There are 1,293 columns in total, which are not entirely in Arabic style. Some of them come from Visigothic churches, Roman temples, and even older Carthaginian buildings. The mosque also has obvious traces of late Roman architecture. The red and white round arches that look like lollipops are the style of that period.
However, although it inherits some elements of ancient Western architecture and has been converted into a Catholic church, it still feels like an Islamic building and people prefer to call it the Grand Mosque.
The Great Mosque of Cordoba, which has experienced many vicissitudes, was once one of the largest mosques in the world. It records the glory of the Arabs in Spain and is also a witness to the most brilliant era of Cordoba. In the seventh century AD, a large-scale Catholic monastery was built on the site of the ancient Roman temple.
200 years later, the Arabs who occupied the city gradually began to transform it into a mosque. In 785 AD, Rahman I, who missed his hometown, began large-scale construction as the only comfort he could find in that chaotic world. He hoped to build the most magnificent mosque and pray most devoutly in it.
Just two years later, the unhappy ruler died, and the construction work continued for 200 years. Such a huge project made the subsequent Spanish monarchs unable to transform it into a true Catholic church.
Just as you are lost under the magical arch, a tall Catholic church from the Renaissance suddenly appears before your eyes. The sudden appearance of the altar and the hardwood carved choir seats makes Yun Luo's thoughts incoherent for a moment, as if he were in another world. In 1236, the Christian Restoration Movement was in full swing in Spain.
Retaking Cordoba meant taking the crown of the Arabs. In order to celebrate the victory of Christianity, the Great Mosque was changed to become a Catholic church. For hundreds of years, the original architectural structure was maintained. In the early 16th century, the bishop at that time removed one-third of the columns and arches in the main hall.
This magnificent Renaissance cathedral was built from it, but the architecture of the Great Mosque was so beautiful. It was so beautiful that the Catholic king could not bear to see it destroyed. Carlos V once said sadly: "Yun Luo and Yan Chenyu destroyed something that can never be found again in order to build something that can be seen everywhere here.
Over the years, the Arab Islamic and Christian architectural styles have merged in the Great Mosque, and this picture says it all. Through the arches, you can see Jesus crucified.
The existence of the Great Mosque has made many people forget that Cordoba was a Roman city for 800 years. The stone bridge left by the Romans is built over the Guadalquivir River outside the city gate. You can see it from the windows of the Great Mosque.
Back to the alley far away from the Grand Mosque. The flowers are still in full bloom, and it is still quiet. Yunluo and Yan Chenyu's short trip in Cordoba has ended. Tomorrow they will not only leave Cordoba, but also leave Andalusia, which has brought Yunluo and Yan Chenyu infinite excitement and surprises.
Andalusia's reputation has long been known abroad, but only after visiting did you realize that two incompatible civilizations once passed through here and magically left behind such a miraculous building as the Great Mosque. Here, ancient Arab historical relics are dormant, and Western modern civilization is also active.
In fact, the story of the Arabs in Spain is the story of Andalusia.
Andalucia is not a province or a city, but an autonomous region located in southern Spain. Its capital is Seville. Andalucia is divided into eight provinces, of which Seville, Granada and Cordoba are the most important cities and are known as the "heart of Andalucia."
It is very convenient to travel to Andalucia from major cities in Spain. However, the distance between the three major cities is between 100 and 200 kilometers, so if time permits, it is best to stay at least one night in each place to avoid a quick tour and experience the most unique urban style of Andalucia.
Andalusia is located in the southernmost part of Spain, so try to avoid traveling between July and September. The climate in other seasons is relatively mild, with a lot of rain in spring and winter, and you must pay attention to sun protection.
Like other cities in Spain, Andalusia also requires Chinese tourists to adapt to the dining hours, with lunch from 1 to 3 o'clock and dinner starting at 9 o'clock in the evening. Shops are also open later, usually opening at 10 o'clock in the morning and closing at 1 o'clock in the afternoon, with a 1 to 2 hour lunch break.
They open at 3 or 4 pm and close at 8 or 9 pm. However, many banks are closed in the afternoon. Tickets to the Alhambra Palace are extremely tight. If you don't want to queue up, you must book in advance. For details, please refer to the tips on September 24. Compared with other major cities in Spain.
