A recent fire at the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba, one of Spain’s most celebrated landmarks, has caused some disruption but left the majority of the site open to visitors.
The blaze, which broke out on the night of Friday August 8th, started in the Almanzor Chapel when a mechanical sweeper reportedly suffered a short circuit.
The fire spread towards the famous Patio de los Naranjos, thankfully, emergency services arrived within minutes, and firefighters had the blaze under control in around 90 minutes. Their quick work prevented what could have been a devastating loss for Spain’s cultural heritage.
While the Almanzor and Anunciación chapels sustained significant damage, including a collapsed roof in the Almanzor Chapel, the main sections of the cathedral, including the world-famous prayer hall with its red-and-white arches, were untouched. Smaller areas, such as the Baptistery and San Nicolás de Bari Chapel, also suffered minor damage.
The Mezquita-Catedral reopened the very next morning, albeit with the damaged chapels closed for restoration. Authorities have reassured the public that the repairs will be handled with the utmost care to protect the building’s unique blend of Islamic and Christian architecture.
Originally built as a mosque in the 8th century and converted into a cathedral in the 13th, the Mezquita-Catedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site and draws almost two million visitors annually.
