Mudjar Architecture In 5 Amazing Buildings

When the Catholic conquest of southern Spain ended in Granada in 1492, not all of the region’s Moorish population fled. ‘Muédjar’ is the name given to those who remained but who did not convert to Catholicism (unlike the ‘Moriscos’, who did); their continued presence in Andalusia also resulted in an architectural style of the same name that combines both Moorish and Christian influences. Some of the finest examples of this unique style are visible in the Andalusian capital.

1. Alcazar

Building, Cathedral, Historical Landmark

Mudéjar architecture is notable in the interiors of Sevilles Alcazar

The greatest surviving instance of the Mudéjar style in Spain is Seville’s Alcazar palace – a building that might lack the architectural pedigree of Granada’s Alhambra but is all the more fascinating for it. Work on this sprawling complex – the top floors of which comprise the Spanish royal family’s Seville residence – began in the 10th century and continued, on and off, until the 19th century. The result is a structure that showcases fine examples of Moorish and Renaissance architecture as well as Mudéjar, with the latter style being particularly notable in the archways of the Alcazar’s peaceful internal courtyards. It is perhaps the greatest single monument in Seville that demonstrates how the two cultures have shaped Andalusia.

2. Giralda bell tower

Cathedral, Mosque

The most iconic representation of the Islam and Christian traditions that define Seville’s history is the Giralda bell tower, attached to the city’s massive cathedral. Originally, the Giralda was a minaret to the mosque built in the 12th century by Seville’s ruling Almohad dynasty; completed in 1198, a large copper globe in the traditional Moorish style topped the structure. Like the cathedral itself, the minaret was left standing when Christians took over the city in 1248, but the copper sphere was toppled by an earthquake in the mid-14th century and replaced with the bell tower we see today. Viewable from most spots in the city centre, this great example of Mudéjar architecture has inspired many imitations the world over.

3. Casa Pilatos

This gorgeous 15th/16th-century mansion is one of central Seville’s more obscure historical attractions but is one of its most beautiful Mudéjar structures. Started by the wealthy ‘conquistador’ and Mayor of Andalucia, Pedro Enriquez de Quiñones, in the late 1400s and like Seville’s great Alcazar, Casa de Pilatos is a captivating mixture of Mudéjar and Renaissance styles. Its various quarters sit around a central courtyard that features some of the most beautiful gardens in Seville. So attractive is the palace that it’s starred in two films – 1962’s Lawrence of Arabia and 2010’s Knight and Day. It takes its name (‘Pilate’s House’) from Quiñones’s son Fadrique, who travelled to Jerusalem in 1519 and returned overflowing with enthusiasm for the Holy Land.

Casa de Pilatos, 1 Plaza de Pilatos, Seville, Spain, +34 954 22 52 98

Casa de Pilatos, Seville | © kkmarais / Flickr

5. Plaza España

Building, Memorial

The beautiful, expansive Plaza de España is home to one of the finest examples of the neo-Mudéjar style in Seville. Built in 1928 in preparation for Seville’s hosting of the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929, this vast, half-moon building showcases a satisfying blend of Moorish-revival and Renaissance styles. Splashes of Art Deco also characterise the colourful façades of what are now offices for southern Spain’s luckiest regional politicians and bureaucrats. A large moat fronts the buildings and features four bridges representing the ancient kingdoms of Spain; it’s a place where you can admire the neo-Mudéjar architecture while enjoying a laid-back boating adventure.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.