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Córdoba’s iconic Mosque-Cathedral is set to undergo urgent restoration after a fire on Friday August 8 damaged part of the monument. The blaze broke out in the early hours inside one of the chapels, affecting the roof and wooden structures. Thick smoke was seen rising from the historic landmark, prompting a rapid response from firefighters who managed to bring the flames under control within about 45 minutes, preventing more serious damage.

 

The Andalusian Regional Government confirmed on Monday that an emergency works plan has been approved, with initial estimates putting the total cost of the restoration at around one million euros.

 

Patricia del Pozo, Regional Minister of Culture and Sports, praised the “excellent” management of the incident by the Cathedral Chapter, the body responsible for running the Mosque-Cathedral, as well as the “perfect coordination” between the City Council, the Regional Government and the Chapter. She stressed that the Ministry of Culture had offered help from the outset.

 

The first stage of work, proposed by the Chapter’s technical team of conservation architects, archaeologists and restorers, will include clearing debris, shoring up structures and securing the affected area. One column in front of the Puerta de San Nicolás will be reinforced, while damaged wooden roof sections will be removed. Temporary weather protection will also be installed over damaged chapels while a detailed damage assessment is carried out.

 

Del Pozo emphasised that the cause of the blaze cannot yet be confirmed, warning that “any assessment, such as what the PSOE has done, seems to me to be imprudent at this time, at the very least reckless.” She also reassured the public that “the mosque is safe,” crediting the success of the monument’s self-protection plan and the swift actions of firefighters.

 

Given the building’s size (around 13,000 square metres) the fire damage was contained to a relatively small section, estimated at just 50 to 60 square metres. “It is perfectly restorable, which is what is going to be done,” Del Pozo said, noting that the roof most affected had been restored six or seven years ago and was not one of the oldest in the complex.

 

The Minister expressed confidence that the Cathedral Chapter will be able to cover the cost, citing the site’s strong visitor numbers and good financial health. “What is necessary, more than the budget itself, is coordination so that everything goes very well and very quickly,” she said, highlighting the joint efforts of the Regional Government, City Council and UNESCO.

 

A wider master plan covering both the Mosque-Cathedral and Córdoba’s historic centre is already being developed, with authorities promising full collaboration to safeguard the city’s heritage.

 

 

 

Image: Policia Nacional