Mosque-Cathedral Monumental Site of Córdoba

Place of worship · Cordoba

Mosque-Cathedral Monumental Site of Córdoba

Place of worship · Cordoba

2

C. Cardenal Herrero, º 1, Centro, 14003 Córdoba, Spain

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Highlights

Step into the awe-inspiring Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, where intricate Moorish architecture meets serene inner sanctuaries, creating a captivating fusion of cultures.  

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C. Cardenal Herrero, º 1, Centro, 14003 Córdoba, Spain Get directions

mezquita-catedraldecordoba.es
@mezquitacatedralcordoba

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C. Cardenal Herrero, º 1, Centro, 14003 Córdoba, Spain Get directions

+34 957 47 05 12
mezquita-catedraldecordoba.es
@mezquitacatedralcordoba
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@mezq_catedral

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wheelchair accessible entrance
wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Mar 4, 2025

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@cntraveler

A 48-Hour Itinerary for Córdoba, Spain

"The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba is a unique monument to both Islam and Christianity. It is a good idea to visit early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds. The building has a forest of marble, jasper, and granite columns inside and orange trees, palms, and cypresses in the Patio de Naranjos. There is also a sound and light show in the evening detailing its historical and artistic significance."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/cordoba-spain-48-hours-itinerary
View Postcard for Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba
@cntraveler

Andalucía By Bike: A Cycling Adventure Through Spain’s Olive Oil Region

"The Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba is a fascinating historical site with intricate designs."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/andalucia-by-bike
View Postcard for Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba

Lis Conde

Google
What a place! My God! So much beauty, meaning, history and culture in one spot. The entrance is €13 but it is totally worth it. We also got the entrance to the tower and you get some great views from the city. A must see sight if you are in Cordoba. The only thing that disappointed me is that they charge €4 extra for the audio tour, but the information provided in the tour doesn’t give enough details. The focus of it is on the architectural detail, but the info on most of the chapels is missing.

Curious Cosmonaut

Google
Absolutely amazing historical and cultural sight. I recommend this to anyone wishing to learn about the truly impressive cultural legacy of the rich history of Spain and Europe in general. The architecture is beautiful and amazing and the sight is overflowing with history and culture of one of the most interesting facets of Spanish culture. It is truly one of the most impressive things I have ever seen. I couldn't recommend it any more. You should not visit Cordoba without visiting this jewel of humanity.

Juan Alhambra

Google
Wow. What a sight and highly recommend both the mosque and minaret tickets. Climb the minaret first to get a great view for the city. The stairs felt quick (probably 5 minutes with breaks) since you only have <30 minutes total for the view. The mosque is breathtaking. It's everything you see online and then some beciae of the great audio guide and just the atmosphere was everything. Take your time with this mosque as the history is intriguing and there are a lot to see here

Andy Smith

Google
This place is truly amazing. I can see why its on the National Geographic top 100 places. It is totally unique. The idea of an integrated Mosque and Cathedral is rare, I can only think of one other. The architecture is astounding, the way the Christian and Islam aspects are integrated is unlike anything else. Even Jerusalem has nothing to compare. There is also so much here from the orange garden and the tower to the main building and all the nooks and crannies’ around the inside edge. There are also some remarkable treasures on exhibit. You can easily spend a few hours walking around in here. The ceiling in the cathedral part is also amazing. With a good zoom you can pick out the detail of the artwork. This is a prime example of Moorish architecture. If you want to see the cathedral aspect properly, you need to go up the bell tower. We made a special trip from Malaga to visit and it was well worth it. I would certainly recommend visiting here.

