Architectural Jewels In Andalucia
Built in the 14th century, the Alhambra Palace in Granada is probably the most famous historic building in Andalucía and is an amazing jewel of Islamic architectural genius. The Alhambra’s red walls are hidden by proud elms and cypresses but once inside the palace gates, the sight simply overwhelms you with its beauty. Alhambra literally translated means “red fortress”.
There has been considerable restoration over the years but carried out with care to retain the original features. The Mosque was replaced with a Christian Church but the building remains a truly magnificent example of Islamic architecture at its best.
The amazing Cathedral of Seville
Seville’s jewel is its immense and impressive Cathedral, a monument that charms you with its majesty. The world’s biggest Cathedral dates back to the 12th century. Originally a Mosque, the Cathedral still has the minaret, known as the Giralda, which is the tower that guards it. 1248 is the year when the Christian history of the Cathedral began which coincided with the Christians conquering the Moors and regaining the city.
The Mezquita in Cordoba
The Mezquita or Great Mosque of Cordoba dates back to the year 600 when its construction began. Modeled on the great Mosque of Damascus the building displays huge arches and 856 columns carved from granite, marble, onyx and jasper. When the construction was finished in 987 the people of Andalucia had no words to describe its awe inspiring beauty. At the time it was built, it defied all the ideas regarding the architectural aspect.
Only two other monuments in the world had vertical designs, but the main purpose of the architects was to create the impression that space is infinite. When Cordoba was recaptured in 1236 by King Ferdinand III the Mosque was converted to a Christian Cathedral and the minaret is now a bell tower.
The Alcazar in Seville
Seville is a romantic city and so are its monuments. The Alcazar is a fantastic monument, designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The original fort suffered many transformations during the centuries and its western side is a reminiscent of the Muslim influence.
The Vasquez de Molina Square
Also declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO, is this magnificent square located in the city of Ubeda in the province of Jaen. The Plaza Vazquez de Molina was an ordinary market square until the 16th century when it was transformed into one of the most exquisite examples of Renaissance architecture by renowned Spanish architect Andres de Vandelvira. The Sacra Capilla del Salvador, a church cemetery, is located in the square and represents a stunning example of religious architecture which almost seems to guard the square.
The Las Alpujjaras white villages
Spain and especially Andalucía is renowned for its traditional, picturesque white villages. The pueblos blancos of the Las Alpujarras region are on the south side of the Sierra Nevada, the highest mountain range in Spain. Having a constant supply of water with the melting snow from the mountain peaks, this area is very fertile. Most of the houses are in terraces with flat roofs, retaining their original Berber architecture. Surrounded by orchards and averaging an altitude of 4,000 feet, the views are spectacular in every direction.