Moorish+Architecture+in+Spain

__Background__
The Moorish architecture is one of the many branches associated with Islamic architecture, which is the root and base of the Moorish influence. The articulated and sound structure of the Moorish architecture was developed in North Africa and also south-western Europe (known today as the Iberian Peninsula ), where the Islamic civilization was exposed to the Berber, Greco-Roman , and Visogothic traditions. The style and form was developed by the North Africans and south-western Europeans and it is believed that they came to conquer the Iberian Peninsula and now comprise most of Spain and Portugal. Moorish architecture is still visible today but its popularity reached its peak between the 8th and 15th centuries.

**The Great Mosque of Cordoba**
One of the most widely known examples of the Moorish architectures still standing is The Great Mosque of Cordoba (also known as the Mezquita), the city in Andalusia, located in southern Spain. The mosque is the central heart of the city and is right next to the city market where people gather and socialize. The Mosque is admired for its exceptional craftsmanship and important attention to detail when noting the interior walls. The horseshoe style arch was also incorporated in the interior to demonstrate the building's geometry and ornate design on the glazed tiles. The Mosque, built at the end of the 8th century was built over an ancient temple constructed by the late Romans and Visigoths. The complex interior is complimented by the tiles which alternate between black and white.

**The Alhambra**
The Alhambra, located in Granada, Spain is one of the most impressive palaces of Southern Spain. The Alhambra was built during the 13th and 14th century right after the Reconquista. Still conserved in its original condition, its breezy and open entrance and feel attracts many tourists and grew to be one of the most visited tourist spots in Southern Spain. The interior walls are decorated with Arabic inscriptions and unique work, all covered in a smooth glaze. A common color scheme used in the Alhambra is a combination between red, blue, and gold. This style of architecture and technique is similar to that of the architecture in Northern Spain. Many similarities can be drawn from the Northern Spain, including the Roman and Visigothic influence.

__**More Information**__
Moorish architecture originally derived from Arab tradition of architecture and design. The Moors focused more on the interior of the buildings rather than the exterior. Many of the Moors great surviving works lie in Andalucia and can still be seen today in their original state. Many @Spanish artists contributed to the lavish paintings and tile-work found on the interior of these buildings. A much more common type of architecture used by the Moors was called Mudejar, the artwork made for and by the Christians of a particular time period. After many years the country was reconquered from the Muslims, the Moorish architects that were left stayed and helped develop a new style combining some traditional architecture with a Romanesque style, thus creating the Mudejar style.

**__Giralda of Seville__**
Also known as the Golden Tower because of it's grand bell tower, the Giralda of Seville was built in 1184-1198. The Giralda is popular for its minarets, which are tall spires, onion-shaped with conical crowns at the top of the spires which light up when the city is asleep. It is one of the largest churches in Spain. The Cathedral was used for two purposes; an observatory to look over the city and a place of prayer, faith, and worship. Accented with copper spheres, the tower can be seen for miles of the city. The influence of the Moorish architecture in Spain is carried out through many villages and nearby towns and the styles seen in these buildings are incorporated in many other smaller buildings seen throughout Spain.