Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption
Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba  (Spanish)
Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba Location in Spain Show map of Spain Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba Location in Europe Show map of Europe
37°52′45.1″N 04°46′47″W / 37.879194°N 4.77972°W / 37.879194; -4.77972
Location	Córdoba, Andalusia
Country	Spain
Denomination	Catholic
Previous denomination	Islam
History
Status	Cathedral
Dedication	Assumption of the Virgin Mary
Architecture
Functional status	Active
Architectural type	Church, Mosque
Style	Moorish, Renaissance (with Gothic and Baroque elements)
Groundbreaking	785 (as a mosque)
Completed	16th century (last major addition as cathedral)
Administration
Diocese	Diocese of Córdoba

The Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba is an amazing building in Andalusia, Spain. It's officially called the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. This huge building used to be a mosque, so many people still call it the Mezquita (which means 'mosque' in Spanish) or the Great Mosque of Córdoba.

This special place has a long history. It was built as a mosque in 785 by Abd al-Rahman I, a ruler from the Islamic Emirate of Córdoba. Over the years, it was made bigger and more beautiful by later rulers. In 1236, when Christian forces took over Córdoba, the mosque became a cathedral. Later, in the 1500s, a new Christian cathedral section was built right in the middle of the old mosque.

Today, the Mosque-Cathedral is still a working cathedral where church services happen every day. It's also a very important example of Islamic architecture and a major tourist spot in Spain. In 1984, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A Look Back: How the Building Changed

What Was Here Before?

Some stories say that a Roman temple was here first. Then, a Christian church called the Basilica of Vincent of Saragossa stood on this spot. After Muslims arrived in Spain, this church was supposedly shared by Christians and Muslims for a while.

However, historians aren't completely sure about these early stories. There isn't much archaeological proof. What we do know is that the first mosque was built on this site, and it was much different from any earlier buildings.

Building the Great Mosque

The Great Mosque started being built in 785. This was when Abd al-Rahman I had just created the new Umayyad Emirate in Spain. He was a survivor of the Umayyad dynasty from Syria.

The mosque was built quite quickly, partly because they reused old columns and stone from Roman and Visigothic buildings nearby. The design was influenced by Syrian, Visigothic, and Roman styles.

The First Mosque's Design

The first mosque was almost square, about 74 to 79 meters on each side. It had a large prayer hall and an open courtyard. A special feature was its rows of two-tiered arches in the prayer hall. These arches were used in all the later expansions.

The mosque had four entrances. One important one was the Bab al-Wuzara (Viziers' Gate), now called the Puerta de San Esteban. This was likely used by the ruler and his officials. The courtyard was planted with trees, possibly fruit trees, as early as the 800s. This makes it one of the earliest mosques known to have trees in its courtyard.

Why the Mosque Faces South

Mosques usually face Mecca, the holy city for Muslims. From Córdoba, Mecca is to the east-southeast. But the Great Mosque of Córdoba faces more towards the south.

This was because of old ideas about the right direction for prayer in western Islamic lands. Some believed that "What is between the east and west is a qibla" (direction of prayer), which allowed for southern directions. Also, some thought it should face a certain side of the Kaaba building in Mecca. Even when later mosques in Spain faced more east, the Great Mosque kept its original south-facing direction.

Making the Mosque Bigger

The mosque was expanded many times as the city of Córdoba grew and became more important.

Early Expansions

• In 793, Hisham I added a shelter for the muezzin (the person who calls Muslims to prayer).
• Between 833 and 848, Abd ar-Rahman II made the prayer hall much longer, adding eight more sections of arches. New marble columns and capitals were made for this part.
• Muhammad I (852–886) finished his father's work and added a special prayer space for the ruler called a maqsura. He also restored the Bab al-Wuzara gate.
• Abdallah (888–912) built an elevated walkway, a sabat, connecting the mosque to the ruler's palace. This allowed the ruler to enter privately.

Abd ar-Rahman III's Changes

In the 900s, Abd ar-Rahman III became the Caliph, making Córdoba a very powerful city. He made the mosque's courtyard bigger and built its first real minaret (a tall tower for the call to prayer) starting in 951. This minaret was 47 meters tall and was finished in 958. It was a symbol of his growing power. He also added a new wall around the courtyard.

Al-Hakam II's Beautiful Additions

View of the nave leading towards the mihrab, in the extension commissioned by al-Hakam II in 961

Al-Hakam II (961–976), Abd ar-Rahman III's son, added even more to the mosque. He extended the prayer hall another 45 meters to the south. This part of the mosque has some of the most amazing decorations.

