Architectural Legacy of the Almohads

Almohad Architectural Features

Entrance and Patio Design

Horseshoe arches mark the entrance. Capitals from the Caliphate period are reused in the portico.

The patio design consolidates architectural principles that would be repeated in Nasrid art.

In the middle is a circular ditch with a fountain. Above, there are four walkways, and in the spaces below, aromatic shrubs and flowers are planted.

To the sides, there are two symmetrical porches, and in front of the portico was a tiny ditch with two beds.

This element is part of a site undergoing reconstruction.

Almohad Military Architecture

Military architecture developed dramatically during the Almohad period and contributed significantly to the definition of architectural typologies, having a great impact on the Middle Ages.

The Almohads did not create entirely new forms, but perfected and systematized existing architectural ideas.

Key Defensive Models

• Barbacana (Outer Parapet)

  A small, low curtain wall. It is an outer parapet acting defensively a few meters from the main wall. Examples include the Almohad ramparts of Seville or the Alcazaba de Badajoz.

• Albarrana Tower (Advanced Tower)

  A tower advanced from the main wall, attached to it by a wall called a coracha. These towers are located in strategic locations.

  For example, the Torre del Oro in Seville, built in 1221 to protect the banks of the Guadalquivir and the commercial port. It was an advanced bastion originally attached to the main wall; the coracha is not preserved.

  The tower is either named because it was located near the mint (zecca) or because it may have housed gold from America at some point. Others believe the name comes from its original yellow plaster, though it is not gold ceramic.

  It is believed that on the other side of the river was a twin tower, and they were bound by chains to control access to the port.

  The Torre del Oro has a 12-sided polygonal exterior. Inside, it features a tower within a tower (hexagonal), with a ring space between them at different heights, covered by groin vaults in square and triangular sections.

  The central staircase ascends around a central pier.

  The exterior has undergone modifications. Defensive architecture typically lacks decorative elements. The finial was not originally triangular. It is constructed of masonry and has few openings, characteristic of a solid defensive structure.

  Another example is the Tower of Espantaperros in Badajoz, which is still attached to its coracha. It is octagonal and inside features a square central pier. It has a ring space and cross vaults. The upper body on the exterior is an addition.

• Monumental Bent Entrances (Puertas de Recodo)

  Another type of monumental entrance to cities, designed for high traffic.

  Featuring multiple turns and vaulted interiors. This design is believed to have originated in Byzantium and spread through the Islamic world, seen in Baghdad in the eighth century and Al-Andalus in the ninth century.

  Examples are not preserved in Spain but can be found in Marrakech and Rabat.

Almohad Influence in Christian Territories

Works previously considered Mudéjar are now recognized as Almohad, even when created in Christian territory by Muslim artists. This classification presents unresolved questions.

The Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca, Toledo

A Jewish religious building, dating from approximately 1200.

It is an example of cultural synthesis in the late Hispanic Middle Ages.

It is a Jewish synagogue built in Christian territory by Almohad Islamic craftsmen, with an interior design influenced by mosque architecture.

This synagogue has a floor plan with 5 aisles parallel to the qibla wall (though not oriented towards Mecca).

The arcades typically reflect Almohad architectural language. The horseshoe arches rest on octagonal pillars with 'ear' capitals, a type of protruding scroll.

Note the decoration of the upper parts, particularly the spandrels with low-relief plasterwork, including medallions with geometric patterns.

A frieze features embossed geometric plasterwork.

Poly-lobed arches are found at the top, similar to those at the Puerta del Perdón in Seville.