Located in the heart of Andalusia, stands the millennia-old Cordoba Mosque. Also known as the Great Mosque of Cordoba, this grandiose structure was opened to the public in 987 AD. It remains one of the oldest and the most sacred places of worship in Spain. Positioned only two hours from Madrid and Granada, this Mosque–Cathedral in Cordoba is an ancient realm locked in the modern world that you must not miss in Spain. Here's everything you need to know before planning a trip to Cordoba's crown jewel.
Cordoba Mosque Essential Information
Good to know
| ☀️ Best time to visit : | during Spring (March-May) |
| ⏰ Suggested Duration: | Approximately 2 hours |
| 🎟️ Mezquita Cordoba Tickets: | €11 |
| 🚌 Closest bus station | Puerta Del Puente |
Opening Hours
March 1st to October 31st:
Monday to Saturday: 10 AM – 7 PM
Sundays and Religious holidays: 8.30 AM – 11.30 AM
and 3 PM– 7 PM
November 1st to February 28th/29th:
Monday to Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Sundays and Religious holidays: 8.30 AM – 11.30 AM
and 3 PM – 6 PM
Highlights
The Hypostyle Hall
The Mihrab
The Courtyard
The Dome
Address
Calle Cardenal Herrero,
1, 14003 Córdoba, Spain
Get There
Cordoba Mosque History
What’s in a name?
Cordoba Mosque is known by many names for different visitors. It is a mosque, cathedral and temple. Let us explain.
In the present-day area once stood a church of Saint Vincent of Saragossa. After the Umayyad conquest of Hispania, the site was divided as a place of worship for Muslims and Christians. Hence the names, Cordoba Mosque, the Great Mosque of Cordoba, Mezquita Cordoba, and Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption.
There is also a claim that the Mosque-Cathedral was once a Roman temple dedicated to Janus.
The Great Mosque Of Cordoba - Architecture
Out of Cordoba’s 3000 mosques, the most iconic is the Mezquita Cordoba for its size and time-honoured al-Andalus architecture. The magnificent Mezquita of Cordoba is most notable for its boundless interior that looks like it holds countless pillars. There are 856 columns to be precise and are made of jasper, marble and granite. The entrance directly leads you to the vast courtyard. You could picture how lavishly the Moorish Kings lived as you walk through the courtyard with fountains, an ornamental pond, a canopy of trees and a beautiful walkway. The Mosque was once lit by more than ten thousand gold, silver and bronze lamps, suspended from the ceiling. Only visiting the Mezquita Cordoba could make your dreams of living in Aladdin’s tale come true.
Mezquita Cordoba Tickets
To experience the awe of ancient Moorish architecture, and learn about the present-day importance of Mezquita Cordoba, get your hands on the Mezquita Cordoba Ticket.
Cordoba Mosque Tours
Taking a tour to explore the World Heritage site of UNESCO will allow you to see and learn why this is such an important site. Also, get to see the best of Cordoba - the Jewish Quarter, and Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs.
A Day Trip To Cordoba Mosque
A Cordoba Mosque Day Trip from Granada lets you see two sides of the same coin.
Granada is an ancient province in Spain located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Combining a visit to Granada and then to 2 hours travel from Granada to Cordoba Mosque would be an amazing opportunity to see Spain anew. Discover the charm in the streets on a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter with a local guide who will spill tea about the secrets of the city. The tour gives you enough time to explore the top attractions of the city and la Mezquita. It also leaves ample time to go shopping around old and new town.
Things to see at Cordoba Mosque
Highlights of the Great Mosque of Cordoba
These are the notable things you must spend a little longer at and here are a few reasons why they are so important.
1The Hypostyle Hall
The Hypostyle hall is what you will notice and remember the most from your visit. The vast hall once served as a central prayer hall. The sea of columns leads to the Mihrab. Its high timber ceilings are held up by double arches with intricate patterns.
2The Mihrab
The Mihrab which is used to identify the direction of prayer, is richly decorated. It is separated from the rest of the mosque with a screen of intersecting horseshoe and double arches. It was also the first time that a mihrab consisted of an actual room rather than the traditional wall.
3The Dome
Just above the mihrab, is the most flattering shell-shaped dome ever built. All that glitters here is gold. The mosaic and radial patterns of the pointed arches are lavishly decorated with gold. The monumental ribbed dome has three screens of interlacing arches beneath it, which appears like a dome within a dome.
4The Horseshoe Arch
This style of arches were only common among Visigoths. The use of the Horseshoe Arch at Cordoba Mosque since then created a traditional use of the style in architecture that spread across North Africa from Morocco to Egypt.
