On August 8, 2025, flames reached a side chapel of the Mezquita-Catedral of Córdoba, one of Spain's most visited monuments. Twelve months later, recovery efforts are progressing successfully, paving the way towards normality after the incident.
The fire started around 9:00 PM in the Almanzor extension area, used for storing cleaning machinery. Firefighters managed to extinguish the flames after an hour and a half of tension. Subsequent investigations concluded the incident was accidental, initiated by the overheating of an electric sweeper.
The rapid response of emergency services was recognized by institutions such as Unesco, whose director highlighted the action. Messages of reassurance were also received from the Government of Spain and the Junta de Andalucía.
Following an investment of nearly half a million euros, restoration is 80% complete. The collapsed vault has been reconstructed, and soot has been cleaned using lasers. A damaged black marble shaft will be replaced with a piece from Bizkaia. The works are expected to conclude by the end of the year.
The Bishop of Córdoba, Jesús Fernández, has stated that quality is prioritized over haste in the restoration, aiming for the monument's utmost perfection with the best professionals.
New safety measures have been implemented, including a mist-based water extinguishing system, similar to that at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, and a gas system for the historical archive. Security has been enhanced with a new Control Room and 60 surveillance cameras.
The technological deployment includes anti-drone systems, anti-terrorism controls, and specific plans for power outages. Artificial intelligence will be integrated to identify abandoned objects and optimize security response.
