The Mosque of Cordoba has fascinated millions of people since its creation as the main Islamic temple of the city. Abderraman I, the first independent emir of al-Andalus could not imagine the relevance of his new building and its consequences for the history.
His successors enlarged the mosque until it became in the imposer monument that nowadays is. Nothing less than the third biggest mosque in the current world (and even was the second one before the erection of the Blue Mosque). And plus, they couldn´t imagine that a cathedral would be established in the middle of the mosque during the XVI century. For these reason, between others, was declared World Heritage site in 1984, according with its splendor.
So…How many secrets and legend can we find inside this monument? Lot of stories and different cultures took part in the creation of the Mosque. In this article we are pretending to show you just a piece of all these amazing moments and main events.
1. The Mosque is not oriented towards the Mecca: the legend says that the emir started the erection of the temple in the wrong direction (specifically to Damascus) owing to the fact that he missed his homeland, in Syria. But there are more possible theories, for example the terrain was not on his favor.
2. The tower, tomb of Abderraman III: Christians built a tower taking advantage of the ancient Muslim tower made by the first caliph Abderraman III. The original structure is conserved inside the Christian one, and you can even raise to the top. Some people say that the corpse of the caliph is hidden inside…
3. Where did the oranges arrive…?: the courtyard were a place for teaching, praying, celebrating trials…the using of the oranges trees for decoration started in XIII century.
4. Sabat´s gate: this gate looks like a window indeed, but is not a window. During the X century was the private entrance for the caliphs to the Mosque. It was connected to the palace through a corridor, supported by two pillars in the street. Do you want to hear a cheat? Just watch the blond lines which are in the ground of the street, in front of the Sabat´s Gate.
5. The star of the wishes: behind the previous gate, if you pay attention, you might find a curious fossil of a starfish in the wall of the temple. According to the legend, if you touch the fossil, it will bless you.
6. Column of the inmate: there is a column in the Mosque with a mark. It´s said that it was made by a Christian prisoner with his nail while he was attached to the column. It´s also called “Column of the nail”
7. Column from Hell: is inside a glass. We don´t know why, but it was made on Sulphur it´s been damaged several time by all the people who touched it. The reason is that normally people wanted to check with a coin if it was true that the column had a strange smell. And that smell was so strong that they though that the column was made on hell. The true reason is that the contact between the coin and the mineral produced a chemical reaction.
8. Fountain of the maidens: there was a tradition in Cordoba which consists of finding husband by drinking the water of the fountain emplaced in the courtyard. Some men were close to the fountain in order to await all those ladies…please don´t drink the water of the fountain.
9. The golden chain: in ancient times, there was a chain held in the ceiling of the Mosque, and it´s claim that the bishops of the cathedral started to take small pieces of the gold until disappeared.
10. The secret tunnel: some people maintain that the tunnel still existing nowadays. And the story says that the Mosque is connected with Medina Azahara (the city erected by orders of the caliph Aberraman III). Some tunnels have been discovered, but not the famous tunnel of the legend.
If you have enjoyed this reading and you are considering to visit Cordoba coming son, we invite you to participate in our tours with local guides through the Historic Center of Cordoba. Each day, a Free Tour is available in our meeting point (Almodovar´s Gate 13:30, reservation is compulsory). Just ask to a yellow umbrellas, they are professionals who would be more than glad to spend a good time in a route with you J
See you!
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Desde 2017, Córdoba Tips Tours es la empresa líder de las visitas guiadas en la ciudad, miles de clientes han disfrutado de nuestras rutas, la gran mayoría de ellos repiten en nuestros diferentes tours guiados por la ciudad. Esto nos ha llevado a convertirnos en una empresa referente en la ciudad y la popularidad de nuestro trabajo nos ha llevado a la excelencia en Córdoba.
