Flame suppressed within Cordoba's Mosque-Cathedral in Spain
In the heart of Cordoba, Spain, a significant event unfolded as firefighters successfully extinguished a blaze that engulfed the historic Mosque-Cathedral of Cรณrdoba. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, a jewel of Islamic architecture, is a major tourist attraction and the scene of last night's dramatic events.
The fire, which broke out around 9 p.m. local time (19:00 GMT) in one of the Almanzor naves, was averted from being a catastrophe due to the rapid and magnificent intervention of firefighters. Three fire teams worked tirelessly to control and extinguish the fire within a short period.
Initial reports suggest that the cause of the blaze may have been a short circuit in an electric sweeper, part of the cleaning operations inside the cathedral. However, further details on why the short circuit might have caused the fire remain unclear.
The site, which served as a mosque between the 8th and 10th centuries, was later converted into a cathedral after Christians reconquered Spain in the 13th century under King Ferdinand III of Castile. Over subsequent centuries, architectural alterations were made, preserving the historical significance of the building.
The fire evoked memories of the 2019 fire that ravaged Notre Dame in Paris. Widely shared videos from last night showed flames and smoke billowing from inside the monument. Firefighters and police remained on site overnight, continuing to cool the monument's walls and roofs to prevent the fire from reigniting.
Cordoba Mayor Jose Mara Bellido confirmed the fire is now out, while El Mundo reported the events. The cathedral reopened to the public on Saturday morning, offering a sigh of relief to locals and tourists alike. Notre Dame formally reopened in late 2024, serving as a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the people of Cordoba and the wider world will undoubtedly be watching closely. The historic Mosque-Cathedral of Cรณrdoba, a testament to the rich cultural history of Spain, stands once more as a symbol of unity and perseverance.
