Idea # 212 – Visiting the historic city of Cordoba
Córdoba, established by the Iberians, is occupied from 169 before J.C. by Romain. It was the capital of the province of Hispania Baetica. During the collapse of Roman Empire of West in 5th century, the city passes dominated by the Vandals, then the Visigoths until 711, dates in which it is taken by the Arabs. It becomes then the main administrative and political center of Muslim Spain, under the name of al-Andalus. From 756, it is the capital of the emirate of Córdoba, based by the prince omeyyade Abd al-Rahman Ier, then from 929 of an independent caliphate, after al-Rahman emir Abd III broke any link with Abbassides of Baghdad and proclaims himself caliph. The latter moves moreover the capital in the new city of Madina el Zahra, that he builds ex-nihilo, and whose site still presents interesting vestiges. Throughout the Xth century, Córdoba competes with Baghdad by the size, the population and especially the magnificence. In its peak at about the year one thousand, Córdoba is one of cities the most populated with West. Córdoba stays under Muslim control until 1236, dates of the storming of the place by Ferdinand III de Castille, who converts the mosque in church, raised to the rank of cathedral in 1239. In 1523, under the reign of Charles the Fifth, the heart of the former mosque is transformed by the construction of a central nave, called “Capilla Mayor“.
Some Pictures
Where is it ?
Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain.
Larger Map