Mezquita-Cathedral of Córdoba
The forest of arches raised by the Umayyads, now a cathedral.
Key points
- Construction began around 785 and continued for two centuries; the Renaissance cathedral was built inside the building in the 16th century.
- Its interior has more than 850 columns and arches of red and white voussoirs.
- The 10th-century mihrab is the decorative jewel of the building.
- It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. Buy tickets only on the official website.
A history in layers
The Mosque began as a prayer hall of the Umayyad dynasty, which started building it in Córdoba in 785. During the 9th and 10th centuries it grew to the south and east, and it reached its almost final form with the extension of Almanzor in 987. After the Castilian conquest of 1236 it became a church and, in the 16th century, a great cathedral nave was opened in the heart of the building. That coexistence of styles is what makes it unique: according to UNESCO it is an outstanding example of Islamic religious architecture and one of the most singular artistic creations in the West.
The forest of columns
Entering the hypostyle hall is an almost unrepeatable experience. Hundreds of columns, many reused from Roman and Visigothic buildings, support superimposed two-colour arches: white stone and red brick. With light entering from the side, the effect is one of infinite depth.
The mihrab and the maqsura
In the 10th century Caliph Al-Hakam II extended the mosque and had the mihrab built, a niche marking the direction of prayer, decorated with gold tesserae mosaics and calligraphy. The area in front of it, the maqsura, is covered with ribbed vaults that anticipate the Gothic.
The cathedral and the bell tower
The Renaissance nave, the work of several 16th-century architects among whom Hernán Ruiz stands out, rises above the arcades. The bell tower was built over the old minaret; today you can climb it with a separate ticket to see the rooftops and the city.
The Courtyard of the Orange Trees
Before going in, the ablutions courtyard keeps its orange trees in rows, with fountains and the bell tower as a backdrop. The 14th-century Mudéjar Puerta del Perdón is one of the historic entrances.
Visiting tips
- BookIn high season and on key dates time slots sell out: buy ahead on the official website.
- TimeThe first hours of the day are quieter and the light inside is softer.
- Other visitsThe official website sells tickets for the bell tower, the night visit "El Alma de Córdoba" and the route of the Fernandine churches.
- RulesIt is a place of worship: dress appropriately and respect the visiting rules.
Opening hours and prices
They change with the date, the type of visit and religious services. We give no figures so as not to mislead: always check the official website of the Mosque-Cathedral.
Frequently asked questions
Is there free entry to the Mezquita-Cathedral?
There has been a free time slot for individual visitors, but hours and conditions change: always check the official website of the Cabildo.
Where can I buy tickets?
On the official Mezquita-Cathedral website and at its ticket offices. Avoid resellers charging a premium.