the narrow streets of Cōrdoba manned by a Pakistani immigrant. Trust TripAdvisor to pick it out!
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