Entering from the hot, bright Andalusian sunlight, we found ourselves immersed in a cool, dark quietude. A wooden lattice allows the light and gentle breeze to filter into the Mosque (left), and the stained glass in the door (right) is a hint of the Christian influences to be found further inside.

The original Mosque was built during the reign of Caliph Abderraman I . Repeating columns stretch up to the arches in the ceiling, and subdued lighting (lamps once illuminated with oil) create such an atmosphere of contemplation that it's easy to imagine the faithful gathering here.

Additions were made by the two Caliphs that followed Abderraman I. In 961, the Mihrab was added to the building (photos above). Unlike other mosques, the Mihrab of the Mezquita is not in the center of the mosque - other buildings limited how the extensions could be added to the structure. It is a stunningly beautiful sight: gilded and elaborately painted in a floral motif.

In the 13th century, Cordoba was retaken by the Christians, and the mosque was consecrate to be a cathedral. The Capilla Real (Royal Chapel) was built inside its walls. In 1523, construction of a cathedral was initiated within the mosque; it took 234 years to finish. The ceiling of the cathedral is quite a contrast to that within the original mosque - bright, heavily carved and decorated with Christian paintings (left). Below it, a large carved altar in stained wood (right) dominates the view from the pews.

Around the Cathedral, there are numerous small chapels - each filled with incredible art, including a solid ivory crucifix by lonso Cano (left), and a fascinating painting that features a bully pulling the hair of a young boy (middle). On close inspection, I swear that the bully features look very similar to Anthony's (right). Maybe this model was him in a previous life?