February 2, 2025, 6:53 am | Read time: 2 minutes
A booking portal has analyzed the Tripadvisor ratings of 50 European sights and found out which of them particularly amazed visitors. One Spanish monument was particularly surprising.
The Sagrada Família in Barcelona, the Alhambra in Granada, or the Palma Cathedral: There is really no shortage of impressive Spanish buildings. But one monument in Spain enchants visitors like no other—and even leaves St. Peter’s Basilica behind in a European comparison.
Overview
Over 86 Percent 5-Star Ratings
At least according to a study by the cruise portal Iglu Cruises. As Time Out reports, the portal analyzed thousands of visitor ratings for European sights. And one structure stands out distinctly above the rest.
The Mezquita of Córdoba has an incredible 86.3 percent five-star rating. According to Córdoba Buenas Noticias, this not only leaves the Alhambra in Granada (80.8 percent) and the Sagrada Família (77.9 percent) behind, but also other top European attractions, such as St. Peter’s Basilica (82.3 percent).
Monument Combines Islamic and Christian Architecture
The stellar ratings are well-deserved, as the Mezquita of Córdoba is an extraordinary monument in the heart of southern Spain. According to the official Spanish tourism portal, it is one of the most beautiful examples of Arabic art in Spain. It consists of different, overlapping architectural styles that have blended together over nine centuries.
The oldest part of the monument was built as a mosque in 785—on the foundations of an old Visigothic church. In the centuries that followed, the Spanish monument was rebuilt and extended several times. After the reconquest of Córdoba by the Christians, a cathedral was built inside the mosque in 1523.
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UNESCO Heritage Site Since 1984
Architecturally, the Mihrab, or prayer niche, is of particular significance. Adorned with Byzantine mosaics and intricate marble work, it stands as one of the most distinguished examples of its kind. It is, therefore, no wonder that the Mezquita of Córdoba was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.