Visit the Spanish Cathedral Within a Mosque

Summary

The Mezquita, originally a Roman temple to Janus, was transformed into a mosque under Moorish rule in the 7th century. Following the Christian conquest of Córdoba in 1236, it became a church and later, a cathedral was added at its center. The Mezquita is a striking blend of Islamic and Catholic architecture, with its iconic 856 columns and arches that create a sense of infinite space. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbolizing religious significance for both Catholics and Muslims, and draws over a million visitors annually.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Mezquita has been a spiritual site for centuries, but its religious significance has changed over time.
• 😀 Originally, the Mezquita was a Roman temple dedicated to the god Janus before it became a mosque.
• 😀 The mosque was built during the late 7th century after Córdoba came under Moorish rule.
• 😀 In 1236, Córdoba came under Christian rule, and the Mezquita was converted into a church.
• 😀 Four centuries later, a cathedral was added at the center of the Mezquita, making it a home for Roman Catholics.
• 😀 The cathedral inside the Mezquita follows classic Catholic Baroque architecture, while the majority of the structure is the work of Islamic architects.
• 😀 The Mezquita features 856 columns and symmetrical arches that create the illusion of infinite space.
• 😀 The architectural design of the Mezquita is considered one of the greatest achievements in Islamic architecture worldwide.
• 😀 The Mezquita is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting over a million visitors annually.
• 😀 Today, the Mezquita holds religious significance for both Catholics and Muslims, reflecting its long and diverse history.

Q & A

What was the original purpose of the site where the Mezquita is located?

The site was originally a temple dedicated to the Roman god Janus.

When was the Mezquita constructed as a mosque?

The Mezquita was built as a mosque after Córdoba came under Moorish rule in the late seventh century.

What significant change occurred in Córdoba in 1236?

In 1236, Córdoba came under Christian rule, and the Mezquita was converted into a church.

How did the Mezquita change after four centuries of Christian rule?

After four centuries, a cathedral was constructed in the center of the Mezquita, and it became a home for the town's Roman Catholics.

What architectural styles are present in the Mezquita?

The Mezquita features both Catholic Baroque architecture (in the cathedral) and Islamic architectural elements, such as symmetrical arches and columns.

Why are the columns and arches of the Mezquita significant?

The 856 columns and symmetrical arches create an illusion of infinite space, demonstrating the grandeur and intricacy of Islamic architecture.

What makes the Mezquita one of the greatest accomplishments in Islamic architecture?

The Mezquita is considered one of the greatest accomplishments due to its innovative design, the use of numerous columns and arches, and its historical significance.

Is the Mezquita recognized as an important historical site?

Yes, the Mezquita is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a recognition of its cultural and architectural significance.

How many people visit the Mezquita annually?

Over a million people visit the Mezquita every year.

What is the Mezquita's religious significance today?

Today, the Mezquita is considered a site of religious significance to both Catholics and Muslims, reflecting its rich, multi-religious history.