The Gem of Cordoba

View of Cordoba with the Cathedral towering in the Centre. A flock of sheep in the foreground.

Among all of the Andalusian cities of Southern Spain, Cordoba is one of the multi-faceted cities as it still represent the strong influence of both the Islamic and Christian cultures and traditions. Nothing else stand out in the city but the one and only Mezquita which is now known as the Catedral de Cordoba. This site was formerly a martyr's Church of  San Vicente. Following the Islamic Invasion of Cordoba, the City was dominated by the Muslims where they destroyed the Church to build their own Mosque, the Mezquita. The Mezquita was the most important sanctuary of Western Islam during the year 785 and beyond. Then in 1236, King Ferdinand III reconquered Cordoba from the Muslims and transformed the Mezquita into a Cathedral for Christian worship. In the same building, the Spanish Reconquistas built a Cathedral over the Mosque which resulted in forever preserving the Islamic influence in the City and the whole of Spain. Visiting the Cathedral was so fascinating for me as I saw the blending of the different architectural styles of the Muslim Mosque arches and the elaborate Baroque Christian Cathedral. Even UNESCO has designated the Cathedral as one of Spain's World Heritage Sites.  The Spanish call the Cathedral of Cordoba A live witness to our history.

We crossed this Pedestrian only Puente Romano (Bridge) to reach the City of Cordoba. 

A statue of St. Michael the Archangel, stands on the Puente Romano which reminded me of the Ponte Sant' Angelo in Rome.
  The Rio Guadalquivir flows beside the City. 

Entrance to the City.

Different Architectural styles representing Muslim and Andalusian influences. 

Entrance to the Mezquita.

Intricately carved Muslim arches. When Spanish Reconquistas took over, they transformed the Mosque by adding Christian Icons like the Holy Cross. 

A statue of St. Michael the Archangel amongst the Mosque architecture.

Here is the blending of the Muslim Mosque arches and the Christian Cathedral architecture. 

Inside the Cathedral are Christian paintings and more grand Christian icons. 

The Cathedral was consecrated as the mother church of the Diocese in the year 1236. Since then, the Cathedral is still a place of worship for Roman Catholics. Holy Mass and other religious ceremonies are still celebrated in the Cathedral.

In Cordoba, the Muslims, the Catholics and the Jewish religions are represented. All of these religions, their history, traditions and treasures are the Gems of Cordoba.

Outside of Cordoba,  a view of the natural wonder of Andalusia. Both the Cathedral and the beautiful nature outside of Cordoba show the Glory of God.


Have a wonderful weekend everyone! Stay warm.