The Great Mosque of Cordoba: probably the most exquisite mosque of western Islamic land, founded by 'Abd al-Rahman I in 786, enlarged several times, 832-48 under Abd al-Rahman II, 962 under al-Hakam II, and 987 by al-Mansur, the vizir of Hisham II (this time it was extended to the west). The Mosque has an intricate hypostyle arrangement with double-tiered, arched supports, ribbed domes above the maqsura, and a unique mihrab-chamber with mosaic decoration.

 

A view of the mosque with the minaret tower on the left and the cathedral of Charles V in the middle.   An aerial view of the mosque's prayer hall, showing the cathedral rising through its ceiling.   Detailed view of the Bab al-Wazir on the western side of the mosque with its intricate stucco decoration.   A view of the interior "forest" of columns and superimposed arches.   View of the interlacing arcade of the maqsura in front of the mihrab.   The ribbed dome in front of the mihrab.

 

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