Following the Visigothic invasion in 572, a church dedicated to San Vicente was constructed in Cordoba. However, after the Moorish conquest in 711, the church was divided between Christians and Muslims for worship. In 784, Emir Abd al-Rahman ordered the church's demolition to make way for the construction of the Great Mosque of Cordoba. This marked the beginning of a monumental project that spanned over 200 years.
Cordoba Mosque history explained
Origins of the Basilica of San Vicente and its Transformation
Construction of the Mosque of Cordoba
In the 8th century, the construction of the Mosque of Cordoba began under the reign of Abderraman I, the first Umayyad Caliph of Cordoba, in 785. The mosque initially comprised eleven naves aligned from north to south, incorporating Roman and Visigothic columns and capitals. Notably, its orientation towards the south deviated from the orthodox direction towards Mecca, likely due to geographical constraints. This early construction established key features such as horseshoe arches and alternating stone and brickwork, setting the foundation for Islamic architectural identity.
Additions to the Mosque of Cordoba
Under Emir Abd al-Rahman and subsequent Umayyad rulers, the Great Mosque of Cordoba took shape. The mosque featured a grand Hypostyle Hall with a central courtyard, fountain, and orange grove. It underwent several expansions. The first expansion was by Abd ar-Rahman II between 833 and 848. Abd ar-Rahman III went on to expand the north side between 951 and 952. Al-Hakam II expanded the south side in 961, and finally, Al-Mansur expanded the eastern side between 987 and 988. The last expansion work under the Muslim rule was under Al-Mansur who extended the mosque laterally towards the east, extending both the courtyard and the prayer hall.
Conversion To Cathedral
Cordoba was recaptured by the Christians in 1236. The mosque was again converted into a church, although the mosque was never demolished. Over the centuries, various modifications and additions were made to the structure. Private patrons constructed several chapels around the building's interior, with the Chapel of San Felipe and Santiago being the earliest recorded chapel, built in 1258. In subsequent centuries, additional chapels such as Villaviciosa and Royal Chapels were added, along with significant modifications like replacing mosque arches with Gothic arches in the late 15th century.
Alterations and Additions in the 16th–18th Centuries
In the 16th century, significant alterations were made to the mosque with the construction of a Renaissance cathedral nave and transept, despite opposition from the city council. This project, initiated by Bishop Alonso de Manrique and later overseen by architects Hernan Ruiz I, Hernan Ruiz II, and Juan de Ochoa, led to the incorporation of Gothic and Mannerist elements into the mosque's structure. Additionally, a Renaissance-style bell tower was built around the former minaret, following damage from a storm in 1589.
Restoration Efforts and UNESCO World Heritage Designation
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, extensive restoration work was carried out to preserve and enhance the Mosque-Cathedral's architectural integrity. Restoration projects, such as the restoration of the original mihrab in 1816 and the bell tower in 1991, which was completed in 2014, aimed to maintain the historical significance of the site. In 1984, the Mosque-Cathedral was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its cultural and architectural importance. The transept and choir of the Renaissance cathedral were restored between 2006 and 2009, showcasing ongoing commitment to preserving the site's heritage. These restoration initiatives reflect broader conservation efforts in Spain aimed at safeguarding Islamic-era structures.
