The Courtyard, The Mezquita--page 2 (of 6 pages)

8th century; 1236 rededicated to Christian use; 1520's--cathedral built inside the mosque



Puerta del Perdón, a mudéjar gateway added in 1377

Today this is the main entrance into the courtyard.
 

Patio de los Naranjos

This typical Islamic courtyard preserves both the orange trees, planted in rows, and the fountains, necessary for ablutions before prayer. (Note the red brick fountain in the foreground of both photographs.)
 

The 16th century bell tower

Originally a minaret had been built into the wall of the courtyard but it was replaced by the Christian bell tower.
 

The north wall of the mosque

Originally there was no solid wall separating the mosque from the courtyard. The side shown (see especially the far right photo) was open to the courtyard, illustrating the belief that the mosque should be related to the life of the city. Then all nineteen naves were open which made the interior rows of columns inside echo the trees planted in rows outside. Light could also filter through the openings as well.



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© 2005 Mary Ann Sullivan. I have photographed (on site), scanned, and manipulated all the images on these pages. Please feel free to use them for personal or educational purposes. They are not available for commercial purposes.

Page created by Mary Ann Sullivan