The one place that touched my soul during my 14day trip to Spain

#europetravel Cordoba, is the only place I have known so far, that blends a mosque and a cathedral together. Architecturally, it wasn’t as well known as Alhambra in Granada or Royal Alcazar in Seville, because it’s not solely coming from the root of Islam. But to me it is one of the most remarkable architectural achievements left behind by the medieval Islamic ruling. Because the place is too great and I’ve too many good photos to share, I’m gonna break it down into roughly two parts: the mosque, and the cathedral (check out my next post). Built during the Umayyad rule in Spain, it is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture that showcases a unique blend of artistic traditions from different regions, including Visigothic, Roman, and Byzantine influences. The most striking feature of the mosque is its hypostyle prayer hall, which consists of an extensive grid of columns and double-tiered arches. These horseshoe-shaped arches, supported by alternating red and white voussoirs, are a hallmark of Islamic architecture in Al-Andalus and were inspired by earlier Roman and Visigothic designs. Another defining feature of the mosque’s architecture is its mihrab, an elaborately decorated prayer niche that marks the direction of Mecca. The courtyard, or sahn, is another essential component of the mosque’s design, originally used for ablutions and communal gatherings. The interplay of light and shadow throughout the building, combined with the rhythmic repetition of arches, creates an almost hypnotic effect that enhances the spiritual experience of those within.