Original Mosque of Abd al-Rahman I

The original Aljama adopted a basilica model for its floor plan, inspired by the mosques of Damascus and al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. The space, divided into eleven naves perpendicular to the qibla wall, is arranged into a system of superimposed arches. This construction system, in which the rich influences of Hellenistic, Roman and Visigoth art can be perceived, not only established the constructive development of this building but also exerted an enormous influence on the history of universal architecture. The highly creative solution adopted also involved the reuse of the Roman and Visigoth materials belonging to other previous constructions, as in the case of the Basilica of San Vicente.

Moreover, whereas the walls are built from limestone ashlars, laid using the stretcher and header bond system, the original floor was formed of a thick layer of mortar over tamped earth.

With regard to the roof, whilst the exterior has a gabled design, the interior was structured out of wooden beams with carved decoration.