La Mezquita

La Mezquita

Built in 784 on the site of a Visigoth basilica, this architectural masterpiece is considered the most important Islamic monument in the Western world. Over the course of 2 centuries is was enlarged to cover an area the size of several city blocks with more than 850 columns, making it the largest mosque in the Islamic world at the time of completion. Vistors enter through the Patio de los Naranjos, an arcaded courtyard featuring carefully spaced orange trees, palm trees, and fountains, where the faithful performed their ablutions before prayer. The Torre de Alminar encloses the remains of the minaret from which the muezzin called the faithful to prayer.