Islamic Architecture

Real Alcázar of Seville: Casa de Contratación (House of Trade)

Admiral's Hall in the Real Alcázar - Casa de Contratación (House of Contracting) section of the Real Alcazar of Seville, Spain

Situated on the eastern side of the Patio de la Montería and next to the glamorous Pedro I Palace in the Real Alcázar complex, Casa de Contratación is an unremarkable Renaissance-style building. By its appearance, it is hard to imagine that the decisions made here changed the course of history. It was here many famous and infamous seafarers got approval and funding for their expeditions and brought back the looted riches from the New World. Many European countries who followed in the footsteps of Casa de Contratación to create their trade organizations – such as the East India companies – eventually ended up colonizing a large part of the world, to the detriment of indigenous people and their culture all over the world.
The original building that housed the Casa de Contratación had three halls, two of which have been well-preserved. These are the Admiral’s Hall and the Hall of Audiences. This page describes them with images of their interior and the paintings on display on their walls.

Real Alcázar of Seville: Pedro I Palace

King Pedro I Palace and Patio de la Montería - Real Alcázar of Seville, Spain

A masterpiece of Mudéjar art and architecture The palace of Pedro I is considered a masterpiece of Mudéjar art and architecture and is a testament to Spain’s multicultural roots. It owes its name to King Don Pedro (1350 – 1369), an eccentric ruler of Castile and Leon known for his cruelty and also known for … Read more

La Giralda: A harmonious blend of Moorish and Renaissance architectural styles

A view of the Seville Cathedral from Las Setas of Seville, Spain

The magnificent campanile of the Seville Cathedral When you look at the Giralda, it is hard to imagine that it is a product of two entirely different cultures. The lower half is part of the minaret built in the 13th century by the Almohads – a Moorish dynasty originated from North Africa. The upper half … Read more

Alhambra: Medina

Archaeological site of the Abencerrajes' Palace in the Alhambra, Granada, Spain

Explore the Bustling City of the Nasrids Located on the eastern end of the Alhambra was a city bustling with shops, industrial houses, public baths, mosques, and residential quarters. Known as the Medina, this city served the daily needs of the palace and the people working there. Both nobility and the common people, including artisans … Read more

Alhambra: Outer Monuments

Front facade of the Puerta de las Granadas (Gate of the Pomegranates) in the Alhambra, Granada, Spain

Pedestrian Path to the Alhambra Entrance The Alhambra monuments are on top of Sabika Hill, and there are two pedestrian paths to the main entrance from the foot of this hill. The path explained here is via the Puerta de Las Granadas (Gate of the Pomegranates). If you are walking there from the city center, … Read more

Generalife

A view of the Generalife from the Alhambra in Granada, Spain

Heavenly Gardens of the Nasrids Located on Cerro del Sol (Sun Hill), a hill adjoining the Alhambra, the Generalife is a complex consisting of beautiful gardens, orchards, and a palace used by the Nasrid kings as a leisure residence, especially during summer. Derived from the Arabic word Jannat al-‘Arīf, Generalife means an architect’s garden. Inspired … Read more

Alhambra: Alcazaba

The eastern part of the Alcazaba located at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain

A Formidable Fortress of the Nasrids Located strategically on the western end of Sabika Hill, the Alcazaba is a fortress used by the Nasrid rulers to defend the Alhambra, the center of power of the Emirate of Granada. Because of its hilltop location, many kingdoms that came before them built fortifications in this site. Experts … Read more

Alhambra: Gardens of the Partal

Torre de las Damas (Tower of the Ladies), a building with an open portico located in the Partal Gardens, Alhambra, Granada, Spain

Located between the Medina (i.e., city) and the Nasrid Palaces, the area covered by the present Gardens of the Partal was mostly residential during the Nasrid era. Because of the convenient location, the people who worked in the palaces lived in this area. Medina, which had shops, baths, and mosques, was nearby and met their daily … Read more

Alhambra

An external view of the Alhambra at night

Discover the Magic of the Alhambra Located on top of Sabika Hill and overlooking the picturesque city of Granada in southern Spain, the Alhambra is one of the most fascinating historical sites in the world. It is home to monuments belonging to two dominant, but distinct cultures of the world, i.e., Islamic culture from North … Read more

Alhambra: Palacios Nazaríes (Nasrid Palaces)

Courtyard of the Lions inside the Nasrid Palaces in the Alhambra, Granada, Spain

A Shining Example of Moorish Art and Architecture Known for the grandeur and unique Islamic art, the Palacios Nazaríes (Nasrid Palaces) is a complex of interconnected palaces built by the Nasrids, a powerful dynasty originated in North African and ruled the Emirate of Granada over a period of 260 years. Besides using the palaces as … Read more

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