What is the Great Mosque of Cordoba?

A mosque of al-Andalus

Abd al-Rahman I, an Umayyad prince who escaped to Spain, began the mosque in 785. Later rulers expanded it several times over two centuries, until it became one of the largest mosques in the world. Cordoba was then one of Europe's biggest and most learned cities, with libraries, scholars and a mix of Muslims, Christians and Jews.

What makes it special

• The arches: hundreds of columns support double arches in alternating red brick and white stone, creating an endless, calm rhythm.
• The mihrab: added under Caliph al-Hakam II in the 960s, decorated with gold mosaics and Arabic calligraphy. It's one of the masterpieces of Islamic art.
• The courtyard: the Patio de los Naranjos, with orange trees, where worshippers once made wudu.

The minaret is now encased inside a bell tower. If you're curious why mosques have these features, see Why do mosques have domes and minarets?

From mosque to cathedral

When King Ferdinand III of Castile took Cordoba in 1236, the mosque was consecrated as a church. In the 1500s a Renaissance cathedral was built right in the middle of the prayer hall. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is run by the Catholic Church. Muslim groups have asked for permission to pray there, but so far it has been refused.

Can I pray there?

Formal prayer inside is not permitted, and it's wise to respect that rule rather than cause a scene. You can pray in the city's mosques or anywhere clean nearby. The Prophet ﷺ said the whole earth has been made a place of prayer for his community (Sahih al-Bukhari 335), and Allah is never limited to one building:

For praying in buildings of other faiths, see Can I pray in a church if there's no mosque nearby? Cordoba also works well with Granada's Alhambra as a trip through Muslim Spain. See What is halal travel?