Flame extinquished within the Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral, Spain's historical landmark.
Fire at Cordoba's Historic Mosque-Turned-Cathedral Quickly Extinguished
A massive blaze that erupted in Cordoba's iconic mosque-turned-cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was swiftly contained and extinguished by firefighters on August 8, 2025. The fire, which began around 9:00 PM local time, was caused by a mechanical sweeping machine that caught fire inside the site.
The fire broke out in one of the chapels in the Almanzor naves. Despite the dramatic flames and smoke that were widely shared on videos, firefighters managed to control the fire and extinguish it within a short period, preventing it from spreading and causing catastrophic damage.
The mosque, known as the Mezquita, was originally built between the 8th and 10th centuries under Muslim rule and was later converted into a Christian cathedral in the 13th century under King Ferdinand III of Castile. Architectural alterations were made to the building over following centuries, resulting in a remarkable integration of Islamic and Christian architectural styles.
The fire evoked memories of the 2019 fire that ravaged Notre Dame in Paris. However, the quick intervention of the firefighters in Cordoba averted a similar catastrophe, as the monument remains largely intact. Cordoba Mayor Jose Mara Bellido praised the "rapid and magnificent intervention" of the firefighters.
The cathedral reopened to the public on the morning of August 9, reflecting the overall structure's resilience. The site, a major tourist attraction, continues to welcome visitors who come to marvel at its unique blend of Islamic and Christian architectural elements.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with some reports suggesting a short circuit in an electric sweeper as the possible cause. Local and national media reported the news without elaborating on the cause, emphasising the ongoing investigation. Notre Dame formally reopened in late 2024 after the 2019 fire, offering a hopeful sign for the future restoration of the Mezquita if necessary.
- The quick extinguishing of the fire in Cordoba's iconic cathedral was reported widely by various media outlets around the world.
- Despite the initial fears, no evidence of significant damage to the historic Almanzor naves or the unique architectural blend of the Mezquita was reported in the general news.
- As investigations continue into the cause of the fire, there have been some speculations in crime and justice news regarding a possible short circuit in an electric sweeper as the culprit.