Explore More at Cordoba
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Visiting The Great Mosque Of Cordoba
Opening Hours
March 1st to October 31st:
Monday to Saturday: 10 AM – 7 PM
Sundays and Religious holidays: 8.30 AM – 11.30 AM and 3 PM– 7 PM
November 1st to February 28th/29th:
Monday to Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Sundays and Religious holidays: 8.30 AM – 11.30 AM and 3 PM – 6 PM
Getting There
By Bus
• Bus numbers 3 or 12 lead to the Cordoba Mosque. The nearest stop is Puerta Del Puente which is only 2 minutes walk to the Mosque.
By Train
• The nearest train station is Córdoba. The station is 2 km from the Mosque.
Best time to visit Cordoba Mosque
The best time to visit the Mosque is during the morning hours so you can enjoy the courtyard and the mosque’s natural beauty in daylight. Spring (March to May) is the best season to visit Cordoba since the weather is pleasant with minimal sun and rain.
Good To Know Before Visiting Mezquita Cordoba
- Pregnant women, the elderly, the disabled, and people suffering from vertigo, anaemia, heart and breathing problems are not permitted to climb the bell tower.
- Suitcases, large and medium-sized backpacks are not permitted inside.
Cordoba Mosque Facts That Will Amuse You
- The Mosque is considered as one of the most important ever built for its influence on Moorish architecture of the Muslim world.
- In 1236, the Mosque was reconverted into a Christian church. The Christian ruler Ferdinand III preserved the charm of the mosque instead of destroying it as other rulers would.
- Today the Mosque is used as a Cathedral and the official name given to it is the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption.
- Gold cubes were imported by the Byzantium sculptures to build the mosque, to amplify the words of the Imam.
- The 856 granite and marble pillars come from Romans and Visigothic ruins.
Insider Tips For Your Mezquita Cordoba Visit
- Night tours to see the Mosque with audio guides arranged by the cathedral.
- You can visit the Mosque for free on weekdays and Saturday from 8:30 PM to 9:20 PM for 45 minutes only. (currently closed)
- Don’t miss out on climbing the Bell Tower to catch spectacular views of the city!
- Mezquita is the main attraction of Cordoba city. Hence you will need to be prepared for a long waiting time during the peak season. Get the Skip-the-Line Mosque Cathedral of Córdoba Guided Tour to save time and learn all about the mosque from a local.
- Jugo wine bar and La Bodega are two places to dine at. They are known for the best barrels of sherry and local delicacies in the city.
Cordoba Mosque Reviews
Instead of doing the normal plunder and destroy thing that conquerors usually did, the victorious Christians did something very different and unusual. Rather than demolish the existing mosque, they built a whole new cathedral inside it. It was difficult to know what to expect. I couldn't really imagine what it would look like. In the end, it was unlike anything I’d seen before.
This is my third time visiting the Mosque. This time I did not take a guide as I wanted to soak up the atmosphere. The old marvel of roman pillars and The old marvel roman pillars and the ceilings. Magic oozes from every corner. There are lots of seats to rest around. Its very cool outside as it was extremely hot outside. This place is a must in Andalusia.
Things to see near Cordoba Mosque
Other Cordoba Attractions
1Roman Bridge of Córdoba
The Roman Bridge of Córdoba is a historic sight at Cordoba since it was originally built in the 1st century. Most of what you get to see in the present were Moorish construction in the 8th century. The bridge is constructed over river Guadalquivir and provides splendid photo ops.
2Plaza de la Corredera
This huge 17th-century rectangular square is covered by four-storied buildings. It is known for hosting traditional public spectacles such as bullfights. The square also is home to the luscious local cafes and restaurants.
3Córdoba Synagogue - the Jewish Quater
Córdoba Synagogue is the historic building of the city. It was built in 1315. Since it was a small Synagogue it is suspected to have been owned by a wealthy man. The building consists of a courtyard, a prayer hall, an entrance hall and a women’s section. Check out the Córdoba Mosque and the Jewish Quater tour to learn more about the site.
4Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs
Also known as Alcazar of Cordoba, Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs is a medieval Moorish palace. The palace has a magnificent exterior with gardens and courtyards inspired by Mudéjar. It was declared as a cultural Heritage in the year 1931, and as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994. Check out the Skip the Line Guided Tour of Cordoba Mosque and Alcazar to see the fascinating palace.
5Patios of Cordoba
Discover a colourful bonanza of pots and plants as you retreat into the alleyways for a tour of the gorgeous Patios of Cordoba. Similar to those patios of Roman times, Cordoba has followed the tradition of an oasis full of bright flowers, tropical plants, elegant water features, and eclectic decoration. The Fiesta de los Patios festival is conducted every year during the first week of May by Cordobes to celebrates the art of elaborately decorating courtyards. Checkout the Guided Tour Authentic Patios of Cordoba to catch a glimpse.
Mosque of Cordoba FAQs
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