Mezquita-Catedral 3

Once back inside, I continued exploring amongst the forest of 850 columns.

The main hall originally contained 11 naves, delineated by rows of columns and arches. The double-arches were an innovation here to allow for a higher ceiling.

It was extended twice, as the population grew. First, the naves were lengthened in the 9th century, and then and additional 8 naves were added in the 10th century. After the third extension, the mihrab was not moved and so remains off centre. As was common in al-Andalus, the quibla wall faces due south (and not towards Mecca). On conversion into, and consecration as, a Christian church in the 13th century, the mihrab was consciously left intact as a reminder of the centuries of worship in the building’s prior existence.

I finally now had time to explore the main cruciform worship space, added in the 16th and 17th centuries with mostly renaissance and baroque decoration.

As was obvious from outside, this area is significantly taller, and light pours in through the large, mostly plain windows, creating a light, airy space.

Incredibly, although there’s quite a contrast between the different parts of the building, the transition is largely seamless and it looks like it was built as a whole.

The combined effect is really rather beautiful and awe-inspiring.

It’s no surprise that the Mezquita-Catedral was voted by Spaniards as one Spain’s top 12 places, and came first in Europe and second in the world in a Tripadvisor survey of visitor attractions.Read more