Historic Site Enveloped in Flames: Córdoba Cathedral Escapes Destruction
Fire at Spain's Iconic Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba: Quick Response Prevents Catastrophe
A fire broke out at the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, one of Spain's most significant historical structures, on the evening of August 8, 2025. The fire started around 9 p.m. local time in the Almanzor nave, specifically in the Chapel of the Annunciation or Almanzor chapel, an area used as a warehouse for cleaning equipment.
Initial investigations strongly indicate that the fire was caused by a short circuit or malfunction in an electric or mechanical cleaning machine, such as an electric sweeper or floor sweeper, located within the chapel. This hypothesis is supported by various reputable Spanish media outlets, including El Mundo and local reports.
Despite the seriousness of the fire, it was quickly brought under control by multiple fire trucks that arrived at the scene in a short time. The fire protection plan in place at the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba played a crucial role in extinguishing the fire, ensuring that catastrophic damage was prevented.
The fire caused minor damage to approximately 25 to 50 square meters of the total 23,000-square-meter area. The affected area, a smaller chapel in the Almanzor nave, remained closed even on Sunday. However, by Saturday, the cathedral was open to the public at its usual times.
Joaquín Alberto Nieva, the dean of the UNESCO World Heritage site, stated that everything will be repairable. Visiting and attending services at the cathedral are absolutely safe, according to Nieva. The cathedral, originally built as a mosque, is renowned for its endless rows of red-and-white horseshoe arches supported by over 850 columns. It was converted into a Catholic cathedral after its reconquest by Christians in 1236.
In the 16th century, a Renaissance nave was built right in the middle of the Islamic prayer hall, creating a unique synthesis of Moorish and Christian architectural styles. The cathedral has been the site of regular fire drills, and the fire protection plan was updated following the devastating fire at Notre-Dame in Paris in 2019.
Onlookers photographed and filmed the scene with their phones, with videos showing flames shooting from the roof of the cathedral during the fire. The cathedral was visited by over two million people last year, making it one of Spain's major tourist attractions.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire, with results expected in the coming days. The cathedral remains open for visitors and services, providing a testament to its resilience and the quick response of the fire services.
Football fans in European-leagues were left heartbroken as the news of the fire at Spain's Iconic Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba unfolded, affecting one of the biggest tourist attractions in the country. Despite the fire, Laliga games continued as scheduled, showcasing the spirit of resilience unique to the realm of sports.
