The Architectural Beauty of the Great Mosque at Cordoba

What are the architectural forms of the arches found at the Great Mosque at Cordoba?

a) Horseshoe and multifoil arches

b) Roman and Gothic arches

c) Pointed and basket-handle arches

d) Keystone and corbel arches

Answer:

The Great Mosque of Cordoba contains two significant types of architectural arch forms: the horseshoe arch, which originated from Visigoths, and the ornate multifoil arch.

The Great Mosque at Cordoba presents a remarkable combination of architectural styles, which are typical of Islamic art. The horseshoe arch, a signature element of the mosque's design, is derived from Visigoth tradition. This style was prevalent in the architecture of the Visigoths, who ruled the area after the collapse of the Roman Empire and before the arrival of the Umayyads. This arch eventually disseminated across North Africa from Morocco to Egypt, becoming a defining feature of Western Islamic architecture.

Another characteristic form of arch observed in the Great Mosque of Córdoba is the multifoil arch, which provides a strong visual contrast. Composed of smooth, undisturbed stone in the lower section and blind multifoil arches in the upper portion, these arches are marked by their detailed intricacy, imparted by multiple small folds radiating from a central point. In addition, the mosque features uniquely decorated voussoirs, the wedges making up an arch, typically used in Islamic architecture. The voussoirs used in the horseshoe arches of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba are differentiated in color, alternating in a pattern of red brick and greyish stone, a design feature which is prevalent in Umayyad architecture.