The historic Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, one of Spain’s most treasured landmarks, narrowly escaped severe damage after a fire broke out on the night of Friday, 8 August 2025. The blaze, which started in the Almánzor chapel, was quickly brought under control thanks to the rapid and coordinated response of Córdoba’s emergency services. This is what we know so far.
How the fire started
According to early reports, the fire was caused by a short circuit in an electric floor-sweeping machine stored inside the chapel. Flames spread quickly, producing thick smoke that could be seen from various parts of the city. The alarm was raised at around 9:10 pm, triggering an immediate emergency call-out.
Rapid response prevents catastrophe
Five fire engines, a crane, and multiple firefighting teams arrived within minutes, containing the blaze before it could spread to other areas of the monument. By 12:15 am, the fire was officially extinguished, and crews remained on site overnight to prevent reignition.
Mayor José María Bellido praised the operation as “rapid and magnificent,” noting that without such swift action, Córdoba could have faced an “irreparable cultural loss.”
What was damaged – and what was spared
The roof of the Almánzor chapel—covering roughly 25 square metres—collapsed under the combined impact of fire and water used during firefighting. The neighbouring Chapel of the Annunciation also sustained damage, including a smoke-blackened 19th-century altarpiece, scorched vaults, and a compromised column.
Importantly, the most ancient and iconic sections, such as the 8th-century mihrab and the famous horseshoe arches, were untouched. The site reopened to visitors the following morning, reassuring tourists and locals alike.
Reactions and heritage concerns
Dean Joaquín Alberto Nieva emphasised that the fire damage was “very small” compared to the monument’s overall size and historical value. However, the incident has sparked debate about heritage site management. The Plataforma Mezquita-Catedral civic group criticised the use of the chapel as a storage area and called for shared oversight of the UNESCO-listed site.
UNESCO, which inscribed the Mosque-Cathedral as a World Heritage Site in 1984, was notified immediately and commended the swift containment of the fire.
Safety improvements planned
To prevent future incidents, the Córdoba Mosque-Cathedral will reportedly install a state-of-the-art fire-safety system this autumn, similar to those introduced at historic monuments like Paris’s Notre Dame. The system will include modern sensors, automatic suppression mechanisms, and enhanced fire-prevention protocols.
Why this matters
La Mezquita is not just an architectural masterpiece—it is a living testament to Spain’s layered history of Islamic and Christian rule. Attracting nearly two million visitors each year, it is both a cultural treasure and a vital driver of Córdoba’s tourism economy. The August 2025 fire serves as a stark reminder of the need for modern safety measures to protect irreplaceable heritage.
Key takeaways for visitors and locals:
- The Mosque-Cathedral remains open and safe to visit.
- Damage was limited and restoration plans are already under way.
- Heritage safety reforms are expected to make the monument better protected than ever.