Sam Liew

Google
I came to Córdoba wanted to visit this UNESCO heritage site, coming here felt like stepping back in time. It began as a grand mosque built during Córdoba’s golden age under Islamic rule. Later, it was transformed into a cathedral when Christians took over the city. When step inside, I was immediately greeted with a vast hall filled with hundreds of columns and arches in red and white stripes. Walking through them would lead to the center, find a stunning cathedral built later, with high ceilings and intricate designs, blending beautifully with the older Islamic architecture. Outside is a peaceful courtyard filled with numerous orange trees and the sound of water from fountains. It’s a perfect place to pause and breathe in the surreal atmosphere. Visiting the Mosque-Cathedral isn’t just about seeing a monumental building—it’s about feeling the history of a place where different cultures and religions came together.

Elisabetta Borzini

Google
It’s the best 13 euros you will spend in cordoba! There’s a reason why this mosque/church is world famous and my oh my… what an incredible sight! Get lost in the dozens of books and crannies, enjoy the perspective through hundreds of columns and arcs and stop to look at the art, both Christian and Muslim, on the walls and ceilings. This is an absolute experience and no one should miss it!!!!

Joe Desourdie

Google
The building itself is expansive and quite incredible. The vastness of the space with the level of detail is beyond impressive. However there are no signs throughout, so if you did not have an audio guide you would have no idea what you were seeing. The audio guide was also hard to follow and kept glitching which caused me to have to download it multiple times throughout my visit. The church part was also extraordinary with grandeur and intricate details. The whole place is a can't miss in Cordoba!

Mike Tompsett

Google
Amazing place which the photos show, but very little information to enhance the visit, and almost nothing about its history as a Moorish Mosque and how it was changed. Much of the exterior retains it's Moorish heritage, but in the interior this has clearly been plastered over across the centuries with no significant mention. In these modern times it is a miss that this has been ignored.
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Robert S.

Yelp
Beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site. The mosque was built fist and then a cathedral was built inside of it. The only place in the world where a mosque and a cathedral are coexisting with architecture of both open to any visitor. In the 13th century, under Ferdinand III, the Saint, Cordoba's Great Mosque was turned into a cathedral and new defensive structures, particularly the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos and the Torre Fortaleza de la Calahorra, were erected. There's a ticket fee to get in, but from Monday-Saturdays, you can get in for FREE between 8:30a-9:20am. A great way to see this marvel for free.
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PJ C.

Yelp
Another great mosque/cathedral in Southern Spain. At least with this one the Catholics did not totally destroy the mosque when they conquered the Moors. It makes for a very interesting contrast in styles and philosophies. We bought tickets online weeks ago when they were first available. We got the first time slot of the day so we had a shot at some pictures without crowds in them. We also got tickets to climb the tower which are harder to get since they limit that to twenty people every 30 minutes. Overall a fascinating place that perhaps we didn't give enough time to since this was at the end of our month in Southern Spain and we overloaded on sites like this. We spent about an hour. We missed the fact that on our tickets we could have used the QR code to download the audio guide. A must see.
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Gerry T.

Yelp
I first heard of the Catedral de Cordoba from my high school Spanish teacher, bless her heart. I never thought that decades later I would be hearing her voice in my head and see her face in my mind's eye, while visiting Espana. Teachers are very special people. This Catedral was built in 785 AD by the Moors, so you can see some of the finest and earliest Moorish architecture that's been preserved. In fact, there was a Caliphate that was established in Cordoba. In the 1200s, the Christians conquered this area and turned this into a Catedral. They also converted the minaret (tower used to project a call to prayer) into a bell tower. We ran out of time and decided not to go up, I guess that's something to come back for..... Thankfully, instead of destroying this structure, they blended old with new and produced one of the most mind blowing blends of architecture - Moorish/Muslim/Renaissance/Gothic/Corinthian (maybe). You'll walk through a forest of columns and then voila, there's the altar!! It's both stunning and magnificent and unique. To my Spanish teacher - I finally made it to Cordoba, much love to you for inspiring me!!
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Kinnie I.

