Al-Ándalus, our travel guide to the wonders of Islamic art and architecture in Spain
Originally published 31 March 2025.
All images are courtesy of the Spain Less Traveled team unless otherwise stated.
The exquisite craftmanship of Islamic buildings in Spain
Gems left from Spain’s Muslim period
We often talk about Spain’s “Three Cultures”: Christian, Muslim and Jewish, that co-lived more or less peacefully in Spain during about 700 years, until Christian culture ended prevailing. The legacy left by each culture was huge, and here we’ll focus on the Muslim legacy, exploring the main buildings and cities where it’s more evident and impressive.
“Al-Ándalus” (from where the name “Andalucía” comes from) is the name given by the Muslims to their territories in the Iberian peninsula, that almost covered all of what we know as Spain.
You can feel the Islamic influence not only in Spanish architecture, but in the language, as many Spanish words (and even English ones) have an Arab origin: alcantarilla, alicate, aceite, tabaco… (yes, many starting with “Al”, like Alhambra or Alicante). And that influence can also be tasted or heard in food and music too.
Here at Spain Less Traveled, we believe that these some of Islamic treasures should be a part of your Spain travel itinerary. They represent a huge part of Spanish history.
And we’d love to help you plan your trip through our professional Spain travel planning services.
Islamic Spain History
The first Muslim peoples to enter the Iberian peninsula were the Ummayads (Omeyas in Spanish) from Syria.
They entered the pensinsula through Algeciras in 711 AD and it took them 15 years to fully conquer it. But not quite fully, since the northern areas of Spain (Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country) were never taken by the Muslims.
In 756, Abdemarran founded the Emirate of Cordoba to rule all the land, which turned into a Caliphate in 929.
One hundred years later the Caliphate disintegrated into many small independent kingdoms, which facilitated the Christian conquest.
The last kingdom to fall was the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada, which was conquered by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Castille in 1492.
Granada, the pearl of Islamic Spain
Torre de las Damas is one of the most beautiful corners of La Alhambra.
We start backwards, with the last stronghold of the Muslims in Spain: Granada. And we start with it because there you can visit the most famous monument of Islamic architecture in Spain: La Alhambra. Alhambra means “the red castle”, for the color of its exterior bricks. That sturdy exterior contrasts with the exquisite interiors of the many palaces, where the Arab decoration reaches its most refined expression. “Comares”, “Leones” or “Cuarto dorado” are the Spanish names for some of its gorgeous patios, that not only offered a place for solace, but also helped to freshen the surrounding rooms. Patio de los Leones is unique for its central fountains supported by sculpted lions. The Koran forbids the representation of animals, but apparently an exception was made here.
Visiting La Alhambra requires some planning, as tickets sell out weeks or even months in advance. Don’t miss our special guide: how to visit the Alhambra for more details and tips.
But Granada’s Muslim influence permeates the whole city. The Albayzin, the old Muslim neighborhood maintains its North African flavor, with twisted alleys and cute small plazas. You can visit many of its houses and palaces, such as “Casa del Horno de Oro”, “Casa de Zafra” of “Palacio de Dar al-Horra”, and even some Arab baths. In the city center, you can visit the old Medressa, hidden under a Baroque façade, or La Alcaicería, the old souk.
Córdoba, the capital of the caliphate
The characteristic arches of Cordoba’s Mezquita.
Córdoba (or Qurtuba, its name at that time) was the capital of the Caliphate, therefore you can still find many traces of its might. In Córdoba you’ll find the second most famous islamic monument in Spain, the “Mezquita” (mosque). The mosque’s construction started in 786 on top of an existing early Christian basilica, but it was continuously expanded until 971. It was the second largest mosque in the world (after the one in Mecca). In the 13th century, after the Christian take over of the city, it became a cathedral, with a Renaissance church built in the middle. Many say that this ruined the building, but actually it’s very interesting to see the contrast, and sometimes symbiosis of both architectural styles. But we prefer the Muslim area, with its forest of columns and arches, that filter the natural light entering through its many clerestories.
There are so many other places in Córdoba where you can feel the Islamic influence. We start with the “Alcázar” (another Spanish word with an Arab origin), a fortress / palace with heavy Christian additions. Just in front of the alcázar, you can also visit the ruins of the main baths of the palace.
