Cordoba

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We cycled into Cordoba from our well-located campsite on a Sunday. Our main destination was the Mezquita. A mosque built, um, a long time ago – and then converted into a church.

The outskirts of Cordoba were very quiet but around the Mezquita there were lots of people enjoying a sunny Sunday. The Mezquita itself is very impressive with nearly a thousand columns with double arches in red and white stone (see the picture…)

“You have destroyed something unique to build something commonplace”

Arches of the Mezquita
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The outside walls of the mosque have been converted into typical cathedral alcoves and in the centre there is an area of grand vaulted ceilings and a pipe organ and seats for the choir. Emperor Charles V on seeing the changes commented, “You have destroyed something unique to build something commonplace”! Still, I guess the blend of mosque and cathedral makes the Mezquita unique in its own right.

Dave.