The people in Andalusia are simple and honest, but there are also petty thieves. Try to carry as little cash as possible and spread it out. It is best to apply for a Euro credit card.
There is no city in the world more vibrant than Madrid. It is a charming place, full of passion. People here know how to control their lives. Madrid is beautiful and elegant, yet lively and energetic. As time goes by, it exudes more charm, just like a grown-up girl, gradually becoming mature and sophisticated, but never forgetting how to live happily.
Madrid does not have the same prestigious status as Paris, the immortal charm of ancient Rome or the prestige of other cities, but once you enter the city and start to know the various districts, you will find that it is so great. Here, you will find its diversity, a fusion of many contradictory elements, and it is the most passionate city in Europe.
The city has now developed into the fashion center of Spain, and she has been labeled with various labels, including wonderful and amazing art palaces, colorful nightlife, extraordinary live concerts, exquisite restaurants and tapas feasts.
Residents who are good at enjoying the beauty of life, it is not that other cities do not have these, but only Madrid has them all together." - "Lonelypla"
Madrid was described so well by the LP, but unfortunately, it did not bring Yunluo and Yan Chenyu the surprise of "Madrid is incredible", so Yunluo did not agree. Compared with other European cities, it is indeed not as famous as Paris, not as ancient as Rome, not as fashionable as Milan, and not as unique as Barcelona...
Perhaps because Yunluo and Yan Chenyu’s trip to Madrid was too short and messy, in Yunluo’s eyes, Madrid was just an ordinary metropolis.
Yunluo and Yan Chenyu will arrive in Madrid, Toledo and Segovia. For the latter two small cities, Yunluo and Yan Chenyu have to break up their schedule in Madrid, but for the continuity of the post, Yunluo will try to update the schedule in Madrid in a concentrated manner, and the time sequence will be slightly changed, please understand.
I bought a high-speed ticket from Cordoba to Madrid on the Western Railway Network in advance. It took 2 hours and arrived in Madrid at 10 am. I thought I didn't waste the day, but it was raining in Madrid. It was not too heavy but I had to take an umbrella. The hotel needs to be reached by subway from the train station, so Yunluo and Yan Chenyu bought a 10-trip subway ticket for 9.3 euros.
After putting down the luggage, it was still raining. On the way from the hotel to Granvia, there were Chinese restaurants, kebabs, ice cream, etc. Yan Chenyu finally saw a Chinese restaurant and insisted on eating, so Yun Luo and Yan Chenyu had to go with him. Only after filling their stomachs could they have the energy to run for the rest of the time.
Granvia is one of the most famous streets in Madrid, and it is also a place where all kinds of buildings are displayed. No matter where you stand, you will see that no two buildings are the same.
There is no mistake in the poem, post, content, and read the book on 6, 9, and bar!
Granvia can satisfy your shopping desire for street brands, but if you want to buy luxury goods, you have to wait a while. Madrid's luxury stores are concentrated in the area east of Plaza Colon.
Walking east along Gran Vía, you will reach Plaza Cibeles, which often appears on sports channels because it is where Real Madrid fans celebrate their team's victory. This square, located at the intersection of Gran Vía and Paseo del Prado, best shows the glory of Madrid during the imperial period.
The most eye-catching thing on the square is the Post Office Building, a very beautiful and exquisite building. It is hard to imagine that it is just a post office in the city center.
There is also the Earth Goddess Fountain in the middle of the square, which is also one of the most beautiful landscapes in Madrid. It has been a favorite of Madrid people since it was built in 1780. Carlos III once tried to move it to a garden in Segovia, but Madrid people made a big fuss about it, forcing Carlos III to give up the idea.
In the southwest corner of the square is the Bank of Spain, which is also a beautiful building.
Walking north from Plaza Cibeles, you will reach Plaza Colon. This "chocolate" building reminds Yun Luo of the CITIC Tower next to Jianguomen. This building seems somewhat out of place in Madrid.
Leaving the luxury goods gathering place of Salamanca, Yunluo and Yan Chenyu went back to the Independence Square east of Plaza Cibeles from the road east of Prado Avenue. In the middle of the square is the famous Puerta de Alcalá. This is a triumphal gate built in 1599. Carlos III was not satisfied with it and destroyed it in 1764. (To be continued...)