The Córdoba Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, is a significant landmark located in Córdoba, Spain. It is part of the larger UNESCO World Heritage site of the Historic Centre of Córdoba and is renowned for its remarkable history, architecture, and religious significance.

Millions of people visit this unique building every year, and of course we had it on our itinerary while roadtripping in south-west Spain, while visiting Córdoba. We bought timed entrance tickets for the latest possible entry, so to avoid the biggest of the day-tripper crowds. 

Originally built as a Visigothic Christian church in the 6th century, it was converted into a mosque in 784 AD after the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. The mosque, known as the Great Mosque of Córdoba or Mezquita, became one of the most important Islamic places of worship in the Western Islamic world.

It is possibly one of the coolest and most intriguing churches we have visited, the mosque elements that you see when you enter, combined with the church that is quite literally inserted into the middle of the whole structure, makes it truly unique. 

After the Reconquista in 1236, when Córdoba was recaptured by Christian forces led by King Ferdinand III of Castile, the mosque was consecrated as a Catholic cathedral.

The interior of the mosque-cathedral is famous for its vast hall with rows of double arches, supported by columns made of jasper, marble, and other materials repurposed from Roman and Visigothic buildings.

The mosque’s original mihrab, or prayer niche, is an exquisite example of Islamic art, featuring intricate mosaics and Arabic calligraphy.

In the 16th century, a Renaissance-style cathedral nave was inserted into the heart of the mosque under the direction of Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor. This includes a high altar, choir, and chapels with ornate Baroque and Gothic decorations.

The original minaret of the mosque was transformed into a bell tower after the Christian conquest. It is now one of the most iconic features of the site.

The Córdoba Cathedral symbolizes the coexistence and clash of cultures in Spain’s history, making it an emblematic site for understanding the country’s religious and political evolution.

The Mezquita-Cathedral is so unique that it has sparked debates over its dual heritage, with some calling for its recognition as a shared space reflecting both Islamic and Christian traditions.

Visiting the Cathedral offers an unparalleled journey through Spain’s complex and layered history.