The year 1492 is primarily remembered for the first voyage of Christopher Columbus to find the New World, however it was also in 1492 control of the Kingdom of Granada, ruled by the Muslim Nasrid dynasty, was surrendered by Muhammad XII to Ferdinand and Isabella. This was the last stronghold of the Moors in Iberia, and the end of the Moorish style of architecture.
The first Moors, a name given to the Arabs, Berbers and other North Africans who were of the Islamic faith, invaded Iberia in 711, crossing the narrow Strait of Gibraltar from Morocco. There does not seem to be any notable Moorish construction until the Great Mosque of Cordoba, a dream of Abd ar-Rahman the self-proclaimed Amir al-Andalus (Emir of Andalusia), known as La Mezquita. The original structure of La Mezquita was built between 785 and 787, over 600 feet long and 400 feet wide, with 850 columns of marble, granite and jasper with Caliphal arches supporting the roof.
Over the years there were additions and alterations to the Great... (... more information below the photos)
La Alhambra Granada Andalusia Spain Standing solid on its narrow plateau fortified on every side, La Alhambra is a monumental complex overlooking the city of Granada in the Andalusia region of Spain. |
Romantic Banos Arabes La Giralda Sevilla Cathedral Spain A beautiful romantic setting on the rooftop terrace of the Banos Arabes (Arab Baths) with a backdrop of La Giralda and Cathedral in the historic city of Sevilla, Andalusia, Spain. |
La Alhambra Architecture Granada Spain A feast for the eyes - intricate carvings on the archways leading through the Sala de la Barca to the north portico are fine examples of Islamic art and architecture at La Alhambra, Granada, Spain. |
Details Archway Spandrels Hall Boat Royal House Alhambra Granada Andalusia Spain Intricate and elaborate details of the archway and spandrels are found at one of the entrances of the Hall of the Boat in The Royal House of The Alhambra, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the City of Granada in Andalusia, Spain. |
Exterior View Alhambra Dusk Granada Andalusia Spain The Alhambra (La Alhambra) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the City of Granada and the exterior is lit up at dusk to show off the Moorish palace and fortress in all its architectural wonder. It was built in the 14th century and is still standing today. |
Palacio Del Partal La Alhambra City Of Granada Andalusia Spain The still pool reflects the beautiful architecture of the Palacio del Partal and surrounding palm trees on it's surface, situated in the grounds of La Alhambra in the city of Granada, Andalusia, Spain. |
Andalusia Tourist Attraction Moorish Architecture Seville The exquisite Moorish architecture of the central building in Plaza de Espana is up at sunset. Plaza de Espana is one of Spain's most recognizable buildings and is a top tourist attraction in the beautiful city of Seville, Andalusia, Spain. |
Interior Architecture Mezquita Cordoba City Andalusia Spain The naves of the Mezquita, meaning Mosque in Spanish, is one of the most extraordinary sites in this cathedral style mosque. It is a former mosque, and now is a Roman Catholic Cathedral. When it was built in 784 AD, it was the second largest mosque. |
Architectural Design Central Building Plaza De Espana Andalusia Sevilla The central building in the famous Plaza de Espana in Sevilla has some of the most amazing architectural design which is the perfect example of the Moorish Revival in Spain's history of architecture. Thousands of visitors come here every year to see it. |
Tower Dusk Plaza De Espana Parque Maria Luisa Sevilla Andalusia Spain A tower is lit up at dusk at the corner of the Plaza de Espana, in the Parque Maria Luisa, a paradise of trees and plants in the middle of Sevilla, the capital of the province of Sevilla, Andalusia, Spain. |
Alhambra Sierra Nevada Mountains City Of Granada Andalusia Spain The Alhambra, a fabulous example of a Moorish citadel and palace, with the Sierra Nevada mountains in the background. This view can be seen from the Mirador de San Nicolas in Albayzin, City of Granada, Andalusia, Spain. |
Beautiful Mosque Picture Mezquita Cordoba Andalusia Spain A multitude of impressive, colorful arches highlight the beautiful Mezquita de Cordoba, an 8th Century mosque that is now used as a cathedral, located in Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain. |
Torre Del Alminar Mezquita City Of Cordoba Andalusia Spain Towering 93 metres above the Mezquita, a Great Mosque dating back 12 centuries, the Torre del Alminar is a bell tower which is built on the site of the original minaret of the Mezquita in the city of Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain. |
La Giralda Minaret Bell Tower Santa Cruz Sevilla Andalusia Spain The famous La Giralda, the bell tower and minaret, of the Cathedral of Sevilla, is lit up at dusk as it towers above the city. This view is from the Plaza del Triunfo in the Santa Cruz District in Sevilla, Andalusia, Spain. |
