Almonaster Mezquita

The Mezquita was built from a visigothic basilica from the 5th century, reusing its materials, and is one of the few surviving Spanish rural mosques.

It is an oddly-shaped building, made of brick and stone in a trapezoid shape, probably because of the hilly terrain. The oration room has 5 naves, whose arches, like in the Mezquita in Cordoba, are perpendicular to Qibla. The central nave is wider than the 2 nearby, which are in turn wider than the 2 outer naves. The Mihrab has lost its paint, and looks quite archaic; only the brick and stone is visible. In the oration room, 16 undated tombs were found.

When Spain became Christian, many changes were made, including the addition of a central axis in accordance with the new religion. The old door and the North flank were also reconstructed. Despite these changes, the whole building still retains a rustic charm.

References:

• Wikipedia

Address

Calle Castillo 10, Almonaster la Real, Spain

Details

Founded: 9th century AD
Category: Religious sites in Spain