Yelp
Simply Amazing - reflecting a past where Jews, Christians and Muslims lived together in tolerance of each other under the rule of the Moors (Muslims from North Africa and Morocco who reigned power in southern Spain and Portugal for 700+ years until 1492). In this "Mezquita-Catedral" you can see influences from the Visgoths, Romans, Moors and Spanish Christians. A must see in Cordiba (derived from "Kutuba" in Arabic), Spain. Don't miss it!
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Sarah A.

Yelp
Incredible place! It is so much larger than I would have imagined, even after walking around the exterior. You will get lost in here. We were very pleased too that we were able to visit on Christmas Day, although the hours were a bit limited and only in the morning. We got there at 9am. Note that there is an extra charge to go up in the tower. We opted not to do that because the day we visited was extremely foggy and overcast. The general admission was 13 euros, although according to the ticket this goes to preservation and maintenance as well as social projects, charity and worship initiatives. We actually got tired before we saw everything, that's how much there is to see. They also had some cool nativity scenes for Christmas. Super recommend!
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Lynn M.

Yelp
Probably the most amazing building I have seen in my life. Unbelievable. We don't usually tour cathedrals but this is well worth it. Amazing. There are not enough adjectives to describe it. We did a night tour. You had a headset with your appropriate language. It was cool as they were talking about a certain spot, it would light up. We booked our tickets from home. It does get busy. A must do if you visit Cordoba. Absolutely amazing.
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Taylor C.

Yelp
We had a leisurely visit and spent much time appreciating the beautiful decorations inside the Mosque and Cathedral. It helped that our time of visit happened to be the low season in the winter, but it was a beautiful sunny and warm day.
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Kate P.

Yelp
This building is gorgeous and has an extremely interesting history. I recommend hiring a guide to learn more about the building and its uses over the year--I took a Guru Walk tour around town and connected later with one of their guides for a tour of the Mezquita. Do not miss!
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Kym T.

Yelp
Amazing. Spectacular. Awe-Inspiring. These are just three inadequate adjectives to describe our experience at the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba. Luckily, we had Maria with Tours By Locals for our guide. I cannot imagine navigating this vast space without the help of a guide. Yes, your eye can register the magnificence, but it was Maria who put it all into context for us. We've seen many amazing churches in Europe, but nothing compares to this church within a mosque. At one point, Maria said, 'You are very quiet.' This was because we were trying to take it all in. It's a lot. But it is an amazing lot. Hire a guide and go! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
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Tanja N.

Yelp
This mosque-cathedral is one of many UNESCO world heritage sites in Spain that are on a must list list! Built in the 8th century after the Moorish conquest and than turned into cathedral in 13th century like many others throughout the Spain. Still this one was my favorite! Little life hack, this one can be visited at 8am-9.30am with no cost. Due to Covid, in July of 2021, crowds were nonexistent, so we were among few tourists enjoying this beautiful structure.
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Adam K.

Yelp
One of the most impressive religious buildings in the world. Period. Because it changed hands between Roman pagans, Visigoth Christians, Moorish Muslims, and finally (currently) Spanish Catholics, there is a LOT to see. I came here once and spent many hours exploring with two companions and recently returned and went with a tour. A tour is nice; it can get you a good overview in about one hour but whatever you choose, I strongly encourage you to plan plenty of time to take it all in. Between the differing styles of decorative religious relics, simple and functional arches that stretch on forever, contrasted with the beautifully ornate Mihrab, the numerous chapels, and so much more, this is a place you should visit at least once in your life.
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Ryan M.

Yelp
This was the highlight of my entire trip to Spain. I had visited many UNESCO World Heritage sites on the trip but this was my favorite. To me it was the most iconic and stood out most in my mind. Originally built as a mosque by the Moors, it was later taken over and converted to a cathedral. The Moorish architecture is visually stunning and i like that both the Christian and Muslim features coexist in the same space, i just wish we could do the same in the modern world. It's the largest Mosque/Cathedral in the world, you can tell the older part from the newer additions where the white in the arches are much brighter. I not only liked the Mosque/Cathedral but the surrounding area, there are so many little shops and eateries surrounding the place for you to explore and navigate. Of all the places i visited in Spain, i think i liked Cordoba the best.
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Wei C.