Historic City Of Cordoba Andalusia Spain Two historic monuments in the city of Cordoba - the Puente Romano (bridge) and the Mezquita Cathedral, are iconic images in the Province of Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain. |
Travel Destination City Of Granada Andalusia Spain The Alhambra is one of the principal monuments in the city of Granada, and a fine example of moorish architecture. Granada is a popular travel destination in the Andalusia region of Spain. |
Beautiful Plaza De Espana Night Sevilla Andalusia Spain By day tourists flock to see Plaza de Espana with its beautiful Moorish Revival architecture, a highlight during a tour of Sevilla in the southernmost region of Spain - Andalusia. It's a different scene by night, with only the sound of the large fountain. |
Seville Cathedral La Giralda Architecture A view of the architecture of the Seville Cathedral and La Giralda from a doorway of the Real Acazar in the City of Sevilla in Andalusia, Spain. |
Sightseeing Plaza De Espana Sevilla Andalusia Sightseeing around the Plaza de Espana in the City of Sevilla in Andalusia, Spain is amazing especially as dusk begins to settle in around the area. |
Ceramic Tiles Alcoves Sevilla Tourist Attraction Around the Plaza de Espana and Parque Maria Luisa in the City of Sevilla in Andalusia, Spain, an attraction for every tourist, is the alcoves of ceramics. |
Beautiful Fountain Plaza De Espana Sevilla The beautiful fountain spraying water in the centre of the Plaza de Espana in the City of Sevilla just before sunset. |
Mesquita Cathedral Cordoba Andalusia Spain A tour through the interior of the Mezquita Cathedral is a must and reveals the many extensions and phases of a building which emphazes the overlaying civilizations of Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain. |
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... Mosque. In 1236, after Cordoba had been captured by the Christians it was converted into a church, and in the 16th century a cathedral was built where the mosque had been. Today La Mezquita is an intriguing mix of architectural design through the centuries.
La Giralda, the bell tower of the Cathedral in Seville, was built in the 12th century as a minaret. Today, the Moorish architecture of the lower section is topped by both Gothic and Baroque additions, and the Almohad Mosque, the minaret served, became the site of the Cathedral, one of the world's largest churches. The Real Alcazar in Seville is a wonderful example of the versatility of the Moors architectural talent. Although the Muslim settlers started as invaders in the 8th century, by the time they were ousted in the 15th century these Moors had become an integral part of the history of Spain.
Moorish architecture reflects the teachings of Mohammed and the Koran featuring design, calligraphy, geometric patterns and stucco work. The Mosques were not only places of worship, but also somewhere to learn reading, writing and general knowledge.
The plain exterior of some of the Moorish domes can be deceiving, as the inside may be decorated with stone lattice work or intricate designs of multi-coloured mosaics. The original horseshoe shaped arch was the design used by the Visigoths, who inhabited Al Andalus at the time of the invasion by the Moors. Many of the first Moorish buildings continued with a similar design, such as the Caliphal arches at the Salon Rico in Medina Azahara. Then new styles began to appear - the Almohad Arch has a more intricate decorative style, and the Mudejar Arch is a more refined and simply decorated - excellent examples can be seen at Real Alcazar. Mudejar architecture using ceramics and brick, is the name given to the work done by Muslims who stayed after the Christians returned.
The Nasrid Dynasty was the last of the Moorish architects and the builders of the 'jewel' of Granada - the Alhambra. The Nasrid arches are decorative and elegant, as is the entire Alhambra. Using space, natural lighting and water features, the Alhambra was built near the end of the Muslim era in Spain. The construction of the Alhambra spread over the reigns of, three rulers, each adding their own touch. Many of the walls were decorated with faience mosaic in star patterns, panels of marble, carved stucco and wood were all materials used throughout the palaces. In the great banquet hall, Sala de los Reyes, there are exquisite paintings on leather adorning the ceiling.
Typical of Moorish Architecture, the Alhambra was built with basic materials but the artisans were true craftsmen, and their work can still be seen today. The Albaicin district in Granada was once home to many Moors, and their houses and gardens can be seen behind high walls. El Banuelo, built in the 11th century, is an excellent example of Moorish baths.
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