Great Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba

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The next morning, after plenty of rest, we begin our tour of Cordoba. Because we stay in the center of the historic district, we leave our car beneath our hotel. Originally, the great Mosque-Cathedral was constructed in 600 AD as a Roman temple dedicated to Visigothic cathedral. In the 8th century after a new ruler arrived, a mosque was constructed and it took two centuries to complete. Finally, in the 13th century a cathedral was inserted into this immense structure by Christian conquerors. Because thousands of architects and builders from differing cultures had poured their passions over centuries of generations, the interior of this Mosque-Cathedral is impressive and yet odd at the same time.

The first amazing sight is the “forest” of granite and marble pillars with red and white horseshoe-shaped double arches that go on as far as the eyes can see; giving the impression that this building goes into infinity. Thousands of small oil lights and a few bright sun beams streaming diagonally through domes’ windows located high above create enigmatic shadows. Towards the center, a Baroque mahogany choir pulpit stands incongruously under a five story high cathedral ceiling. A few steps in another direction, a domed shrine of Byzantine mosaics, the Mihrab, sparkle. On the perimeter, many gold decorated small chapels ensure that there is no unused empty space......@driving-vacation

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