Yelp
This place is beautiful and very big. Once inside you can wander the whole mosque-cathedral and there is always something to wonder at and their intricate, detailed work is very striking. The line to buy a ticket was insane on a Saturday morning, it's better if you pay with a credit card at the self-serve kiosks to the side of the ticket booths. The price is 10 euro per person. There are a lot of tourists but if you walk away from the main entrance you can find more space and less tourist and a perfect place to contemplate the grandiosity of this architectural gem. Along the exterior walls you can see various paintings, sculptures and shrines that are very detailed and ornate. The details of the mosque are well preserved. Would recommend coming to this place wry early in the morning (to avoid the crowds) to have a contemplative experience.
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Ryan A.

Yelp
Pretty sure most are aware of this beautiful attraction if visiting the wonderful city of Cordoba. First and foremost, no clue how busy this attraction can be during the busy part of the year, but I had bought my ticket the night before during the off season and was still pretty busy when visiting. With that said, I would not wait too long to get your ticket if interested as it is well worth it and a complete bargain at 10 euro (Extra 2 euro for tower climb). With the basics out of the way, shift your focus to this spectacular religious building and one that may be the shining star of the south of Spain. The inside Roman inspired cathedral to the Moorish spirals and various architecture leaves you in an absolute awe! I can honestly go on for hours about how beautiful each turn of the facility is, but I really think the photos can speak for themselves. I'd also suggest getting a local guide to really fill you in on the history of the site and also to possibly guide you to some other sites that are near the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba. Easily add this to your list while visiting the city of Cordoba.
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Courtnie C.

Yelp
The Mezquita is not only architecturally attractive but it is a window into the past of Andalusia. Moorish influence mixed with Spanish Catholicism, shows how the city was woven together. There is a ticket booth (tickets are 10 euros per person) in the plaza with the orange trees that opens a bit before 10 am. General admission starts at 10 am sharp. You can beat the heat inside the expansive marbled interior with additional art showcases in the open space. There is a summer evening event happening now called "El alma de Cordoba" or the soul of Cordoba which has 100 entries at 10 pm. NOTE: It is an active church so there is mass that takes place as well so keep that in mind when you are planning your visit.
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Tim X.

Yelp
La Mezquita alone is worth a day trip to Cordoba, it's THAT incredible. We made a stop here on our train route from Madrid to Sevilla. We arrived early in the morning and were one of the first people in. This was really special, as the cathedral is far better experienced when it's relatively empty of crowds and tour groups. You experience almost a haunting sensation wandering the patterned columns, and it's also interesting to see the difference in Catholic and Islamic influences on the architecture as the warring groups fought over control and influence of this site in the past. We spent a little over an hour here, inside and around the courtyard. Definitely the highlight of Cordoba and one of the most unique landmarks in Spain.
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Rabia J.

Yelp
This was one gorgeous place in Spain that we visited three times from inside and out. Philosopher Muhammad Iqbal describes the mezquita the best: "Sacred for lovers of art, you are the glory of faith, You have made Andalusia pure as a holy land!" This mosque/cathedral has a complex and long history. Read a bit about it before going to visit. I was fascinated each time I visited it because it's so grand from inside that I discovered each visit something new which I overlooked previously. It's true it's free to visit from 8:30am-9:30am for any country's' visitors but I advise you to go after 9:30am as well because at that time they open all the lights and you see all the details. There is also a tower which is extra 2 or 4 euros to visit but it gives a great city view which I highly recommend. The entry of the mezquita is 12 or 14 euros for the inside. The garden and courtyard area is free and very nice to sit and relax near the lime trees. This place brightens Córdoba with its radiance. A must visit.~
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Kanchan B.

