Examples of mudejar architecture In Spain

Mudejar style of architecture is an interesting architectural stile that originated on The Iberian Peninsula, where the modern days Spain and Portugal are located.

It is a unique blend of Islamic and Christian styles that emerged after the Christian reconquest of the city in 1492.

In this post, you can find the best examples of buildings in Mudejar style in Spain. And if you like this style, you can learn more about Mudejar architecture in details in my other post.

Some of the notable examples of this style are the Alcazar of Seville, the Teruel Cathedral, and many places in Granada, Toledo and Sevilla.

Cities where you can see great examples of Mudejar style

Here is a list of a few cities in Spain, with their best examples of Mudejar architecture.

Granada

Seville

Toledo

Teruel

Examples of mudejar architecture in Granada, Spain

Granada, Spain was a stronghold of Islamic Emirates, who created amazing architecture. When they were taken over by Christian Monarchs, the remaining craftsmen continued their tradition and created wonderful examples of Mudejar style architecture.

Below are the most prominent examples of Mudejar architecture of Granada.

Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain

The Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, built in the 13th century by Muslim rulers is often listed as a famous example of Mudejar architecture. 

However, that is not technically true.

Yes, the palace is covered in intricate tile-work on the walls and floors, with a particularly stunning wood-covered Mudejar ceiling in Hall of Kings (Sala de los Reyes) in the Palace of the Lions. It does fit the characteristics of Mudejar architecture.

However, it was built too early to be the true example of Mudejar stile, and instead is actually – Muqarnas, also known in Iberian architecture as Mocarabe . Macarabe is a form of three-dimensional decoration in Islamic architecture in which rows or tiers of niche-like elements are projected over the elements below.

The Royal Chapel in Granada, Spain

A great example of Mudejar architecture in Granada is the Royal Chapel, built in 1536. The chapel features a beautiful dome with intricate carvings and colorful tiles.

Monastery of Santa Isabel la Real

Monastery of Santa Isabel la Real was founded by Queen Isabella of Castile. It has a Mudejar ceiling above the nave, where you can see intricate fretted woodwork typical of Moorish craftsmen.

It also has a mudejar tower and very interesting door, and cobblestone pavement everywhere. In fact, everything about this monastery is very authentic looking and beautiful. I took countless pictures

there and I will post some soon.

Palacio de Dar-al-Horra

Palacio de Dar-al-Horra is an exciting 15th-century mini palace. It was built by the Emirs of Granada, and you can see many examples of Nasrid art there, which combines Arabic and European artistic styles.

It features a central courtyard with horseshoe-shaped arches and an ornate Mudejar-style ceiling.

I was there twice. The first time I had a choice to pay $16 ($19 now), or buy a combined ticket to Alhambra, that came with free entrance to 3 mini palaces. Palace Dar-al-Horra was one of them. Since I was going to see Alhambra regardless, I’ve chosen that one.

The second time I went there last year, and enjoyed it even more.

There are several churches, spread out through Granada with Mudejar style tower and some other elements.

San Jose Church or Iglesia Parroquial de San José

Church de Santa María de la Aurora y San Miguel | San Miguel bajo – a beautiful church on a magical square San Miguel bajo.

My accommodation in Granada the last time was next to it, and I went to the square every day to either walk home, or take a bus to Granada city center. I also was there during Ester, and Easter in Granada is a huge event and worth a story and another post.

Other churches with mudejar towers and other elements:

• Santa Ana
• San Pedro
• San Pablo
• San Nicolas
• San Idelfonso
• San Bartolome

Several Mudejar houses can be found on Santiago street (numbers 5 and 9) and San Juan de los Reyes 84.

Plus, there are some civilian buildings, like Hospital Real, Hospital de San Juan de Dios, La Lonja, La Madraza, the Curia (old University), and the Chancilleria.

The Mudejar style in Granada represents a unique architectural legacy of Spain, and a harmonious blend of Islamic and Christian architectures.

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Examples of Mudejar architecture Seville

A few of the most iconic examples of Mudéjar architecture are found in Seville, Spain.

• The ceiling in the Alcazar de Real in Seville, Spain (above) is the best example. It has symbols and motifs, quatrefoils, stars, latticework and Arabesque patterns that draw inspiration from traditional Islamic art.
• The rest of Alcazar de Real in Seville has many amazing examples of Mudejar (and other) architectures, especially The Palace of Pedro I – the heart of the Alcazar of Seville, and deserves a separate post.
• Giralda bell tower in Seville, Spain
• Casa de Pilatos in Seville, Spain

Below are a few more examples of Mudejar style architecture in Seville with pictures.

Mudejar Pavilion in Seville

Mudejar Pavilion in Maria Luisa Park, Seville, Spain, is another wonderful example of Mudejar architecture in Seville. Also known as the Pavilion of King Alfonso XIII, it was constructed for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition.

It’s a nice (though smallish) museum to visit. It was free when I visited in spring of 2024 ( but only a couple of rooms were opened). 

The orange trees surrounding the Pavilion, and the rest of the garden is also worth at least an hour of your visit. I enjoyed that garden in Seville on many occasions.

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Seville Cathedral Mudejar Gate and Tower

Mudejar Gate, a side gate to Seville Cathedral comes unexpected, as it doesn’t match the main style of the Cathedral, but it matches Mudejar tower of the Cathedral.

Examples of Mudejar style in Toledo, Spain

Toledo, Spain has many great examples of buildings and churches in Mudejar style and deserves a separate post.

Here is the the Church of San Bartholomew in Toledo, and the Church of San Roman. Toledo has many other examples.

Examples of Mudejar Architecture in Teruel, Spain

Mudejar architecture of Teruel:

• – Cathedral of Santa María de Mediavilla in Teruel, Spain or Teruel Cathedral. This Cathedral is the world heritage site. It’s tower, the dome and the roof are well preserved Medieval structures in Mudejar style and are decorated with Aragonese Mudéjar art.
• – Tower and church of San Pedro in Teruel, Spain
• – Church tower of San Martín in Teruel, Spain
• – Church of San Miguel

Aragon, Spain

There are several 12th century mudejar buildings in Aragon, Spain, that reflect the artistic and cultural fusion of Islamic and European influences. I have another post about Aragonese Mudejar buildings.

Valladolid

Church of San Pablo in Valladolid is the best example.

Valencia

• – Church of San Nicolas
• – Palace of the Marquis of Dos Aguas

Below are some other cities in Spain with Mudejar architecture examples.

Salamanca:

– Church of San Esteban

Viso del Marques:

– Palace of the Marquis of Santa Cruz

Guimarães:

– Palace of the Dukes of Braganza

Barcelos:

– Palace of the Counts of Barcelos

Ourém:

– Palace of the Counts of Ourém

Redondo:

– Palace of the Counts of Redondo

Celorico de Basto:

– Palace of the Counts of Basto

Vimioso:

– Palace of the Counts of Vimioso

Serpa:

– Palace of the Counts of Ficalho

Alcáçovas:

– Palace of the Counts of Alcáçovas

Avintes:

– Palace of the Counts of Avintes

Vila Flor:

– Palace of the Counts of Vila Flor

Castro Daire:

– Palace of the Counts of Castro

Almada:

– Palace of the Counts of Almada

Penafiel:

– Palace of the Counts of Penafiel

Alvor:

– Palace of the Counts of Alvor

So, as you can see Spain has a great number of amazing examples of Mudejar architecture, the style that is specific to Spain and the Peninsula.