Cortijo de las Mezquitas, Former mosque and agricultural estate in Antequera, Spain
Cortijo de las Mezquitas is a former estate located between Antequera and Campillos with three naves separated by columns supporting horseshoe arches. The layout resembles architecture of major mosques and shows careful space division originally designed for communal gatherings.
The building was constructed in the 10th century during the reign of Caliph Abd al-Rahman III and served as a gathering place. After 1552 it was converted into an agricultural property and its original function was abandoned.
The structure displays Islamic architectural features with horseshoe arches that reference celebrated mosques of the era. The columned halls and their proportions reveal skilled craftsmanship from a period of religious importance.
The site sits in a rural area between two municipalities and is best reached via local roads. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since the terrain is uneven and the ruins offer limited pathways.
The central courtyard maintains an almost perfect square shape measuring about 28 meters on each side. Its walls incorporate stones from Roman settlements in the area, binding two cultures within one structure.
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