It was a rainy day in Andalusia, so we took the train to Córdoba (still in Andalusia, so still raining) to experience La Mezquita. Experience may not be quite the word to describe the visit. Immerse, maybe. Stand agape. Ponder. Ruminate. Marvel at the ability of human beings to create and inspire.

Quick history lesson if you are not familiar with The Mezquita. It began as a Visigoth basilica in the 300s. It became a mosque when the Moors conquered southern Spain in the 700s. Until the 1200s, Córdoba was the largest city in the world. While most of Europe suffered through the dark ages, Córdoba thrived, boasting multiple libraries, paved streets, running water, and a culture that was tolerant of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. (It happened once. It could happen again…) During this time, La Mezquita was expanded several times, always horizontally. Then there was a little incident we refer to as The Inquisition. During the Reconquering in the 1200s, La Mezquita was expanded–mostly vertically–to include Christian architecture and iconography. Fortunately, most of the Christian changes were additions and not demolish and replacements, so there is a wonderful mix of both to be experienced. There are even remains of the original Visigoth basilica under the floor and in some displays.

That glosses over some u-turns and and missteps along the way, so read more about it. Fascinating stuff.

Here are some pictures. Be warned that you will see lots of ceilings, arches, doorways and altars, mostly without comment because it’s still difficult to digest.

Note to Scott and. Cathy–on return to Seville we took a cab directly from the train to La Golondria. Mmmm…