When you think of Spain’s most iconic attractions, it’s likely that the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Plaza de España in Seville or the Alhambra in Grenada spring to mind, but none of these landmarks claimed the crown as the very best in the country.
That went to the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba, according to a study by Iglu Cruises, which analysed thousands of tourist reviews of architectural landmarks all over Spain.
Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba boasts an impressive proportion of five-star reviews at 86.3 percent, making it not only the highest-rated monument in Spain, but in Europe, too.
So, what’s all the fuss about this place? Well, the ancient structure of the building is a unique blend of Islamic and Christian architecture, making it quite a captivating sight.
When originally built, it was known as Visigoth Basilica of San Vicente, but was transformed into a grand mosque in 786.
Years later in 1236, following the Christian conquest of Cordoba, the building was consecrated as a Cathedral, which is why it also incorporates Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque detailing.
Sounds rather splendid, right? No wonder then that the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, with it being described as the ‘most important Islamic architectural work in the western world’, according to the Olive Press – that’s quite the accolade.
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