The mosque (mezquita in spanish) of cordoba was one of the most influential and important buildings in western islam. still today, the forest of arches in the mosque is an amazing spectacle, one of the most beautiful buildings that i've ever seen. when the catholics reconquered cordoba in the 15th century, they plunked down a cathedral and dozens of altars in the mosque, which drastically altered its original beauty. a little battered by history, it's still a remarkable testament to the passing of cultures.