The hypostyle prayer hall, one of the major highlights of the Cordoba Mosque is a huge space filled with about 1250 columns. Some of the columns were already in place in the Gothic building, while others were delivered as gifts from governors of provinces from around Iberia, meaning that they vary in height and material
Mostly, materials including stone, brick, marble, and granite, sourced locally or repurposed from existing structures, reflecting a sustainable approach to construction. The use of marble and granite floors added to the opulence of the prayer space, while the mosaics and marble sculptures were created to depict verses from the Qur'an.
The use of short columns with additional bricks, stones, or concrete allowed for the desired height of the prayer hall without the need for tall monumental columns.
The original floor plan of Aljamas was inspired by the basilica model, which took cues from mosques in Damascus and Jerusalem's al-Aqsa. The space was divided by stacked arches into eleven naves next to the qibla wall. Similar to the Basilica of San Vicente, this innovative design also used Roman and Visigoth elements from previous projects. The original floor consisted of a thick layer of mortar over compressed earth, while the walls were constructed using limestone ashlars in a stretcher and header bond system, a specific method of arranging bricks or stones.
During Rahman II's reign, the prayer hall of the mosque was expanded into eight parts, increasing the length of the mosque by 24 meters. This expansion was influenced by the political relationships established with the Eastern Caliphate at the time, as well as the introduction of new architectural styles from the east to the peninsula. The architectural features of this enlargement, such as contrasting sections and arcs, the use of stone and brick, and overlapping segments and curves, are similar to those seen in the mosque's original construction.
In 929, the city of Cordoba became more important in the Islamic world when the caliph Abd al-Rahman III came to power. During this time, a new minaret was built and the courtyard of the mosque was expanded. This was the first minaret in the West and it became a model for Moorish minarets and steeples built by the Almohad dynasty. Today, the minaret is located inside a Christian bell tower though it is no longer visible.
X Almanzor completed the final significant addition to the mosque of Córdoba at the turn of the century. Almanzor expanded towards the east, taking advantage of its location near the river, and added 8 more aisles in that direction. To accomplish these improvements, Almanzor had to seize the residences in this area. The mihrab was also relocated as a result of the mosque's renovation.The arches in this section display a range of colors due to a combination of stone and brick materials.
The Cordoba Mosque measures 590 by 425 feet (180 m 130 m) after all of its historical extensions. The initial floor layout was based on the overall shape of some of the oldest mosques built in the early days of Islam. Some of its elements were modeled after the Umayyad Mosque of Damascus.
The Cordoba Mosque has strong outer walls that make it look like a fortress. There is a large courtyard to the north surrounded by a covered walkway with gates on the north, west, and east sides. On the west side of the mosque, there used to be an elevated corridor that connected the prayer hall to the Caliph's palace across the street. The mosque's naves were decorated with valuable wine-colored marble from the nearby mountains.
More about Cordoba Mosque's exterior
The Cordoba Mosque Arches are a masterpiece of architectural innovation. The double-tiered arches, with their intricate horseshoe and semicircular shapes, create a mesmerizing forest of columns and light. This unique design, combined with the vibrant colors of the columns and the intricate carvings are a sight to see!
The Door of Forgiveness is a crucial part of the Cathedral's ceremonies and is considered a passage for important religious events. It was finished in 1377 and has been renovated multiple times, including in 1650 by architect Sebastian Vidal. Some mural paintings by Antonio del Castillo can still be seen on the door.
It was named after the nearby Convent of Saint Catherine. The gate was redesigned by Hernan Ruiz II in 1547, taking over from his father, Hernan Ruiz I, who had passed away. The exterior of the gate features a Renaissance façade with a doorway flanked by two columns and decorative elements depicting Saint Catherine, Saint Acisclus, and Saint Victoria.
Previously called the Blessings Arch, this structure was where the royal banner of each new monarch was blessed during their coronation. In 1533, Hernan Ruiz I was given permission to renovate it, adding an upper structure with a picture of the Annunciation. Small mythological figures can be seen in the lower corners near this image.
This doorway is one of the oldest at the Monumental Site, dating back to Abd al-Rahman I's initial mosque. Despite undergoing multiple changes, the arch's structure still follows traditional Visigoth architectural designs. (pre-Islamic architectural styles inspired by the Visigoths)
The Cordoba Mosque was built upon the ruins of the Visigoth Basilica of San Vicente in the 8th century. Find out more about the origin of the Cordoba Mosque on our history page.
The original Cordoba Mosque was built in 784–786 by the Umayyad monarch Abd ar-Raman I.
The mihrab is a niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the direction of Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. It serves as the focal point for prayer.
Roman columns were repurposed and incorporated into the mosque's design as a practical and cost-effective solution. They also added structural support to the building.
The architecture of the Cordoba Mosque evolved over several centuries, with successive rulers adding new elements and modifications. For example, the minaret was converted into a Christian bell tower, reflecting changes in religious ownership and practices.
The courtyard provides a space for ablutions, reflection, and community gatherings.
The horseshoe arch, the primary Cordoba Mosque arch has roots in Visigothic architecture and was adopted by the Umayyads. It became a distinctive feature of Islamic architecture in al-Andalus.
Throughout the years, different restoration projects have been carried out to safeguard the architecture of the Cordoba Mosque. These projects involve fixing structural issues, preserving decorative elements, and implementing measures to combat the impact of aging and environmental factors, especially given its UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
