Well our last mini road trip was planned for Cordoba. Routes were worked out to maximize exposure to a variety of Spanish countryside - it is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. We did not leave as early as anticipated, and a lot of doddling, sight sightseeing and an alteration in route, lead to us arriving in Cordoba about 3 PM, but still plenty of time to see one particular building I had been anxious to see.
But first, the scenery along the way
We stopped for a late breakfast, early lunch, at a spot with the above view and below is the food we enjoyed - huevos, seta, jamón, camarones (eggs, mushrooms, ham and shrimp) and carrillada de cerdo con patates (pork cheeks with potatoes) - the servings were huge.
We were being watched while we ate.
My favourite Spanish road sign - I always think the little car looks like a
nun in her black and white habit
We are being watched again
fields of canola in the distance and what looks like a winter wheat - fields ready for planting
canola oil competes with olive oil here
Now it's on to Cordoba and the Mezquita - the Mosque-Cathedral. A little history of the site. In the mid 6th century the location was the site of of a Visigoth Basilica, then in 786 when the Arabs/Muslims had won the area in a war, a mosque was built in its place. The mosque building was expanded several times over the ensuing 450 years or so. Then, in the early 12th century, once again the Christian forces prevailed and the site once more became a Christian place of worship. In 1136 it was consecrated as the Cathedral of Santa Maria. But rather than obliterating what existed, the Christian church was incorporated into the confines of the existing mosque, making it a quite unique building.
The mosque is apparently the largest mosque in the world as well as being the largest temple. It covers about 260,000 sq. ft., about 6 acres. It has been a Spanish national monument since 1882. In 1984 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in June 2014 it was was given the honour of being classified as a site of Outstanding Universal Value. Since 1236, without missing a single day, Holy Mass for the Christian community, has been held.
Not my picture, but this shows the size and scale of the building complex, including the Patio de los Naranjos (orangery garden) and the bell tower that was once a minaret for the mosque
One of at least 8 entrances
goes on forever
this crucifix has been used so much thru the years that the knees are rub bare
from all the devotional touching
worker doing restoration work in a side chapel, of which there were many,
I lost count at 18
an inscription from the the 968 mosque - removed and preserved in 1560
tower clock machinery from 1747
plaster reliefs
wooden reliefs
fresco from the early Christian era, barely visible anymore
18th century liturgical manuscripts
as with all churches from these times, there are people buried under the floor - lots of money was paid to dedicate chapels and to be buried closer to God. These dated from the 15 and 1600s.
Some of the original mosque walls and decor
not sure about this decorative sculpting, it almost looks very modern, like something from Mussolini's Italy, the figure reminds me of a soldier holding a rifle
one of two pulpits flanking the main altar
always remember to look up!
this was the front wall of the choir - all different stones inlaid in marble I believe
the entrance to the choir, a testament to the millennium that feet have been trodding across it
the main altar
the choir
not a choir without an organ.....
....or two
a bull and eagle at the base of the second pulpit
underfoot while sitting in a pew, someone's final resting place - so deeply carved that the details still exist despite being walked on for centuries
I spy, through an opening...
Bell tower and orangery
original beams that had been removed and replaced, with their Islamic inscriptions
it's not all about tourism, there was a New Holland convention/seminar happening here
another little orangery, cool and quiet to sit in with the sound of running water
the view from the orangery overlooking the river and bridge
you don't often see a horse grazing on a fountain
this is what a parking garage, 4 levels, looks like in the historic center
we were being watched while we had our coffee
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