The great mosque of Cordoba (Qurtoba : in Arabic) One of the most finest Islamic architecture in the Western Europe

and the world's third largest mosque , The Great Mosque of Cordoba (Qurtuba : in Arabic) , Built by Abdel Rahman I in 786. Originally built by the Syrian architect to recall the ummayad great mosque in Damascus. The first extension was to the south, adding 80 columns. The second one was also to the south adding 80 new columns. Third and last enlarged took place in 10th century by adding 14 aisle, so the width and length were balanced together. Structure: the mosque is rectangular building has a dimension of its 190 by 140 m. The Muslims' architects exposed and ornamented the structural system of the mosque because of their love of geometry , that is main difference between them and the Roman's and Byzantines' style of building . Interior: The pray hall consists of a forest of the famous double tiers columns , ended up with horseshoe arcades which was deliberately raised in order to achieve the most inner lighting, creating the unique atomosphere which inspire many European architects later. Alternatning white and red marble was used to give the arches its distinctive design. The elraier 9th century mihrab has a size of a big room, roofed by a large dome supported on ribs resting on cusped arches, and next to it is the royal enclosure (Maqsura) . The interior of the dome decorated with polychrome gold and glass horseshoe arcades .. The minaret is now fulfilled with the belfry of the cathedral. Marble was used in columns - contrasting green and red marble