The Mezquita Cordoba

Mezquita is a Spanish name meaning Mosque. The Mezquita of Cordoba is one of the major attractions of Spain. It is fascinating and beautiful building which easily symbolizes the numerous religious changes that Cordoba has had to go through over the years. It is currently a cathedral and it is used officially. The architectural and art work of this huge cathedral is most interesting most of it being touches of the Islamic architects building in 8th century.

The Mezquita has taken two centuries under construction and the outcome is simply amazing. It sits on a site that is most scared to Islam and used to serve as Roman temple especially for Janus and has also served as visigothic cathedral for St. Vincent. This was however before the construction of the mosque but the site still remains to be sacred in every aspect taking into consideration that only religious buildings have been erected here.

The Giant arches are some of the things that you cannot miss while visiting the Mezquita. They are most notable features made of thousands of granite, marble, onyx and jasper columns. They were gathered from the previous temples and roman buildings on the site but make the major must things within the mosque. Also must see within the cathedral is the prayer niches. They are richly gilded and very interesting at that. The Mihrab is probably more interesting. It is a Byzantine mosaic domed shrine once housing the Muhammad relics and Koran. The caliph anteroom plasterwork and mosaics is a masterpiece under Islam art.

The baroque choir is another feature of the Mezquita and it is worth checking out. It is a 16th century work and even though it does not really match up with this ancient mosque, it is still quite impressive. The choir stalls are richly craved and you will also find interesting the intricate ceiling. The Courtyard of the Orange Trees is on the exterior part of the Mezquita and it is also a feature you want to have a glimpse on. There is a beautiful fountain within the beautiful yard and during springtime, the orange blossoms perfume the entire courtyard in a beautiful way.

Toree del Alminar also features in Mezquita. It is a minaret which served as summon for prayer to the faithful. It has an interesting baroque belfry and you can be more adventurous by climbing on its upper part to have that panoramic Cordoba view as well as the beautiful surroundings.