Al-Andalus was the name given to the region of the Iberian Peninsula that came under Muslim rule during the Middle Ages, beginning in 711 AD when Muslim forces, led by Tariq ibn Ziyad, conquered the Iberian Peninsula. This event ushered in an era of cultural, artistic and scientific diversity unparalleled in the region. The fusion of Arab, Berber and Visigothic influences engendered a unique environment that flourished over several centuries.

Among the most iconic monuments of this period is the Great Mosque of Córdoba. Its construction began in 785 under the rule of Amir Abderraman I, on the site of a Visigothic church. Over the years, the mosque was enlarged and renovated on several occasions, standing as an imposing example of Islamic architecture with its marble columns, horseshoe arches and delicate ornaments to its famous mihrab, every corner of this building tells a fascinating story that takes us back in time to a bygone era.

Although it was consecrated as a Cathedral after the Christian Reconquest in the 13th century, every architectural detail whispers secrets of a glorious past, where tolerance and mutual understanding were fundamental pillars of society. The perfumed courtyards, murmuring fountains and intertwining arches invite you to contemplate the beauty of a civilisation that knew how to value the richness of difference.

This historic sanctuary exudes an ancestral air that exalts the importance of respect and coexistence between different cultures and faiths. A pilgrimage to the Mosque of Cordoba thus becomes a journey through time, revealing the beauty of the diversity and cultural heritage that defines Al-Andalus in the memory of Spain and the world.

World Traveller, come and visit and get to know an Andalusian city with four UNESCO World Heritage Sites!