Yelp
Ohmygawd y'all - jaw dropping awe doesn't do justice to this building. It was just the absolute highlight of our Day 1 South of Spain tour!! Our tour guide let us spend half a day here, exploring the buildings and with a guided tour that explained its history, but I just wanted to sit and stare and experience/ absorb all the lovely energy that centuries of faithful worshipers have created in this place. The building started its life as a series of small mosques and then became a catholic church and those influences are beautifully melded in the architecture. It's a holy place and for me, the atmosphere just totally reflected that. The beauty of the arches, the floors that have seen millions of feet, the dark and light elements - its something I felt very privileged to be able to visit. Yelp Review 85/ 2017
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Tony T.

Yelp
One of the highlights of Cordoba and worth a trip here to see this beautiful Cathedral that used to be a Mosque. The different layers of architecture are fascinating as is the history of the building. We took a guided tour but you could try to go on your own. The mix of culture and religion in this area of Spain is epitomized by the Mezquita. It does get very busy so try to book your tour or tickets in advance.
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Khama W.

Yelp
Honestly, can you give this place anything less than 5 stars? Prepare yourself for an experience that will be sure to give your heart and soul the sustenances
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Matthew L.

Yelp
Once a Visigoth church, then a Moorish mosque (mezquita), and now a Catholic church... The Mezquita is a living testament to the blend of different cultures and architectural styles into the building it is today. As kingdoms waxed and waned, each conquerer used the preexisting foundations and architectural bases from the previous predecessors to create this masterpiece. What an amazing sight! When I came here during my recent August trip, I only paid for admission for the cathedral itself (8€ for adults; no student discounts), which was plenty enough to stare, gaze, and be mesmerized at. As you first enter, you'll see the beautiful red and white arches, which is what most people associate the Mezquita with. I stopped to take photos of the arches and columns thinking there weren't many to take pictures of... But there are a whole ton of them! The Mezquita is very big and was much larger than what I imagined it to be. In the Mezquita, everywhere you turn there are lots of nooks and crannies filled various paintings, sculptures, and religious pieces of Catholic art. But since the current Mezquita was built on the grounds mosque, there is a large portion of the edifice that houses great examples of Mujedar art and architecture (this happens to be one of my favorite parts here!). At the center of the Mezquita is the altar/sanctuary area that is breathtakingly beautiful and intricate. With every turn at the Mezquita you'll find something different and new -- simply a refreshing experience full of cool surprises. My friend and I had limited time in Spain and we were contemplating staying longer in another city in Andalucia, almost skipping Cordoba. So glad that we didn't, because it was so worth it! ¡Visítela y disfrute bien aquí! (Visit and have fun here!) 5 estrellas *****!
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Sanaa H.

Yelp
If ever there was a signature space for this city it's this building. The tickets can be bought online beforehand or at the obscure ticketing office. There are automated kiosks, as well. Either way once inside you find the entrance where everyone is lined up and wait for a security guard to review your ticket. If you look like us you'll be told you can't pray inside...strange! The space is cavernous and dark like a cave but once your eyes adjust its everything! I cannot get enough of the arches, the columns, the orange trees replicated in the courtyard. Such a beautiful space and place to be. Once a mosque now a church...there are remnants of moorish style architecture coated with Christian adornments. Please go! You will be forever changed.
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Siv S.

Yelp
Wow! Such an amazing place. It's a mosque-cathedral but it's an architectural wonder. You can literally see architecture that spans more then a millennium since the people here never really tore down anything but kept building upon previous occupants. (Except for the bit when they tore a bit into the center to put the catholic alter) You will see classical elements all the way to baroque with eastern influences from the Muslims. I think this structure is a great symbol of how everyone can live together in peace just like this building has incorporated everything. Its true beauty oddly enough is its majestic integration of everything.
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Matt G.

