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Latest update: 14 February 2025
If you’re only going to see one thing in Córdoba, the Mezquita MUST be it. This medieval mosque with a Christian cathedral inside is absolutely incredible! The red and white horseshoe-shaped arches are simply mesmerizing. And here’s the good news: you can visit the Mezquita mosque-cathedral for free. Let me tell you all about it.
About the Mezquita
The oldest parts of the Mezquita date back to the 8th century. Before that, a Visigothic church stood on this spot. It was demolished when the Moors started building their mosque. As time went by, they kept adding more and more to it. During its heyday, it could accommodate a whopping 20,000 worshippers.
There’s some confusion online about the exact number of pillars, but according to Lonely Planet, there were originally 1,293, with 856 remaining today. A large portion of the columns was removed in the 16th century to make room for a Christian cathedral right in the middle of the mosque. Yes, really! That’s why it’s called the Mezquita mosque cathedral – Mezquita means mosque in Spanish.
Because of the various expansions over a long period, you’ll notice different architectural styles in the Mezquita. And that’s exactly what makes it so unique.
Highlights of the Mezquita
The Mezquita is a huge complex where you can wander to your heart’s content. But there are some things you absolutely shouldn’t miss, which I’d like to point out.
The columns of the Mezquita
The columns are definitely the show-stoppers of the Mezquita. These pillars were taken from nearby Roman villas. They were extended upward before being topped with those distinctive horseshoe-shaped arches. The red and white stripes kind of remind me of candy canes. Is it just me? Do you see that, too? They never get old – I can’t stop taking photos.
The mihrab
The mihrab is the prayer niche, officially pointing toward Mecca, though some say it’s not quite accurate. Either way, it’s a stunning piece of the Mezquita. It’s richly decorated with inscriptions, mosaics, and gold. The way it’s built makes the imam’s words echo even more beautifully and loudly.
The choir, organ, and altar
Remember that Christian cathedral built inside the mosque? Well, they really went all out with it. Literally everything is lavishly decorated.
Patio de los Naranjos
You’ll walk through the Patio de los Naranjos (Orange Tree Courtyard) when you enter the Mezquita grounds. It’s filled with orange trees. Just imagine how amazing it smells when the orange blossoms are in full bloom! The patio is free to visit.
Visiting the Mezquita
The Mezquita is open almost every day of the year, but it’s wise to check opening times on holidays. Here are the regular opening hours, but like I said, double-check please:
November through February: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Monday to Saturday) and on Sundays, 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
March through October: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Monday to Saturday), and on Sundays, 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
You can buy tickets at the counter or online if you want to skip the line. You can also opt for a guided tour to learn more about the Mezquita’s history.
Helpful tips for visiting the Mezquita
Booking in advance is wise. Then you won’t have to wait in line at the ticket counter. Compare prices online at GetYourGuide, Viator, and Tiqets. You can get 5% off at Tiqets with the code KIMOPREIS22.
Want to climb the bell tower? Keep in mind that only 20 people are allowed up every half hour. In winter (November through February), you can go up between 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM and from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. From March through October, it’s open an hour later, until 6:30 PM. Note: the tower is closed in the afternoon in July and August. Pro tip: get there early for tickets because they sell out fast! As far as I know, you can’t buy tower tickets online – you’ll need to get them at the counter.
When you enter the Mezquita, it’s tempting to start taking photos right away. I feel that urge too, but walk further to the back first. Especially if you come early, you can get photos without crowds in the background. So handle that first, then take your time walking around to take everything in.
Visit the Mezquita for free?
Don’t want to pay admission, and are you willing to sacrifice some sleep? Then, be at the Mezquita’s door at 8:30 AM. Between 8:30 and 9:30 AM, entry is free (except on Sundays). There’s already a small line by 8:15 AM on a cold December day. By 8:30 AM, the line stretches to the end of the street, even though there are multiple entrances. But even at 9 AM, at least in winter, you can still show up and find that the lines have disappeared. You’ll walk right in. Enjoy!
Quick Mezquita questions
Mezquita is Spanish for mosque.
Different sources throw around different numbers, but if we’re going with Lonely Planet (and they usually know their stuff!), there are 856 columns left out of the original 1,293.
When visiting the Mezquita, you’ll need to dress appropriately. Keep those shoulders and knees covered, and leave your baseball cap or hat at home!
You bet! Snap away to your heart’s content – just remember, no flash photography or tripods allowed.
More Spain inspiration?
Helpful links for your Spain trip
- Accommodation. Booking.com is always a popular choice. But you could also check Homecamper | campspace or Hostelworld for more options. HostelWorld.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide, Klook and Viator. You can also check out WithLocals. Book ‘free’ walking tours at Freetour.com or GuruWalk and try Baja Bikes for bike tours.
- Attractions and museums. Interested in a 5% discount on museums and other attractions? Use this discount code at Tiqets: KIMOPREIS22
- Bus and train. If you want to travel by bus or train to or in Spain, Busbud and Omio are excellent companies for planning your transportation.
- Boat. You can take a boat from Barcelona to the Balearic Islands, or take a ferry between the islands. Check out the options at Direct Ferries.
- Car rental. Compare your options at Discover Cars and Rentalcars.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Be sure to check out Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? You could try Expedia or CheapOair.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Travel guides. I like paper travel guides to browse through, for sale at Amazon, among others.
- Yoga retreat. Or treat yourself to a yoga retreat in Spain.
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