In my experience the Mesquita of Cordoba is one of the most
spectacular monuments of Europe. The word “mesquita” is
a Spanish corruption of the Arab word masjid, a Muslim
place of worship. Only the great Cathedrals can rival it
as an expression of architectural creativity. When it was
completed in 976 only the Great Mosque in Mecca was more
important as a center of Muslim worship. The portion shown
in this picture is part of the original Muslim masjid
It is also a unique if unintentional expression of the
ironies of religious prejudice.
After the Catholic kings re-captured Cordoba in 1236 they
built a Cathedral inside the masjid.