Torre de La Calahorra is a defensive tower across the river that offers the best views of the city from its top. And if you go to the Archeological Museum you can see a great collection of artifacts from the time of the caliphate.
And of course in the many patios of the city. The patio is a typical feature of the houses in Islamic towns and cities all over the world, as they are a great way to fight the heat.
Bonus point: Córdoba was not the only city in the area. About 10 miles away you can visit the impressive ruins of Medina Azahara, a palace city famous for its white walls. The site is stiil an active archaeological camp, so evey year new things are discovered. A must if you have enough time in Cordoba, and another reason for staying in the city for several days.
Searching for Seville’s Islamic past
Seville’s majestic Alcazar combines Mudejar and Renaissance architectural elements.
“Isbiliya” was the name of Seville under the Muslim ruling. It was an important city, but there you’ll find less Islamic architecture than in the two previous cities. This is due to the heavy renewal of the buildings after the Christian conquest.
The main bulding is of course the famous “Alcázar”. it was built in the 11th century, but little remains from that time (just some external walls and gates). After the Christian conquest of the city in 1248, a Gothic palace was built, and afterwards a “mudéjar” one. Mudéjar is the architecture and art style created by former muslim artists and used for Christian buidlings.
So even if it looks Muslim, it’s actually Christian. But regardless, it’s a magnificent building that you can explore for several hours. For those Game of Thrones fans, the palace and its gardens are where most of the drone scenes were shot.
But if you want to see true Islamic architecture in Seville, look up. The symbol of Seville is La Giralda, the cathedral’s elegant bell tower. It was actually the minaret of the city’s mosque. The mosque was used as a foundation for the cathedral, but luckily the tower was saved, and except for the Baroque top, it remains exactly as it was.
Torre del Oro is a beautiful and elegant tower in the Guadalquivir river shore. It was built during the last years of Seville’s Muslim ruling. The main volume of the tower is original from that time, but the second volume is mudejar, added in the 14th century.
And if you want to experience Arab baths in a different way, go to Cervecería Giralda, where you can have drinks and tapas admiring the beautiful Islamic structures discovered during the bar’s renovation works. It’s one of our favorite things to do in Seville.
Málaga, protecting the seas
Málaga’s charming Alcazaba is Alhambra’s little sister.
The main Islamic monument in Málaga is the “Alcazaba”. Alcazaba means citadel, and comes from the Arab “Al-qasbah”, or Kasbah. It’s like a simpler version of Granada’s Alhambra (both were built by the Nasrids), but very elegant and less crowded. It was built in the 9th century and fell in disuse after the Christian conquest in the late 15th century. Since the 1930’s it has been restored and preserved, with some work still going on. It’s right in the city center and the views from its many towers are magnificent.
Discovering Ronda’s Islamic gems
Ronda’s Arab baths are probably the best preserved in all of Spain.
Most day trippers visiting Ronda focus on the bridge and the bullfighting arena. But those with more time can discover the best preserved Arab baths in Spain. Built in the 13th century, they looked more or less how we see them today, with three main halls that used to be full of steam with different temperatures: cold, temperate and hot.
Very close you’ll find another interesting structure: Casa del Rey Moro. Although the house in the surface is from the early 20th century, underground you can explore a system of stairs, caves and rooms from the Muslim times that allow you to descend 60m down to the level of the river.
And Casa del Gigante is a cute Nasrid house from the 13th century restored and converted into a museum. The patio is absolutely charming.
Jaén, a castle for everyone
The islamic fortress of Baños de la Encina is one of the largest in Spain.
The province of Jaén has the most castles in all of Spain and many of them have a Muslim origin. The name of “Jaen” comes from the Arab “Yaiyan”, and this from the Roman “Gaiena”, so we are talking about a very old place.
Some of the best Muslim castles to visit in the Jaen province are: Castle of Santa Catalina, in the capital, that you can visit and also stay in, as part of it has been transformed into a Parador. Fortress of La Mota, in Alcalá La Real, and of course Castle of Burgalimar, in Baños de la Encina, the largest and best preserved Muslim fortress in Spain.
But not just castles, in Jaen city, you can visit some beautiful and very well preserved Arab baths.