Yelp
Main reason for coming to Cordoba and it is quite like nothing else you have ever seen. The mix of features from two religions integrated and side by side. Memorable and iconic. I wish they had more signs on facts about how the conversion took place. The older structures stands out from the less old inside. A landmark over the changes of battle control and religious influence of the region. A bit of a haunting sensation in the air. Many artifacts on display along the sides and in separate rooms. There are so many carved out details. Don't forget to look up at the high cieling. How did they do all the ornaments with such precision? Moorish and Renaissance next to one another. This is the kind of World Heritage site where you want space to move around and take your time in quiet pace, so go in low season to get the best experience.
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Joe C.

Yelp
There are certain places that absolutely smack you in the face with the weight of human history; the cathedral at Cordoba is one of them. I suggest two major takeaways from this amazing place: 1. People have lived in Europe a really, really long time. 2. Rebuilding houses of worship from scratch simply because the holy site in question has been conquered by a new civilization is a lot of work. Always use the material already there if possible. If you look closely, you'll see that this pagan holy site was, after being conquered by Rome, converted into a Roman temple ... and a pseudo-Germanic holy site after the Visigoths conquered the empire. When the Arabs conquered Andalusia, did they pick a new place for their mosque? Nah, they just built the arches of their mosque over the old Roman pillars and the floor. European Christians had the same idea when THEY conquered Cordoba, and built a freaking full-size Baroque cathedral INSIDE the mosque. Reduce, worship, and recycle indeed. Each area of the site, from the entrance courtyard to the mosque to the church, has its own feel and interesting areas to see. Give yourself longer than you think you'll need because it's huge and you'll find it more interesting than you think at first. This is the single place where you can see all the contradictions, syncretism and mixing that makes southern Spain the amazing place it is. You should go here.
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Allison N.

Yelp
Out of all the cathedrals and churches I visited while in Spain, this had to have been the coolest one. As you probably have already read, this place switched hands several times during the reign of the Muslims and later with the reconquering by the Christians. So the mosque/cathedral really reflects two very different cultures and their styles of worship. What that means is that you can walk to one part of La Mezquita and it will feel and look totally different than the other part. The cathedral part is incredibly ornate with gorgeous etched ceilings and extravagant carvings for the tabernacle/organ. The mosque area is a little bit more colorful, with red striped arches throughout the building. Apparently church services are held here every day of the year, with no exceptions, which is pretty neat. Admission prices weren't too bad -- I believe it was 12€ to get in, but they do NOT take cards which I thought was a little outdated. It is the 21st century, guys. But plan on bringing cash if you want to get in. Overall a really cool spot entrenched in lots of history. It's amazing and one of the most incredible places I have seen in my lifetime.
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Kristy N.

Yelp
Originally, the mosque was built after the Islamic invasion in the 8th century of Cordoba, King Ferdinand III, reconquered Cordoba in the 13th century who brought back Christianity in this land. This mosque really amazed me because it was the representation that there is harmony between a mixture of cultures and religions. The colours of the arches are red and white, with many large cool columns down the middle. One of the larger areas for masses include large windpipes and approximately four rows of seats. I really wish that I could have came at nighttime as the pictures of this place looks gorgeous. However, in the daylight, this is a pretty place with a ton of culture and history.
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L L.

Yelp
I can think of a single word to describe the Mezquita...stunning. It is the main reason to visit Cordoba. The mosque/cathedral is architecturally beautiful inside and out from the outer walls to its center garden. The religious paintings should probably belong in a museum, but are well preserved within. We were lucky to visit early 8:30 - 9:30 am when entry is free. The long lines began forming at 8:00 am. The mezquito's bell rang at 10:00 am and it has such a lovely tone. We felt lucky to have experienced it. A visit to Spain should include a stop here and in Granada to see The Alhambra.
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Alek Z.

