La Mezquita Catedral de Cordoba

The Mezquita-Catedral de Cordoba, in English the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, is historically and architecturally both a mosque and a cathedral as the name implies. Now it operates as a cathedral with Mass held daily and bears the name Catedral de Nuestra Senora de La Asuncion (Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption). This is a unique site, a magnificent blend of historic Muslim and Catholic architectural features.

Originally the site is believed to have been a Visigoth church. The mosque was built in 785 under the direction of Abd Al-Rahman, founder of the Caliphate of Cordoba. The city was captured by King Ferdinand III of Castile as part of the Reconquista in 1236. It is at that point it was converted to a Catholic cathedral.

As you can see from the pictures below, the arches and walls of the Mesquita remain largely in place. The cathedral was built up in the center of the building in the 16th century. It was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1984.

La Sinagoga de Cordoba

Built in 1315 this is the only preserved synagogue in Andalusia erected before the expulsion of the Jews in 1492. After that date it was used as a hospital and in the 16th century became the property of the shoemakers brotherhood. It was declared a national monument in 1885 and was restored beginning in that year.

Alcazar de Los Reyes Christianos (Castle of the Christian Monarchs)

Built in 1328, the Alcazar was erected on the site of a Visigoth fortress. Once a Moorish alcazar, it has been the site of numerous historic events. It once housed Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon. They located a tribunal for the Inquisition here. It was also the site of Christopher Columbus’ first meeting with Ferdinand and Isabella. In the early 19th century Napoleon used it as a garrison for his troops. 

The Alcazar was declared a national monument in 1950.The beautiful gardens shown in the pictures below were built after that time.