Founded by the Romans, Córdoba’s heyday was during the early Moorish period when it was reputed to be the most splendid city in Europe. The Great Mosque built between 785 and 1002 is the main tourist attraction. Highlights include the Great Hall, characterized by delicately carved horseshoe arches of alternating white stone and red brick, the Patio de Los Naranjas, the Ablutions Courtyard still shaded by orange trees and cooled by fountains, and the Mihrab (prayer niche). In the 16th century the mosque was transformed into a Christian church with the building of a Renaissance Choir. Other reminders of Córdoba’s history are the old Jewish Quarter, which boasts a 14th-century mosque (one of only three in Spain), the Archaeological Museum with its substantial Roman and Moorish finds and the area by the river. Just outside town is the ruined palace of Medina Azaha – the site is still being excavated.