Andalusian Junta endorses emergency renovations at Cordoba Mosque, with a estimated budget of roughly one million euros.
The restoration plan for the iconic Mosque-Cathedral in Córdoba is currently being processed, following a recent fire incident. The master plan, drawn up by the Cathedral Chapter in collaboration with the Andalusian regional government, the city council, the Ministry of Culture, and UNESCO, aims to not only restore the Mosque area but also revitalise the entire historic centre of Córdoba [1][2].
The damage from the fire is described as localised, affecting approximately 50 to 60 square meters, primarily a recently restored roof. Despite this, the restoration is considered entirely feasible and "perfectly restorable" [1][2]. Emergency work to secure the affected area will precede full restoration.
The estimated cost for the repairs is around one million euros. Responsibility for financing the repairs is expected to fall mainly on the Cathedral Chapter, given the monument’s strong financial capacity due to its high visitor numbers (millions annually) [1][2][5]. However, the process involves close coordination among regional, local, and national heritage institutions to ensure the work proceeds efficiently and effectively.
The Ministry of Culture offered its help from the beginning, and there is close collaboration between the Cathedral Chapter, the Ministry, and UNESCO for the restoration project [1]. The master plan, which covers the restoration of the Mosque area and the entire historic centre of Córdoba, is currently being processed by the relevant institutions.
Patricia del Pozo, the Counselor of Culture and Sport of the Andalusian Government, has announced the approval of an emergency intervention plan for the Mosque-Cathedral area. She praised the management of the monument by the Cathedral Chapter and highlighted the coordination between the City Council, Junta, and Cathedral Chapter [2].
The action of the firefighters was "impressive and quick", limiting the damage compared to what it could have been [1]. The Mosque is safe due to the effective functioning of the self-protection plans.
In summary:
- Status: Master restoration plan is finalized and being processed with institutional coordination.
- Damage: Localized, about 50-60 m², mainly a recently restored roof.
- Cost: Estimated at one million euros.
- Financing: Primarily expected from the Cathedral Chapter, supported by regional and national institutions.
This approach aims to preserve not only the Mosque-Cathedral but the entire historic centre of Córdoba, demonstrating strong institutional collaboration and commitment to heritage conservation [1].
The institutional collaboration for the restoration plan, covering both the iconic Mosque-Cathedral and the historic center of Córdoba, is currently being executed, with the average financial burden anticipated to be shouldered primarily by the Cathedral Chapter but also supported by regional and national heritage institutions [1]. The general news surrounding this project highlights the importance of policy-and-legislation in preserving national monuments, as demonstrated by the close coordination between the Cathedral Chapter, Ministry of Culture, UNESCO, and local government [1].
