According to a traditional account, a small Visigoth church, stood on the site.

In 784 Abd al-Rahman I ordered construction of the Great Mosque, which was considerably expanded by later Muslim rulers.

Córdoba returned to Christian rule in 1236 during the Reconquista and the building was converted to a Catholic church.

Much of the original design happily remains, with the distinctive Moorish arches and ornate mihrab.

In my opinion the cathedral inside the original mosque building spoils the aesthetics of the structure, but it is still a majestic place to visit.

The World Heritage Organisation think so too.