A blaze during a late-night fire in the historic Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba caused panic on Friday, but firefighters acted quickly to prevent the centuries-old landmark from disaster.
The fire started around 9 p.m. local time, spewing thick clouds of smoke and bursts of orange fire through sections of the building. Videos soon went viral on social media, causing alarm among residents and tourists. The event sent shivers recalling the 2019 Notre Dame Cathedral fire in Paris, which destroyed much of that historic landmark.
Mayor José María Bellido put everyone at ease with an on-air TV appearance, stating, "The monument is saved. There will be no spread, it will not be a catastrophe." He verified the fire was brought under control shortly, though crews were still at work extinguishing hotspots that remained.
Local media, such as ABC, quoted that the fire could have begun when a mechanical sweeping machine was engulfed in flames on site. Though an official investigation is ongoing, authorities emphasized that the mosque-cathedral's structural integrity is intact.
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The Mosque-Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage monument, receives almost 2 million visitors every year. Constructed between the 8th and 10th centuries by Abd al-Rahman of the Umayyad dynasty, the Mosque-Cathedral is one of the most beautiful Islamic architecture in the whole of Europe. Built over the remains of a previous church, the monument has fantastic horseshoe arches, rich mosaics, and a huge prayer hall.
During the 13th century, with the Christian reconquest by King Ferdinand III of Castile, it was converted into a cathedral. Renaissance and Baroque touches were added over time, producing a unique architectural combination that mirrors Cordoba's rich history.
Due to quick coordination among local emergency responders, the fire was contained from engulfing more fragile and historically important sections of the building. The mayor attributed firefighters with their "extraordinary speed and precision" to fighting the fire.
For the residents of Córdoba, however, the experience had all the hallmarks of a nightmare brought vividly into focus. With restoration crews now set to evaluate possible smoke and heat damage, the city heaved a collective sigh of relief that its most beloved landmark remained standing an homage to both its strength and the devotion of those who safeguard it.
