Cathedral Mosque of Cordoba

The Mezquita of Cordoba is a must-see for anyone visiting Andalusia, a unique monument where Islamic and Christian cultures blend in an extraordinary way. The main entrance is through the atmospheric Patio of the Oranges, where visitors can already savour the magical atmosphere of the place by strolling among the citrus trees arranged in neat rows, just as the Muslim faithful did more than a thousand years ago before their prayers. During the spring months, the scent of orange blossoms makes the experience even more enthralling.

Crossing the threshold of the mosque-cathedral, one is immediately taken aback by the famous ‘forest of columns‘, a labyrinth of 856 granite and marble columns with their characteristic two-coloured arches that seem to multiply endlessly. The play of light filtering through the tall windows creates a unique mystical atmosphere, while you can lose yourself between the naves by following the paths suggested by the guides or simply letting your instincts guide you. Each corner tells stories of the craftsmen, artists and faithful who contributed to the creation of this architectural masterpiece.

The highlight of the visit is undoubtedly the mihrab, the sacred niche richly decorated with Byzantine mosaics and geometric patterns of refined beauty. It is advisable to take some time to admire the details of the decorations and Arabic calligraphy, testimony to the very high artistic level achieved by the Andalusian civilisation. The maksura, the area once reserved for the caliph, is striking for the richness of its domes decorated with star motifs and Koranic inscriptions.

The Christian cathedral, built in the heart of the mosque in the 16th century, offers a striking architectural contrast with its high Gothic vaults rising suddenly in the centre of the building. The wooden choir and high altar are magnificent examples of Spanish Renaissance art and are well worth a stop during the visit.

Admission tickets for the Cathedral Mosque

The Mezquita is undoubtedly the most visited attraction in Cordoba and to visit it you need to buy an entrance ticket following this link or take part in a guided tour. There are different types of tickets: choose the one that suits you best!

To best appreciate this extraordinary monument, it is advisable to arrive in the early morning hours, ideally when it opens, to avoid the crowds of tourists that flock to it, especially in the summer months. Admission includes access to the bell tower, from the top of which there is a spectacular view of the old city of Cordoba and the white roofs of the Jewish quarter.

The visit takes an average of two to three hours to complete, but it is also possible to spend half a day exploring every nook and cranny of this extraordinary building, which UNESCO has declared a World Heritage Site.

Ticket + guided tour of the Mezquita

If you want to explore the Mezquita in depth with an official tour guide who will accompany you throughout the tour, buy a skip-the-line ticket with a guided tour included.

Mezquita + tours of Cordoba’s other attractions

In addition to the Mezquita, you can take part in a tour of Cordoba’s other attractions such as the Synagogue and the Jewish quarter (Juderia) or the Alcazar.