HIP-S-000232-9995 Detail of calligraphy and decorative mosaics, Great Mosque of Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain. Islamic calligraphy and decorative mosaics above the doorway to the treasury of the mosque. Once the largest city of Roman Spain, Cordoba later formed the heart of the western Islamic empire. Construction of the Great Mosque, or Mezquita, began in the 780s and after several centuries of additions and enlargements, it became one of the largest in the Muslim world. After the Spanish recaptured Cordoba in 1236, they built a Christian cathedral in the heart of the mosque complex Credit: Werner Forman Archive / Heritage Images /Alinari Archives, Florence WARNING: Permission must be required for non editorial use. Please contact Alinari Archives Collection: Heritage Images /Alinari Archives, Florence Technical info Image sizes (pixel): 3612 X 4856 Image sizes (cm at 300 dpi): 30 X 41 Image sizes (MB): 5.80 Color space: RGB