Spain Series - the Mezquita at Cordoba

The exterior of the Mezquita, and the horse-drawn carriages outside, awaiting customers.  At the background is the Torre de Alminar, the bell tower built on the original site of the minaret.

More than 850 columns of granite, jaspar and marble support the roof, the forest of arches and pillars creating a dazzling effect. 

The magnificent altarpiece of the cathedral, built in the heart of the reconsecrated mosque during the 16th century.

The cathedral choir stalls - a truly splendid carving by Pedro Cornejo in the 18th century.  In almost every catherdral, there are these elaborately crafted choir stalls; what sets the Mezquita apart is the Andalucian sun streaming into the cathedral, and the relaxed regime which allows visitors to photograph this stupendous display of craftsmanship. 

One of the pieces in the Treasury.  There can be no doubt about the wealth of the Catholic Church, and the power it wielded over the nation state and the people at one time.