Yelp
This place is freaking tight. Even if you're not all that into history, it's a really cool building. If you are into history, you'll absolutely love it here. La Mezquita-Catedral is by far the one thing you have to do in Cordoba. Entrance was 8 euros, which is a terrific deal. There's the main outdoor courtyard, which was orange trees and water fountains. It's very relaxing and a good area to chill. You can relax there before and/or after doing the actual Mosque-Cathedral proper. The actual building is amazing. It's a very interesting mix of Muslim and Christian architecture. There's not only the iconic red and white arches, but also capitals (I forget the word in English) with altars to saints and stuff. The main cathedral portion is really, really impressive. In fact I would say it was one of the coolest ones I've been into yet. Just so much detail and architecture, I can't even describe it in words. Even pictures only do so much, you have to see it for yourself. Walking through the whole thing took maybe an hour, going by myself without a tour guide. I just liked moseying along, taking in the sight. This place is right next to the Alcazar, and in the same area as the Roman Bridge and the Jewish Quarter. The only thing I didn't like was that you couldn't go up into the big bell tower, which would have been awesome. I even tried to bribe the security guard, but apparently my Spanish nor my wallet were good enough to get past the gate. That'll be the goal for my next trip to Spain.
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Mr B.

Yelp
Brings tears to your eyes to see such beauty in architectural workmanship. Yes, total tourist trap BUT if there right when they open you'll get as close to a religious experience as you can for otherwise prepare yourself to be cattle herded through masses of tourists and buses of insensitive beasts seeking a glimmer of glory. I'll be the first to say I was fearful of going here but it was well worth it. Reminds me of the mosques in Marrakech but with an amazing Christian overlay. The history is fascinating, the art inspiring and the gardens are full of solitary spots to rest, listen to fountains and reflect on the grounds. If you time the morning sun just right the stained glass makes amazing reflections on the floors. I sat by one for an extended period of time and literally hundreds walked by taking photos and never seeing me or the beauty of the cast light...
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Ellen L.

Yelp
this one of two historical gems that we absolutely had to see during our short visit to cordoba. founded in 785, this is known as the "great mosque of cordoba" and is one of the most distinguished structures in moorish architecture. since it was literally across the street from our hotel, it was the very first site that we visited after dropping off our luggage. entering the main gates is free, since you are only entering the courtyard, the exterior of the mosque. we walked around the courtyard and admired the delicate architecture, arches, pillars, beams, and inscriptions along the walls. the courtyard was kept very well with assorted flowering plants and trees, perfect for taking in some shade underneath the hot sun (and boy was it hot when we visited, about 35C in september!) although we planned to go inside, we also wanted to see some other tourist sites and historic landmarks which were a bit farther away, and since this was so close to our hotel, we decided to see the interior a bit later. we ended up going on a bus tour and seeing other sites, and unfortunately, by the time we made it back to the mezquita, it was closed for the day. :( since we were leaving early the next morning, we did not have the pleasure of seeing the interior, but we vow to return to cordoba so that we can have a complete visit of the great mosque. admission is €8 for adults, €4 for children ages 10-14, and free for children under 10.
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Tania L.

Yelp
This quite unique Cathedral is an amazing example of what mixture of cultures, religions and eras can produce. This church was originally erected by the Visigoths. Upon the conquering of Cordoba by the Muslims in 711, the church was divided between the 2 faiths: one half remained a place of worship for catholics whilst the other half functioned as a mosque. By 784, the caliph purchased the catholic half and the original Visigoth church was destroyed and replaced by the mosque. By 1236, Cordoba was conquered back by kond Ferdinand III, who converted the mosque back to a Catholic curch, building naves, chapels as well as converting the minaret into the bell tower. When visiting this fairly unique church, one cannot but dwell on how easily these 2 religion could intertwine, and just as easily take over and impose their own ruling. I spent hours admiring both the catholic cathedral as well as what remains of the muslim mosque. And wondered if this could be a place where both religions could coexist together in peace and harmony. Absolutely should be on ANYONE's bucket list!
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Rachel A.

Yelp
The size itself is breathtaking. Really amazing to see the transformation of cultures and religions in one building. A must see.
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Cristina G.

