The Mezquita

Once the largest city in Europe, Cordoba was the capital of the Moorish empire in Spain and the Mezquita was started around 800 AD by Abd ar-Rahman, the ruling Emir of the day. Hundreds of columns and startling arches define this most incredible building. It is inspiring today. What must it have seemed like 1,000 years ago?

Despite its obvious beauty and around 300 years after Cordoba fell to the Christians, Carlos V authorized the building of a cathedral in the Mezquita’s centre. Upon its completion he said “You have built what you or others might have built anywhere, but you have destroyed something that was unique in the world.” Tragic, but Catholic domination was the order of the day. Did I mention the Inquisition?


And a quick video so you can pretend you're here with me.


This picture is from the Mezquita. Can you guess what it is?