The must-see marvels of Moorish Spain

In 711 AD a Muslim leader named Tariq ibn Ziyad and his 7,000-strong army sailed the ten miles or so between North Africa and southern Spain and defeated the forces of its then rulers –and so began seven centuries of Muslim rule. From then until 1492 the area was known as al-Andalus, and it would become one of the most modern regions of the world, pioneering new ways of design and building, as well as advances in medicine, astronomy, mathematics, farming and chemistry.

Today this lush, sun-filled region, a short plane ride from the UK, is infused with the legacy of that time. You’ll see it in the distinctive horseshoe-shaped architectural arches, and in the richly-coloured, intricate tiles on the walls of the ancient mosques, palaces and monuments, as well as in the orange trees dotted along the streets – citrus fruits were introduced from Africa.

You’ll hear it in the area’s characteristic soundtrack, its flamenco and string music - the Moors brought lutes, and that led to the invention of the Spanish guitar. You’ll find its echoes in the language too: words like azucar (sugar), naranja (orange), taza (cup) and arroz (rice) are among the thousands of Spanish words with Arabic origins.

You’ll taste it in the aromatic, rich cuisine, heavily influenced by the foods and recipes the Moors introduced: as well as oranges and lemons, they brought chickpeas, almonds, rice, figs, dates and spices including cumin and saffron. These led to the creation of dishes such as paella, turron (almond nugget), pinchos morunos (kebab-like spiced pork or lamb skewers) and espinacas con garbanzos (spinach and chickpea stew). The Spanish tradition of tapas – small sharing plates – was inspired by the Arabic meze, and the Moorish idea of eating a first course (usually soup) followed by a savoury or main, and then sweets, became the basis for not only Spanish, but world gastronomy.

During the 700 years of Islamic rule, Muslims, Christians and Jews mostly co-existed happily; and although there were expulsions of Muslims and Jews after the Christians re-established control in 1492, the region remains a testament to how different traditions can live side by side in harmony, giving and receiving from one another. This layered and interwoven history makes for a fascinating exploration for today’s visitors. The area’s name, Andalucia, is a take on the Arabic; and Gibraltar, where the Muslims first landed, is named from Jamal Tariq, the “Mount of Tariq”. Here are the four greatest marvels you won’t want to miss.

Alhambra Palace, Granada

The palace was built at the height of Islamic rule, under the 13th-14th century Nasrid dynasty. It’s a vast building containing characteristic Arabic elements including a series of private courtyards alongside public areas – places for inward contemplation and spirituality – as well as grand spaces that reflected the majesty and power that the Moorish leaders enjoyed at the time.

How was it built? Its name is derived from the Arabic name for a “Red Fortress”, because a combination of the colour of the iron-rich clay used to make the bricks and its hilltop location means it seems to glow red in the evening light. The oldest building is the Alcazaba citadel, and the Gate of Justice was deemed to be so solidly closed it was said that if it opened, it would mean the world was ending. After 1492, under Catholic monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand, Islamic design and iconography remained but changes were made to reflect Christianity: mosques and oratories became churches and chapels, and a Franciscan monastery was built on part of the site.

What was it used for in the past? In its day it was the largest political and administrative centre of the Muslim West, and the symbol of Moorish success: it was said to represent “paradise on earth”. After 1492, Isabella and Ferdinand made it their court and lived there. In the 18th century it was abandoned, but restored from the 19th century on.

What is it like today? One of the best-preserved Islamic palaces on earth, it’s a UNESCO world heritage site and a masterpiece of Moorish culture. True to its design, you’ll find plenty of shady, cooler spots to rest, and a series of leafy walkways. Water features, another vital feature of the palace, were designed to offer a sense of refreshment and tranquility. To experience this, try to visit early morning or late evening, or in the winter months or midweek.

Fascinating fact: The Alhambra’s walls contain poems and quotes from the Qur’an: amongst them, “Be grateful for Allah’s blessings”, and “Seek comfort in patience and prayer”.