He added a special area around the mihrab (the niche showing the direction of prayer). This area, called the maqsura, had unique, crisscrossing arches. Three beautiful ribbed domes covered the space in front of the mihrab.

The mihrab and domes were decorated with rich gold mosaics. Al-Hakam II even asked the Byzantine emperor in Constantinople to send expert mosaic artists. These artists trained local craftsmen.

Al-Hakam II also ordered a new minbar (pulpit) made of precious woods like ebony and ivory. It was so well-made that writers praised its beauty.

Al-Mansur's Final Expansion

Prayer hall in al-Mansur's extension (after 987)

The last big expansion under Muslim rule was ordered by Al-Mansur in 987–988. Since the river was too close to extend south, he made the mosque wider to the east. He added eight more sections, making the mosque huge. It became one of the largest mosques in the world at that time.

The new parts still used the same two-tiered arch design. However, the new columns had simpler carvings, perhaps because they were made quickly. Al-Mansur also took bells from the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and turned them into chandeliers for the mosque.

From Mosque to Cathedral

In 1236, King Ferdinand III of Castile conquered Córdoba during the Reconquista (the Christian reconquest of Spain). The mosque was then turned into a Catholic cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The first church service was held there on June 29, 1236.

At first, only small changes were made. New chapels were added, and Christian tombs were placed inside. The mosque's minaret became the cathedral's bell tower. Interestingly, many of the workers who maintained the building were local Muslims, called Mudéjars. They were skilled craftsmen.

Later Christian Additions

• The Royal Chapel (Capilla Real) was built in the 1300s. It has a beautiful Mudéjar style, which mixes Christian and Islamic art. It once held the tombs of kings.
• In the late 1400s, the Villaviciosa Chapel was changed with new Gothic arches and vaults.

Major Changes in the 1500s

The ceilings of the Renaissance nave and transept, completed by Juan de Ochoa in 1607

The biggest change was building a new Renaissance cathedral section, called the Capilla Mayor, right in the middle of the old mosque. This project started in 1523. The city council didn't want it, but King Charles V allowed it. When he saw the finished work, he supposedly said, "You have built what you or anyone else might have built anywhere; to do so you have destroyed something that was unique in the world."

Many architects worked on this new section, including Hernan Ruiz I and his son Hernan Ruiz II. It was finished in 1607.

Bell tower as seen from Court of Oranges; the tower encases the remains of the mosque's former minaret

The old minaret, which was now the bell tower, was also rebuilt and strengthened between 1593 and 1617. It was damaged by storms and an earthquake over the years, but it was always repaired. Today, it's 54 meters tall and the highest building in Córdoba.

Modern Times

Since the 1800s, there have been many efforts to restore parts of the old mosque. For example, the original mihrab was uncovered and repaired. These restorations have helped people learn more about the building's Islamic past.

The Mosque-Cathedral became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Restoration work continues today to preserve this amazing building.

What Does it Look Like?

The Mosque-Cathedral is huge, covering an area of about 180 by 130 meters. It has thick outer walls, almost like a fortress.

The Prayer Hall

Hypostyle prayer hall

The main part of the mosque was a large prayer hall. It was used for daily prayers, Friday sermons, and even for teaching and legal cases.

The hall has a flat timber ceiling supported by many rows of two-tiered arches. These arches have a lower horseshoe arch and an upper semi-circular arch. This design creates a "forest of columns" effect. The columns themselves were taken from older Roman and Visigothic buildings. Today, there are about 850 columns made of different types of stone.

The two-tiered arches of the hypostyle hall

The alternating red brick and white stone in the arches are a famous feature. This style was common in older buildings in the region. The two-tiered design was also practical: the reused columns weren't tall enough on their own, so adding a second tier of arches made the ceiling higher.

The Villaviciosa Chapel Dome

In the part of the hall that leads to Al-Hakam II's extension, there's a beautiful ribbed dome. It has a complex design with intersecting ribs that create many different shapes. This dome is now part of the Villaviciosa Chapel.

The Mihrab and Maqsura

View of the maqsura arches and the mihrab behind it, with the lateral doors on the right and left

At the south end of the prayer hall is the richly decorated mihrab (prayer niche). It's surrounded by a special area called the maqsura, which was for the ruler. This area has amazing crisscrossing arches.

The mihrab itself is a small, seven-sided room with a shell-shaped dome. This was one of the first mihrabs to be an actual room, not just a niche. It's covered in beautiful gold mosaics with plant patterns and Arabic writing.

