Having got brief directions to go to the Mezquita, we took city bus No 3 that went through the city. We observed a Roman ruin along the way and hope to revisit it later, if there was an opportunity. We stopped at one part of the town, by the river and walked along it, based on the directions given to us, and also followed the directions given at street corners to the Mezquita. Along the way we saw the bridge built across the river in the 7th Century but have since been refurbished several times over, the original design of which could still be seen underneath the new structure. The river however was heavily silted up.
We went on towards the Medina Azzahara but noticed it closed and appeared not to have been opened for public entry. We went on towards the Mezquita and stopped at the Tourist Information Centre, within the complex and open, where we obtained a map of the city, how to get about, and other places of interests, not that we have much time for other attractions, but good to know what our options were.
The very high external walls of the Mezquita showed how huge and old the building was and had the Islamic designs of the early caliphate era. On entering the vast, open and pebbled courtyard, planted with palm trees and orange trees, we noticed the crowd of tourists in their groups all over the place. Amongst all I noticed the group of Japanese, I identified them by their language spoken, were the most disciplined, all having their own cameras and never stop taking photos. Entry into the covered cathedral was ticketed at €8.00 each and Najla entered free.
Inside were available brochures and description of the history of the Mesquita and what was available to see inside.
Original Islamic calligraphic inscriptions, preserved over the times, could clearly be seen on parts of the wall, so also the Mehrab and the front arches meant for the Imam when leading prayers. 
The pillars all over the huge building area supporting the roof had arches that were alternated with concrete and brick, their colors alternating cream and pink, while the arches appeared like upturned hands with fingers holding upwards. It was a magnificent site to behold. Each pillar was symmetrically designed with concrete carvings at the top supporting the tall concrete arches. Part of the Mesquita is now utilized as a church and I noticed several of them inside, perhaps meant for different groups. However it was clear that the whole complex was for tourists attracting tourist money. I also found out that entry, especially on Sundays and while there are church services going on, or at other special festival times, is free. Lucky for those who happen to visit during those times.
Just outside the complex were several souvenir shops true to the touristy nature of the complex, all out to squeeze the tourist dollar or was it euro!! No different from any other touristy locations around the world. Ram and Sita spent a while browsing through but decided that we should move on……
MKI Ramblings Unlimited
Old Town Apartments,
Madrid, España.
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