Giralda Tower, Seville

Originally the minaret of Seville’s great mosque – the tower from which the people were called for prayer – this tower was built in the 12th century during the Almohad dynasty. It is a mesh of intricate lattice panelling and distinctive geometric patterns called sebka, atop a square brick base typical of Islamic architecture.

How was it built? Its design was heavily influenced by Marrakesh’s Koutoubia Mosque. Built primarily of bricks, it contains an inner core with ramps instead of stairs to get to the top: this was so the Sultan could ride up on his horse to admire the views. After the end of the Muslim period, a Renaissance-style belfry was added. In Muslim times the crown of the tower would have been three golden spheres –when it became part of the cathedral, it was topped by a bronze female statue who represents the “victorious faith” of Catholicism.

What was it used for in those times? The tower is all that remains of Seville’s great mosque. Later, after the Catholic conquest, it became the bell tower of Seville Cathedral, the third largest cathedral in the world after St Peter’s in Rome and St Paul’s in London.

What is it like today? There are still no stairs, but you’ll have to ascend 36 ramps –no mean feat. From the top, though, you’ll be rewarded by the magnificent 360º view of the glorious city of Seville below, and the mountains beyond.

Fascinating fact: Replicas of the Geralda Tower exist across the world, including one in a shopping centre in Kansas City. There used to be another in New York’s Madison Square Gardens, from 1890 to 1925.

The city was the centre point of Moorish Spain, and the city’s narrow, winding streets are based on Arab models of cities and dwellings where public spaces are entwined with private, hidden spaces for peace and shade from the hot sun. The Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, in its Muslim incarnation, housed the city baths and its public library.

How was it built? Designed and constructed as a city to rival Baghdad or Constantinople, at its peak Cordoba had 11 palaces and 12 suburbs.

What was it used for in Moorish times? It was the capital city of Moorish Spain, said by some to have been the most populous urban space on earth in its time with, by some estimates, 500,000 inhabitants.

What is it like today? As well as the dense array of narrow streets, Cordoba’s courtyards are strongly connected to the city’s Moorish past. They’re flower-filled, private patios with water fountains and richly decorated with tiles. In May there’s a Festival of the Courtyards and those that are privately owned are open for visitors.

Fascinating fact: In the 10th century, Cordoba was the most up-to-the-minute city on the planet: it had paved streets, public baths, libraries and stunning mosques, palaces and public buildings, many of which remain intact.

Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba

The Mosque-Cathedral, also allied the Mezquita-Cathedral, is the quintessential symbol of Moorish influenced in Spain, and one of the finest examples of Muslim art in Europe. It’s a stunning fusion of a Muslim and a Catholic worship space, with the legacy of the mosque origins alongside the cathedral that was built within its precinct in the 16th century.

How was it built? Begun in 785 AD by the emir Abd al-Rahman I on the site of a Christian church of St Vicente, and added to many times over the decades and centuries that followed, the original mosque was (and is) a breathtaking forest of white-and-red-striped columns, more than 800 in total. After the Catholic conquest of the city in 1236, the mosque was at first just used as it was for Christian worship, but later a Renaissance cathedral, with vast altarpieces and lavish choir stalls, was built within its confines. The minaret was replaced with a bell tower after it was damaged in the 16th century.

What was it used for in Moorish times? This was the main city mosque, expanded as Cordoba’s population grew. Later it became the Catholic cathedral of Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion (Our Lady of the Ascension), the mother church of the region.

What is it like today? The original sea of columns gives this a real wow factor, and the history of the mosque and cathedral literally on top of one another is extraordinary.

Fascinating fact: The gold mihab, or prayer niche, faces south and not south east towards Mecca as is traditional. This was in homage to the mosque of the town of the emir’s birth, Damascus, whose mihab also faces south.

Experience Moorish Spain on our Moorish and Modern Gardens of Spain holiday