The mihrab (center) and the interlacing arches (left and right) of the maqsura

The three sections of the maqsura each have their own ornate ribbed domes. The middle dome, in front of the mihrab, is especially detailed with mosaics. The mosaics were made by artists from the Byzantine Empire, showing the connection between the Cordoban rulers and the powerful Byzantine Empire.

Arabic Inscriptions

The Arabic writing in the mosaics around the mihrab is very important. It includes verses from the Qur'an and texts praising Caliph Al-Hakam II. These inscriptions were meant to show the mosque as a very important Islamic site and to highlight the caliph's power.

The Courtyard

The Courtyard of the Orange Trees today

The courtyard is now called the Patio de los Naranjos (Courtyard of the Orange Trees). It used to be unpaved earth with citrus and palm trees. Like most mosque courtyards, it had fountains for ritual washing before prayer.

The arches connecting the courtyard to the prayer hall were originally open, letting in light. But many were later walled up when chapels were built. The current layout of the gardens dates from the late 1500s.

The Bell Tower

The bell tower today, dating from the late 16th and 17th centuries

The tall bell tower you see today was built around the original minaret from the 900s. The old minaret was 47 meters high and had two staircases. It was topped with a smaller tower and golden spheres.

The current Renaissance-style bell tower was built between 1593 and 1617. It's 54 meters tall. At the very top, there's a statue of Saint Raphael, added in 1664.

The Main Cathedral Section

View of the cathedral's roof, with the Capilla Mayor rising above the rest of the structure

The main chapel of the cathedral, the Capilla Mayor, is in the middle of the building. It has a cross shape and was built between 1523 and 1607. This section mixes Gothic and Mannerist styles.

The ceilings here are very detailed, with carvings of angels, saints, and even Emperor Charles V. The central dome has images of the four evangelists and the Holy Trinity.

Main Altar

The main altar

The main altar of the Capilla Mayor was designed in a Mannerist style and finished in 1653. It has three sections with columns and paintings. The central painting shows the Assumption. Other paintings show Christian martyrs.

Choir Stalls

Overall view of the choir

The choir stalls, across from the altar, were carved from 1748 to 1757. They are made of mahogany wood and have many detailed carvings. There are 30 upper seats and 23 lower seats. The large episcopal throne in the center features a life-size sculpture of the Ascension of Jesus.

Chapels Inside

The Mosque-Cathedral has many smaller chapels along its walls. These were added over centuries by different families and groups.

• 

  Capilla de Villaviciosa

• 

  Capilla Sagrario

• 

  Capilla Real

• 

  Capilla Teresa

• 

  Capilla San Clemente

• 

  Capilla de la Concepción

Doors and Gates

The building has many doors, some from the Islamic period and others added later by Christians.

Old Islamic Doors

Puerta de San Esteban

The Puerta de San Esteban is one of the oldest and most important gates. It shows the classic style of Moorish gateways: a horseshoe arch with alternating colors, framed by a rectangle. Many other gates from the 900s have similar, more detailed decorations.

Christian Era Doors

After 1236, Christian designs were added to the doors.

• The Puerta de las Palmas is a grand entrance from the courtyard. It was rebuilt in 1533 with Renaissance decorations.
• The Puerta de Santa Catalina is the main eastern entrance to the courtyard. It has a Renaissance facade from the 1500s.
• The Puerta del Perdón (Door of Forgiveness) is a very important door at the base of the bell tower. It has been rebuilt several times, with its current look dating from the 1600s.

List of Doors

West façade, along Calle Torrijos, north to south:

• Postigo de la leche
• Puerta de los Deanes
• Puerta de San Esteban
• Puerta de San Miguel
• Puerta del Espíritu Santo
• Postigo del Palacio
• Puerta de San Ildefonso
• Puerta del Sabat

• 

  Postigo de la Leche

• 

  Puerta de los Deanes

• 

  Puerta de San Esteban

• 

  Puerta de San Miguel

• 

  Puerta del Espíritu Santo

• 

  Postigo del Palacio

• 

  Puerta de San Ildefonso

• 

  Puerta del Sabat

East façade, along Calle del Magistrado González Francés, north to south:

• Puerta de la Grada Redonda
• Fuente de Santa Catalina
• Puerta de Santa Catalina
• Puerta de San Juan
• Puerta del Baptisterio
• Puerta de San Nicolás
• Puerta de la Concepción Antigua
• Puerta de San José
• Puerta del Sagrario
• Puerta de Jerusalén

• 

  Puerta de la Grada Redonda

• 

  Puerta de Santa Catalina

• 

  Puerta de San Juan

• 

  Puerta del Baptisterio

• 

  Puerta de San Nicolás

• 

  Puerta de la Concepción Antigua

• 

  Puerta de San José

• 

  Puerta del Sagrario

• 

  Puerta de Jerusalén

North façade, along calle Cardenal Herrero, west to east:

• Puerta del Perdón
• Puerta del Caño Gordo

• 

  Puerta del Perdón

• 

  Puerta del Caño Gordo

Who Owns It?

