LOCO

FOR

SPAIN

Mosque-Cathedral in Córdoba

(post cards)

The Moors invaded Spain, which they called Al-Andalus, in 711 and easily conquered the majority of the Iberian peninsula within several years, perhaps taking advantage of the distraction and lack of control that the countless revolts, coups and civil wars among the Visigoths had wrought.

​Only in Asturias, along the northern coast, were the Moors unable to gain control. This is where the Reconquest of Spain began, at the Battle of Covadonga led by a nobleman named Pelayo, who would become King of Asturias. 

The reconquest was a slow process and didn't see its conclusion until the Kingdom of Granada was defeated by the Catholic Monarchs, Isabel I and Fernando II, in 1492. Throughout many of the centuries from the time of the invasion, Muslims, Jews and Catholics lived peacefully under Moorish rule. During the Caliphate of Córdoba (929-1031), while the rest of Europe was still suffering through the Dark Ages, Moorish Spain was living its Golden Age. Córdoba rivaled the great city of Constantinople, and science, mathematics, medicine, philosophy and culture flourished in Al-Andalus. ​Ultimately, civil war broke Al-Andalus apart, creating mainly small, independent states and taifas or principalities. 

Following Córdoba's political collapse and the subsequent surrender to the Reconquest, Sevilla's political and cultural  importance grew. The city surrendered in 1248 to the Christian king of Castile and León, Ferdinand III, but its prominence would soon grow further, once Columbus returned from his voyage west in 1492. Although the Moors were initially allowed to remain in Spain, eventually the Catholic Monarchs offered conversion or expulsion.

La Giralda (16th C bell tower built on top of lower 2/3 of tower, which is from the mosque that stood since late 12th C) in Seville

The Alcázar of Seville (10th C)

alcázar=palace

The Generalife Palace in Granada

The Court of the Lions at the Alhambra Palace in Granada

The Alhambra Palace in Granada (c 11th C to 14th)

Moorish Spain

Palacio de la Aljafería (11th C) in Zaragoza

Ceilings in the Palacio de la Aljafería (11th C) in Zaragoza

Interior of the Palacio de la Aljafería (11th C) in Zaragoza