April 2 - Cordoba

Amongst the architectural gems in the city, the most "precious" is the Mezquita. It was built as a mosque in 785, by Abd al Rahman I. His successors had significantly expanded the Mezquita by building extensions during their rule. However, when the Christians claimed Cordoba as their territory, the mosque was consecrated as a church. This was in 1236. Later, during the 16th century, a cathedral was built in the middle of the Mezquita, making it a unique landmark.

Light through stained glass falls on a stone pillar.

To me, the cathedral-mosque is a visual feast which blends Moorish and Christian architecture. Needless to say, I've never seen anything like that before. As I stood in the huge but dim interior (thus the lack of photos), I found it fascinating to imagine the changes that had taken place over the centuries as the various rulers added their "touches" to the place. If you stood still, you could almost see history played out like a lapse-time motion picture.

I also found myself looking up most of the time. There was nothing which could be described as "plain" or "simple" in the Mezquita. Ceilings, prayer niches, chapels, right down to the endless arches (of a distinct red and white - brick & stone) and pillars (jasper, marble, granite) were intricately decorated and richly colored. Still, at the end of the visit, I was happy to be in the sun again 'cos it was a bit too dark inside.