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Highlights of Cordoba
Mezquita
This Mezquita is one of the world’s greatest Islamic buildings and is a symbol of Cordoba’s Islamic heritage, when it used to be the capital of Islamic Spain. This is yet another example of the shared Christian, Jewish, and Muslim heritage that many of Spain’s monuments exemplify. In the beginning it was actually shared by Christians and Muslims as a place of worship! There are many beautiful patterns and colors in the Mezquita, as well as a plethora of varying architecture since it was modified throughout the centuries. One of its most unique features is a room that is literally a forest of red and white striped candy-cane-like arches. Some of the prophet Muhammad’s relics are also stored here. The Mezquita has a cathedral stuck right in the middle, which King Carlos I gave permission to install, but legend goes that after having ripped out the center, he was horrified at what a mistake he made!
Sinagoga
Another beautiful example of the Mudejar art style, the Synagogue in Cordoba is one of the best preserved Medieval synagogues in Spain. It was built in 1314 and was used until Jews were expelled from Spain one century later. Then it was used as a hospital for those sick with rabies, and later as a primary school. The reason it is small is because the Christians would not allow any Jewish buildings to be bigger than their own, and because they needed to show that they were inferior to the Christian Church.
Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
Although this Alcázar, or palace, might look Moorish in design with respect to the motifs and gardens, don’t be mistaken-it was a Christian palace. Two very important events happened here: 1) it became the first official headquarters for the Spanish Inquisition, and 2) Fernando and Isabella first met Christopher Columbus here before sending him to America. The Alcázar was one of the the king and queen’s primary homes, and at one point they lived there for eight years. They also created stronger defenses in the form of towers for when there was an uprising against the king. When you visit it today you will also find many roman artifacts such as sarcophagus’ that they have collected throughout the years.