MOORISH ARCHITECTURE

MOORISH ARCHITECTURE
• Islamic architecture of North Africa and regions of
the Iberian Peninsula where the Moors were
dominant
• The most perfect example were the exquisite
Alhambra, Granda (which was probably a madrasa
rather than a palace
• Characteristic elements of Moorish architecture
include muqarnas, horseshoe arches, domes,
lancet arches, ogee arches, courtyards, and
decorative tile work and geometric ornamentation
etc.
• There are many motifs, or repeated patterns,
in Moorish architecture
MOORISH ARCHITECTURE
• Plain exterior of a structure with an exquisitely
ornate interior with fantastic and minutely colored
ornamental details 
• Materials are Tile, marble, brick, clay and plaster
• The horseshoe arch, also called the Moorish arch and
the Keyhole arch, is the emblematic arch of Islamic
architecture
• Horseshoe arches can take rounded, pointed or lobed
form
Features
• Foliage motifs
• Arches
• Glazed tile work
MOORISH ARCHITECTURE
• In the early eighth century, the Moors invaded Spain
and marched through the region defeating any
Christian people they found. For nearly seven
centuries, the Moors ruled Spain and their Islamic
architectural influence can still be seen, especially in
the southern cities of Spain: Granada, Cordova,
Valencia and Seville. In fact, many of the Spanish
Christian churches of today were once Islamic
mosques and buildings
• The Alhambra was a palace, a fortress and a citadel;
the residence of the Nasrid Sultans and top
government officials, court servants and the royal
guard.