Last Updated on June 25, 2025
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By Jim Ferri
In Cordoba, in the region of Andalucia in southern Spain, there is a religious building that is both a historic mosque and a historic cathedral, and still used as both.
Only a two-hour drive from famous Granada, and less than two hours by train from Madrid (and less than an hour by train from Seville), it’s an incredibly beautiful and fascinating place to visit. Its history is as fascinating as the building is beautiful.
In 785CE a great mosque was built and expanded multiple times in the following centuries. During 1236 it was made a cathedral after the Christian forces of Castile captured Córdoba during the Reconquista.
In the 16th century, a Renaissance cathedral was built inside Cordoba’s great mosque when a nave and transept were put into the center of the building. The minaret was also converted into a bell tower. However, the rest of the mosque was left in its original state.
The building, Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption), continues to serve as the city’s cathedral, and Mass is celebrated there daily.
An Important Monument
The mosque, the third largest in the world, is regarded as an important monument in the history of Islamic architecture. It is still known as Mezquita de Córdoba, the Great Mosque of Cordoba.
Today, the building is one of Spain’s principal historical monuments and attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cordoba Today
Modern Cordoba is famous around the world not only for its Great Mosque, but also its old town. It’s a World Heritage site, with little streets running everywhere, courtyards full of flowers and inviting squares. There are also plenty of wonderful restaurants and lively taverns. There you can enjoy a superb lunch or dinner, and a good flamenco performance.
You may also enjoy: Best Things to Do in Seville, Spain’s Seductive City / Things to Do in Granada / Best Things To Do in Madrid
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