Cordoba Mosque Private Guided Tour

This guided tour of the Mosque Cathedral will allow you to discover the history of Cordoba's most emblematic monument. It lasts approximately an hour and a half and is for a single group, yours, of up to 15 participants.

The explanations of the expert guide will take you back through the centuries to the year 784 AD, just after the settlement of the Muslims and the foundation of the emirate by Abd ar-Rahman I.

Originally from Damascus, he was exiled along with his family and created a new political role for himself by conquering part of the Iberian Peninsula. His desire was to put Cordoba on a par with Byzantium and Baghdad by building a huge and splendid mosque.

Abd ar-Rahman I's wish was followed by both his descendants and the new Christian rulers, who defeated the Muslim troops in June 1236. Thanks to the numerous contributions of each ruler, the following masterpieces can be admired today:

• Patio de los Naranjos - A garden with 98 orange trees planted at the end of the 17th century. In addition to the trees and the enchanting atmosphere, the baroque fountain of Santa Maria, also known as the fountain of the Caño del Olivo, is worth a visit.
• Maqsura - The space reserved for the caliph of Al-Andalus. It is recognisable by its marble, mosaics and, above all, its splendid skylight.
• Mihrab - A horseshoe arch typical of Islamic temples, but also of Coptic churches and synagogues.
• Almanzor's Arches - The extension ordered by Almanzor. The military and political leader of Al-Andalus added a room to the mosque to accommodate immigrants from North Africa. It is distinguished by its extreme functionality and characteristic two-coloured arches.
• Main Chapel - The most outstanding Christian contribution. Work began in the 16th century and was directed first by Hernán Ruiz I and later by his son.