Although I've learned that every place in Spain is historic, Cordoba can best be described as an ancient city. After all, signs of man living here date all the way back to Neanderthals some 40,000 years ago. Pre-urban settlements existed at this site from the 8th century BC.
It is recorded that Cordoba was conquered by the Romans about 200 BC and it has remained an influential city ever since.
Like Granada, it was under Muslim control by the 8th century. Although the Moors destroyed most signs of their Roman predecessors, they erected a palatial mosque with a classical design that respected the culture that preceded them.
Symmetrical designs with lots of columns and arches adorn the interior of the mosque which measures an astounding 22,400 square meters. (175 by 128)
Interestingly, when the Spanish reclaimed the city in the 13th century, the mosque was rededicated as a Christian temple. In fact, 9% of the mosque was replaced by a high altar or sanctuary where Sunday masses are still held to this day.
As part of the two million visitors that come to Cordoba every year, we were enthralled by our visit and awed by this glimpse of antiquity.
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