The Mudejar Cities – A Special Architectural Style

The 12th and 14th centuries Reconquista, has given birth to an outstanding, breathtaking architectural style. The so called “mudejar” cities impress their tourists, due to the aspect of the buildings, which resulted from the fusion of the two different styles: the Arab style and the Occidental one.

The last Arab workers have created the style in order to please the needs of Spain that had begun to be ruled by the Catholics. The Mudejar style is characterized by bricks, decorated with ceramics.

Places to visit

Probably the most representative Mudejar city is Daroca. The charming little city is situated far from the madding noise of the traffic, close to Zaragoza.

The city has a grandiose past and the ruins of the castle, which lies on top of the reddish hill that are vestiges of it. The castle is actually a former Arab fortress, but just the Torre Del Homenaje tower has succeeded to survive. The defense walls surround the city on more than four kilometers and tourists can go on a three hour trip, if they want to visit the three remaining gates.

Puerta Alta, Puerta Del Anabal and Puerta Baja will take you into another world. From Puerta Baja, you can see the Santo Domingo Church. The church had been entirely rebuilt in a Gothic style, but, just its tower lies today as testimony; the church burnt into a fire and it has been rebuilt in a Gothic style. Right next to it, you will find the Museo Paroquial, where you will have the opportunity to admire silver and gold pottery.

Other Mudejar Cities

Tarazona, situated in the North West of Zaragoza, was used to be the residence of the Aragon Kings. Between the 13th and the 16th centuries, the Mudejar style had a burst. The town is famous for the numerous spire columns that decorate it; the one belonging to the La Magdalena Church is the most remarkable of all.

Teruel is another city that should not be missed. It has its own version of towers, which have a square form. The city is famous for its five Mudejar towers; Torre del San Martin and Torre del Salvador are the most outstanding of all.

Accommodation

The Mudejar cities host many impressive villas that will offer you accommodation conditions, similar to those offered by hotels. In addition to that, they are always situated in picturesque places, so you will be able to see breathtaking landscapes, right from your room.