Inside Cordoba Mosque

Exploring Cordoba Mosque inside takes you to St Paul’s Conversion Chapel, which was commissioned in 1378. Records exist of preservation attempts in the early seventeenth century, when several new artistic elements like the vault and similarities with the choir roof. The lunettes here showcase stunning representations of scenes of the Coronation of the Virgin, Lamentation of Saint Peter, and Saint James the Pilgrim. You can also spot artworks on major Biblical figures within the chapel.

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Among the famous chapels of Cordoba Mosque inside is the Chapel of Saint Stephen and Saint Bartholomew, the origins of which remain unknown. Its earliest records are linked to its oldest patrons, the Gongora family of the 1490s. You must see the altarpiece here which has a painting of the Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew. The chapel also has the funeral urn of Luis de Gongora y Argote, a part of Cordoba Cathedral canon.

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Dating back to 1565, the Chapel of the Nativity of Our Lady showcases the touches of Renaissance art styles in Cordoba Mosque inside. The most special architectural elements here are the pointed arch vault of the chapel along with the altarpiece and the buttresses surrounding it. Important artworks in the chapel include scenes from the Annunciation, the Birth, the Visitation of Mary to St Elizabeth, and Adoration of the Magi.

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What makes Chapel of the Souls of Purgatory special is that it was designed by Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, the celebrated chronicler. You can see descriptions of his life and works in inscriptions here, along with his tomb. The chapel has a carving of the Crucifixion, while the altarpiece has a single vault surrounded by two columns. You can also spot a stunning relief of the Eternal Father atop the altarpiece.

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Among the most stunning chapels inside the Cordoba Mosque is the Chapel of Our Lady of the Conception, constructed in the seventeenth century. The chapel was the most important artistic addition in this century, with red marble giving the space a luxurious tone. Elements that attract attention include the radial cupola, the altarpiece, and numerous artworks. Spot sculptures like the Immaculate Conception and paintings on various Biblical themes here.

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The Saint Teresa Chapel occupies the Qibla wall of the Cordoba Mosque and represents Baroque art styles within the ancient structure. The chapel is octagonal in shape with a windowed dome and plasterwork decoration depicting acanthus leaves. The semi-circular arches have compositions like the Martyrdom of St Acisclus and St Victoria and the Conquest of Cordoba by Fernando III the Saint. You can also see several sculptures depicting saints, Biblical scenes, and Cordoba’s history here.

The Mural painting of the Baptism of Jesus can be found on the Altar of Saint John the Baptist. The mural inside the Cordoba Mosque, was found when the Incarnation of Pedro de Cordoba was removed. You can see the influences of Gothic-Italian art styles in the painting, which shows the Baptism of Jesus surrounded by two angels. The geometric motifs of St John’s robes are a special feature of the painting.

Created by Pedro de Cordoba in the fifteenth century, the Incarnation is a charming depiction of contrasting Biblical and contemporary themes. The work is created around two distances, with the foreground having representations of different saints, including John the Baptist. The background depicts the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary by Archangel Gabriel, along with representations of the Eternal Father and the Holy Spirit. The scene is of a homely room, which gives the artist scope to show his skills.

One of the most iconic works of Cordoba Mosque inside, the Processional custody of Corpus Christi was created by Enrique de Arfe. The sculpture introduced a new art trend in Cordoba and marked the transition from Gothic to Renaissance art. You can see four different bodies of the sculpture, with each showcasing the technical mastery of their creator. The piece is made from silver and gold and is famous for its rich quality.

Ranked among the most stunning altarpieces of Cordoba Mosque inside, this intricate artwork dates to the sixteenth century. The Altarpiece of Ieshu Verde and San Nicolas de Bari was created by Pedro de Campana who intermixed Italian and Flemish art styles. You can see several Biblical scenes like the Annunciation, Adoration of the Kings, and the Holy Supper here. The altarpiece also has a sculpture of San Nicolas de Bari.

Known for its silverwork carvings, the Pax-board of the Marquis of Comares of Cordoba Mosque inside was created by Rodrigo de Leon. The pax-boards are like small altarpieces which show the bases, columns, arches, and main themes. You can see depictions of the Assumption of the Virgin and the Incredulity of Saint Thomas along with allegorical representations here. More than Renaissance, you can find influences of Mannerism in this sixteenth century work.

An unforgettable depiction of the Last Supper, the painting of Holy Supper by Pablo de Cespedes reflects the influence of Humanism and Renaissance. The base of the painting has three smaller artworks depicting three different Biblical scenes while the top depicts the Allegory of Faith. The main painting shows clear Italian influences and depicts the moment when the Eucharist was institutionalised. The Holy Supper is placed on a chapel altarpiece of Cordoba Mosque inside.