Where's Watkins?: Watkins is in Córdoba

It was a four hour bus ride to get here. Doing allll of the bus blogging! (and then napping when my battery gives out!) Córdoba was only a quick stop on the way to Sevilla. But we got to stretch our legs and see some cool architecture, which I'm always down for.

(Edit note: I was looking at my blog from my phone and it deleted this whole blog except for the first few sentences that were on the version on my phone, including all the pictures (about 3 hours of work). I had really cool facts and witty captions, all of which are lost now. I remembered as much as I could, but unfortunately it's gone forever. I sincerely recommend doing your own research on the Mezquita-Catedral, the history is incredible.)

El Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba

Oh look! Another Mosque-turned-Cathedral! That seems to be a very common theme here in Spain. Construction on this beautiful relic started back in the year 785 (nope, didn't forget a number, it's just that old!) during the 8th century. Then, it was converted into a Cathedral in the 13th century. This Cathedral, and much of the land surrounding it, is protected by UNESCO.

All around the cathedral are chapels that the Christians
built to fill the moorish arches- If I remember correctly
from my notes, there are 56.

External evidence of the moorish architecture filled
in by Christian construction- before,
this was an open arch
to let in natural light and air

another view of the main sanctuary

The entire building is full of these columns, except for the main
sanctuary, where they were removed during the Christian renovation.
As a Mosque, there were 1,293, and after the renovations only 856.
They're all made of exquisite marble, granite, jasper and onyx.

The main altar

The beautiful choir chamber was built as an addition in the
18th century

It's my favorite part, so here's a lot of pictures of it.

The ceiling above the choir room is incredible
The carvings are angels and scenes from
the bible and all kind of beautiful things

All of the seats feature a depiction of a Catholic martyr in a very
intricate wood carving

The "treasure room" of the cathedral features
all of their gold and silver chalices, serving trays,
the usual. I love the deep green contrasting with
the gold, silver, and red.

Their monstrance was made by the same silver-smith
as the one in Toledo. This one weighs more, but I can't
remember how much more. Like the one in Toledo, it is
paraded about the city once a year in a huge processional.

The ceiling above the monstrance is so intricate
and beautiful it really takes your breath away

More ceiling pictures. I love looking up to see beauty
and grace while everyone
else is busy looking around them. Haven't run
into a pillar yet. (#Jesusmetaphor)