The first stop on our trip to Andalucia was the great city of Córdoba. Located here is the Mezquita (Mosque) built by the Moors. It is approximately 23,000 square meters in size and has more than 800 existing columns, some with double arches. You enter the mosque from a patio filled with rows of orange trees. A thousand years ago with the mosque was held by the Muslims, the wall that today separates the interior from the patio did not exist, thus creating a sense of movement between the natural world and that of the divine. The columns were constructed to appear like trees, reminiscent of the palm trees that populated the desert oasis of the Middle East. The inner portion of the mosque was a place of peace and escape, an "oasis" where the worshipper could pray and meditate. The columns are an interesting feature. All of them are "recycled" from buildings that the Moors either found in ruins or destroyed when they took the city. There are pieces from Roman buildings and Visigothic churches. There is even one
of the columns that is made from volcanic pumice! The mosque was taken by the Christians in the XIII century and in the early part of the XVI century the Christian clerics in Córdoba petitioned to have a high altar built inside. Going against the advice of Charles I of Spain, they cut a hole in the middle of the mosque and constructed their an altar and chorus. Other Christian elements can also be found throughout the mosque, among them are small chapels around the periphery and the tombs of renowned individuals. One of the best recognized of those who is buried in the mosque is Luis de Góngora the XVII century poet and leading innovator of the "culturalist" movement. After visiting the mosque the students were given time to do some exploring on their own. Many visited other sites including a synagogue and the "Judería" or Jewish quarter of the city. From Córdoba we traveled a few kilometers outside the city to Medina al Zahara, the site of one the most extensive and fabulous palaces where the caliph of Córdoba resided. The site is now an archeological site where only about 10 percent has been uncovered. It is a beautiful site located on a hillside overlooking the area of Córdoba. The excavation has
revealed a complex and technologically advanced structure with internal "plumbing" for water and extensive gardens, military garrisons and palaces. It was a great place where the students were able to relax and explore. The next stop on our trip to the south was Sevilla. Look for information in the next installment.
The first stop on our trip to Andalucia was the great city of Córdoba. Located here is the Mezquita (Mosque) built by the Moors. It is approximately 23,000 square meters in size and has more than 800 existing columns, some with double arches. You enter the mosque from a patio filled with rows of orange trees. A thousand years ago with the mosque was held by the Muslims, the wall that today separates the interior from the patio did not exist, thus creating a sense of movement between the natural world and that of the divine. The columns were constructed to appear like trees, reminiscent of the palm trees that populated the desert oasis of the Middle East. The inner portion of the mosque was a place of peace and escape, an "oasis" where the worshipper could pray and meditate. The columns are an interesting feature. All of them are "recycled" from buildings that the Moors either found in ruins or destroyed when they took the city. There are pieces from Roman buildings and Visigothic churches. There is even one
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