Sign in with Facebook
Mezquita
The great mosque must be the top tourist attraction in Cordoba. As I stayed at the Hotel Mezquita (right outside the Mez), I could almost see the snaking crowds day in day out. However, if you were not travelling in a group, you can actually access the Mezquita in the mornings free of charge.
The red and white arches above the doorway of the exterior is a prelude to the overwhelming multitude of arches in the same colour combination in its interior. Perhaps the shimmering golden doorway reflecting the afternoon sun into your eyes is a better introduction to grandeur of its interior. Some parts of the exterior has been restored but some have been left untouched - this gives a good contrast of the actual state of the monument. At the time of my visit, there was restoration works going on both in the interior and exterior so I'm not sure if everything is going to look spanking new soon.
I have nicknamed the mosque candy-land (no insults intended) because of the red and white arches of the interior which really resemble the Chrsitmas candies. Viewing the multitude of arches from all angles create different pictures. The arches are also differentiated with some simply rounded and others being scallop like.
Listening to the organist practising on the wind organ in candy land evokes great emotions, especially when solemn, melancholic tunes are played. This was the Christian addition to the original Moorish monument.
As you travel across Andalucia, there are just so many Moorish monuments that leave you in awe of the architectural greatness of these people, and the Mezquita is a good showcase.
