After
last night's flamenco dance demonstration and diner, we took the
coach from Sevilla to Cordoba. Sharlene and I, with the rest of the
group walked through the Great Mezquita de Cordova or the Great Mosque of Cordoba
The Mezquita dates back to the 10th century when Córdoba reached its
splendor in Islamic history. At that time Córdoba was the largest,
most prosperous city of Europe, out shining Byzantium and Baghdad in
science, culture and the arts. The development of the Great Mosque
paralleled these new heights of splendor..
The Mosque sits on the grounds that have
been sacred for centuries. The columns are from an ancient Roman
temple and the arches are built of alternating red brick and stone and
create an amazing visual effect.
When the city was re-conquered in 1236 the
Christians were going to tear down the mosque, as they had done to so
many others, but left it because of its magnificent beauty. In
1523 the church built a Christian Cathedral inside the mosque.
It creates very contrasting religious architectural style. |
The red brick and alternating stone arches are just
unbelievable
The stunning ceilings in the
Cathedral are amazing
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Note: click above
for more pictures of Cordoba. |
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