Great Mosque of Cordoba

Construction of the Great Mosque in Cordoba, Spain began in 785 AD after the Umayyads entered the region. Consisting of a large rectangular prayer hall and enclosed courtyard, there are numerous repetitive arches and columns supporting the large interior space.

There are several features one will find upon entering a mosque after being called to prayer from the towering minarets. The qibla wall and mihrab, or niche, face in the direction of Mecca, the sacred city to all Muslims. Unlike Christian churches, mosques will not contain any human or animal representations. Rather, geometric patterns and/or swirling floral patterns known as arabesque will adorn the interior.