There's been a discussion about who officially owns the Mosque-Cathedral. The local Catholic Church registered the building in 2006. They say they own it because the church has used it continuously since 1236.

However, others argue that it has always been state property, belonging first to the Crown of Castile and then to the Spanish government. Some people in Córdoba believe it should be managed publicly and shared.

Why is it Important?

Architectural Influence

This painting by Edwin Lord Weeks (c. 1880) shows an old Moor preaching at the mosque's mihrab.

The Great Mosque of Córdoba is a very important building in the history of Islamic architecture. It greatly influenced later "Moorish" architecture in Spain and North Africa. Its unique features, like the two-tiered arches and the minaret design, were copied in many other buildings.

Even after it became a cathedral, its beauty was still admired. Many writers described it in great detail. Its design helped shape the style of buildings in the western Islamic world for centuries.

Images for kids

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  Fragments of the original mosque ceiling (on display in the courtyard today)

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  Reconstructed mosque ceiling, as seen in the southwestern part of the building today

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  The interlacing arches at the entrance to Al-Hakam II's 10th-century extension (the Villaviciosa Chapel)

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  The ribbed dome at the entrance Al-Hakam II's 10th-century extension (the Villaviciosa Chapel)

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  Details of one of the corners of the dome

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  View of the intersecting arches in the maqsura area around the mihrab

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  The mihrab

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  Carved marble decoration on the lower walls around the mihrab

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  The mosaics in the voussoirs of the mihrab arch

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  Part of the Kufic inscriptions in the mosaics of the alfiz above the mihrab

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  The blind arcade above the alfiz, with mosaics

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  Interior of the mihrab and its shell-shaped dome

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  The middle dome over the maqsura, in front of the mihrab

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  Bab Bayt al-Mal, to the left of the mihrab, the door that led to the mosque's treasury

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  Dome in front of the Bab Bayt al-Mal

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  Bab al Sabat, to the right of the mihrab, the door that led to the passage linking with the Caliph's palace

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  Dome in front of the Bab al-Sabat

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  Part of the main Arabic inscription in the alfiz around the mihrab, executed in gold Kufic characters. It contains excerpts from the Qur'an and a foundation text praising al-Hakam II.

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  Detail of the second, shorter inscription above the mihrab

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  Part of the inscription around the central dome of the maqsura

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  One of the coat-of-arms on the Puerta de Santa Catalina (gate on the east side of the courtyard today) which depicts the minaret tower (serving as a bell tower) before its reconstruction in 1593

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  Model of the reconstructed minaret of Abd ar-Rahman III at the Archeological Museum of Cordoba

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  The nave of the cruciform core of the cathedral or Capilla Mayor, looking towards the altar

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  Details of the Gothic lines and iconographic sculpting over the altar of the Capilla Mayor

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  Elliptical dome over the crossing

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  One of the arms of the transept

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  Gothic decoration on the ceilings of the transept arms

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  Example of the arches of the former mosque incorporated into the sides of the transept

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  The choir section and ceiling

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  Details of the barrel vault ceiling over the choir

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  The tabernacle (center) and the lower region of the altar

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  The upper region of the altar, with the central canvas of the Assumption

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  View of the seats on the upper and lower rows

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  The upper part of the episcopal throne of the choir, featuring a life-size representation of the Ascension

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  Doors on the eastern façade of the Mosque-Cathedral in 1895, prior to 20th-century restorations

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  Remains of the Puerta del Chocolate (or del Punto), a former eastern gate of the mosque from Al-Hakam II's 10th-century expansion (prior to Al-Mansur's eastward extension of the building)

• 

  Puerta de las Palmas, seen from the Courtyard of the Oranges

See Also

In Spanish: Mezquita-catedral de Córdoba para niños

• List of former mosques in Spain
• History of medieval Arabic and Western European domes
• History of early modern period domes
• Timeline of Muslim history
• 12 Treasures of Spain
• List of the oldest mosques