For more about Paradores, read our post: incredible Paradores of Spain.
Almería, the largest Alcazaba in Spain
Almería’s massive Alcazaba
The name of Almería comes of course from the Arab (remember the “Al” thing we explained earlier?), precisely from “Al-Miraya”, the mirror. In the Muslim times, Almería had the largest Alcazaba in Spain, even bigger than the ones in Granada or Málaga.
But sadly little of it remains, just some massive exterior walls and towers, but not beautiful palaces and courtyards. Regardless, it makes for an interesting visit, and a great viewpoint to the city and the Mediterranean sea.
Toledo, see the Islamic past close to Madrid
Toledo’s own “Puerta del Sol”.
Tulaytulah (now Toledo) was an important city in Muslim times. But since it came back to Christian hands relatively early, it has less Muslim remains than the cities in Andalusia. (The “Reconquista” started in the Northern regions of Asturias and Cantabria and advanced over the peninsula during centuries until taking Granada in the late 15th century).
The most important buildings with Muslim architecture that you can visit are: Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz, the city’s main mosque that was converted into a small but beautiful Catholic church, and Puerta del Sol (not the one in Madrid), one of the gates in the city wall, with massive towers and beautiful arches.
Also, the church of San Salvador, a former mosque, displays some beautiful arches from that time.
Don’t be fooled by Sinagoga de Santa María La Blanca, that even if it looks very Muslim, it was built specifically as a synagogue… of course by mudejar artisans.
But you can feel the Muslim influence in many small things, like the delicious “mazapanes”, (marzipans of Arab origin), the intricate decoration of the “damasquinados”, a local jewelry technique whose name comes from “Damascus”, or the colorful ceramic tiles found all over the city.
Zaragoza, a unique site
La Aljaferia, Zaragoza’s stunning Mudejar palace.
Saraqusta (of course Zaragoza) was one of the most important “taifas” during the Spanish “reconquista”. A "Taifa” was an independent Muslim kingdom that could ally with the Christian kingdoms or the Muslim caliphates, depending on its own interests.
The best palace from those times is the Palace of La Aljafería, known in its time as the “Palace of Joy”. It was a leisure palace at the outskirts of the city, where the sturdy exterior walls hid a maze of courtyards and gardens, with some of the most amazing arches you’ll find in Spain. The palace now houses the Parliament of Aragon, but its most spectacular area is open to visitors. Advanced tickets are required.
In many churches of the city you can find some beautiful mudejar towers, but from the Christian times.
Teruel, off the beaten path
Contrary to the popular joke, Teruel does exist and have some incredible Muderjar style bell towers.
And speaking of Mudejar towers, the best are to be found in the city of Teruel in Aragón.
Teurel is the smallest provincial capital in Spain, with a population of under 40000. The mudejar towers in Teruel were amongst the first Spanish monuments to be included in the UNESCO World’s Heritage list, due to its historical and artistic importance.
There are four towers included in the list: Santa María (cathedral), San Salvador (our favorite), San Martín and San Pedro. The tile and ceramics work of its façades are astounding.
Once again, these are not actual Muslim buildings, they are Christian churches designed and built by converted Muslim artists, following their ancestral style but adapting it to the new faith.
Palma de Mallorca, Islamic culture on the Balearics
Palma has some small baths.
Curiously, the island of Mallorca was one of the first now Spanish territories to be conquered by the Muslims, in the 8th century. It was taken back by the Christians in the early 13th century.
Sadly, the only remains from those 500 years are the Arab baths in Palma de Mallorca. They are small but very beautiful, and the combination of arches and natural light creates a magical atmosphere. Well worth the visit.
Other minor Islamic sites of Spain
Islamic, Renaissance and modern architecture merge in Murcia’s Convent of Santa Clara.
If you want to go off the beaten path, there are other buildings and monuments in Central and Southern Spain where you can see the Islamic origins.
For instance, the Convent of Santa Clara in Murcia, built in the old muslim palace, the Alcazaba in Antequera (Málaga province), the Alcázar in Jerez de la Frontera, or the charming mosque in Almonaster la Real (Huelva province).
The Islamic gems in these places may not merit a specific trip just to see them, but if you are visiting these areas, make sure you visit.
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