Yelp
The Mezquita, like other reviewers have already stated, is a must see while in Andalucia. It is the most amazing architectural structure...a cathedral inside of a mosque. How amazing that two very different architecture styles can coexisting one structure? The red and white marble arches are something to be seen...almost gives you a sense of Candyland. In general, the visit is worth the entrance fee of 8 euros. You can take your time wandering the Mezquita...and it will take time since it is so large.
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Heather D.

Yelp
Definitely a must-stop if you're traveling between Seville and Toledo. This church / mosque is stunningly beautiful and one of a kind.
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Syl M.

Yelp
The Mezquita is a must see in Cordoba. Yes: you'll have to line up for à ticket (8€) and yes: there will be many other visitors but still it's totally worth it. Once inside you'll be struck by beauty and the place is big enough to make your visit a very comfortable one. The marble arches, the many chapels, the gold, the ceilings, the light: amazing! According to the book Muslim Spain: Its History and Culture by G. Chejne "the beauty of the mosque was so dazzling that it defied any description." and that's very true: go see for yourself :) Tip: there's an excellent Wikipedia article about this great church turned mosque turned church!
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Rina C.

Yelp
Love this! it's amazing. If you visit Spain must take the time to visit Cordoba! I love this city!
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Ute L.

Yelp
This place is just overwhelming and an obvious must-see while you are in Cordoba. It is so huge that the crowds actually get lost, which makes it feel less crowded than your usual tourist attractions. I believe entrance may be free before 10:00 AM but be sure to check upon arrival.
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Aaron D.

Yelp
Certainly a nice place to visit in Cordoba. Most everyone (reviewers, guidebook authors) seems to feel differently, but I actually think I like the church part better than the forest-of-striped-arches mosque part. From an aesthetic standpoint, I much prefer the great mosques in Istanbul (e.g., http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultan_Ahmed_Mosque) but it's certainly interesting to see a very different type of large scale religious architecture compared to all the churches in Spain. I think Rick Steves mentions some of the interesting differences in his guidebook -- churches tend to soaring and vertical, whereas the Cordoba Mezquite emphasizes more sprawling horizontal space. And of course churches are filled with recognizable figurative art, whereas Islamic art is all geometric and abstract.
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Isabel A.

Yelp
What can I say that it has not been written about this jewel yet? Nothing only that if you have not seen it yet, you need to make sure you do! It is a remarkable experience. I felt in total awe and silence the whole time I was there, walking slowly, breathing the air and feeling the place to be able to evoke it in my memories whenever I felt the need to be in a completely peaceful state.
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S R.

Yelp
A must see if you are heading to Southern Spain. Don't expect friendly customer service at the venue, we had terrible experience in that regard. But the trip was nonetheless priceless. Can be an easy day trip by train from Seville.

Anonymous A.

Yelp
By far one of the coolest places I've visited! One of the highlights of our travels throughout Spain. A must see for any traveler!
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James P.

Yelp
The Mezquita of Cordoba is one of the treasures of Spain. The dozens of archways are beautiful in their simplicity. The Moorish architecture is a sharp contrast to the almost gaudy seeming Christian church that was inserted into the center of this beautiful building. Compared to many of the other sites in Spain, Cordoba is a little more off the beaten path. As a result, don't stress about there being too many people there crowding your experience. The outside courtyard is a great place to have a picnic lunch and soak up the history and beauty of this building.
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Jeff P.

Yelp
Wow! What a surprise. Never hearing of this cathedral/mosque before, I had no expectations. But, I was blown away by it's beauty and shear magnitude. Set aside a few hours of soaking it all in. Bring your camera.

J T.

Yelp
This place is absolutely amazing. The rows and rows of columns seem to go on forever. You can see where the Mezquita was expanded over time and what the Christians did once they took control. I could spend hours just wandering around this place. I have never been anywhere like this.

Qype User (birdik…)

Yelp
Great monument where you can find the mixes of arabaic and south-spanish styles. Totally recommended, but take care about hight temperatures at summer!