The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, the official ecclesiastical name of the Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba, is the cathedral of the Diocese of Córdoba, which is situated in the Andalusian area of Spain and is devoted to the Assumption of Mary.Because it was once a mosque, it is also referred to in Spanish as the Mezquita, which means "mosque," and historically as the Great Mosque of Córdoba.The location of the present Mosque-Cathedral has been the subject of scholarly controversy, but traditional records claim that a Visigothic church, the Catholic Christian Basilica of Vincent of Saragossa, once existed there.Abd al-Rahman ordered the construction of the Great Mosque in 785. Abd al-Rahman III's minaret (completed in 958) and his son al-Hakam II's lavishly embellished new mihrab and maqsurah portion (completed in 971) are two of the most noteworthy additions.When Castile's Christian armies took Córdoba during the Reconquista in 1236, the mosque was transformed into a cathedral. Prior to a significant construction project in the 16th century that placed a new Renaissance cathedral nave and transept in the middle of the edifice, the structure itself only saw minor alterations.
Around this period, there was also a major renovation of the previous minaret, which had been transformed into a bell tower. Some of the building's Islamic-era features have been recovered and studied as a result of contemporary renovations that began in the 19th century. The structure is still used as the city's cathedral today, and Mass is held there every day.The mosque building is a significant landmark in Islamic architectural history and had a significant impact on the later "Moorish" architecture of the Muslim world's western Mediterranean regions. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, it is also one of Spain's most important historical sites and a popular tourist destination.
Experience luxury and adventure together as you travel some of Europe's most breathtaking rail routes, passing through well-known tourist spots and taking in stunning landscapes, tunnels, and mountains.
Explore Train RoutesIdeal Time Vacation San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain: 2-3days
Best Time to Visit San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain:May and September
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Best Time to Visit Seville Cathedral, Spain:Through out year
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Best Time to Visit Madrid, Spain:April to June and December to March
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