Aljafería Palace Zaragoza: Taifa Kingdom Architecture and History

The Aljafería Palace: Taifa Kingdom Masterpiece

The most prominent monument of the period of the Taifa kingdoms is the castle-palace of Zaragoza, now known as the Aljafería, although it was originally called Dar al-Surur (i.e., House of Rejoicing).

Origins and Naming

It was built in the second half of the 11th century in the west of the capital, Zaragoza, by Abu Ja'far (1046/1047–1081/1082), the second member of the Hudid dynasty, whose name is associated with the term Aljafería. The palace maintains the same structural type as Umayyad palaces: a rectangular enclosure, measuring 87 x 78 meters, surrounded by a powerful wall.

Architectural Layout and Defenses

This thick, carved stone building is flanked by sixteen cylindrical towers, except for one rectangular tower, known as the Troubadour Tower. The wall encloses the facility in a trapezoidal area. The only entrance, featuring a horseshoe arch, is located northeast between two round towers.

The Palatine Structure and Courtyard

Within the enclosure are the small palace and a mosque featuring a Cordoban-style mihrab. The palatine building is oriented north-south and features a large open courtyard surrounded by lobed arches forming a magnificent portico. These arches contain extremely complex decoration, including:

• Floral and geometric motifs.
• Tiny twin columns.

The Throne Room and Reception Area

The courtyard gives access to the reception area, which includes the Throne Room—a relatively long rectangular room with lobed arches. This room is flanked by two almost square chambers. Notably, these chambers are accessible only from the Throne Room, not directly from the portico.

The Mosque and Cordoban Influence

Next to the Throne Room stands the mosque, which has an octagonal interior floor plan within a square building. The prayer hall is covered by a restored ribbed dome. The mihrab, with a slender horseshoe arch in its niche, is a clear reminiscence of the Great Mosque of Córdoba. In fact, the desire to emulate the ancient capital was a common standard for the builders of the Taifa kingdoms. Córdoba was always the focus of its builders; artistically, the Aljafería draws upon its achievements and mimics its formulas. This is particularly evident in the mosque, where the ornamental effects of the archways are compounded and filled with fine, woven work of stylized plant motifs.

Artistic Decoration and Taifa Splendor

These rooms are richly decorated with stucco motifs and highly complex epigraphy, clearly manifesting the wealth and artistic taste of the Taifa rulers. Although the core materials used in their buildings were modest, they were covered with abundant and varied ornamentation consisting of:

• Muqarnas (honeycomb vaulting)
• Sebka (netting patterns)
• Glazed ceramics

Later History and Modern Use

The Aljafería became the residence of the Christian kings after the conquest of the city by Alfonso I the Battler. The Catholic Monarchs undertook considerable reforms, and in 1593, Philip II converted it into a military barracks. After many vicissitudes and considerable restoration, the palace now houses the Parliament of Aragon.

Significance of the Aljafería

Despite the profound changes and destruction throughout its existence, the Aljafería of Zaragoza remains the best preserved and most luxurious specimen of an Islamic palace from that era.