Mozarabic Architecture: History, Features and Construction

Mozarabic Architecture: Historical Context

Following the fall of Córdoba in the 10th century, conflict facilitated the Reconquista. Throughout this century, buildings of Mozarabic style emerged across Galicia, northern Portugal, Leon, Old Castile, Aragon, Catalonia, and southern France.

Types of Mozarabic Construction

• Mozarabic Art: Temples constructed while under Moorish rule.
• Art of Repopulation: Structures built in the newly reconquered areas.

Common Constructive Elements

The prototype building is the Mozarabic Monastery of San Miguel de Escalada. Defining a standard is difficult due to significant constructive anarchy, which produced a wide variety of systems and types. Buildings feature diverse floor plans, such as cruciform (Greek or Latin), single-nave, or basilica layouts, though they are generally small.

Architectural Influences

• Visigothic Base: Incorporating Carolingian elements and local traditions.
• Muslim Influence: A strong aesthetic and structural influence derived from the Caliphate.

Construction Techniques and Materials

• Factories: Prevalence of masonry, brick, and stone due to economic constraints. Materials are often combined in mixed layouts.
• Structural Elements: Minimal use of buttresses and openings.
• Lighting: Windows are strategically placed to burst light into otherwise dark interior areas.

The Horseshoe Arch

• The horseshoe arch is the most significant element.
• The delineation of these arches reflects the duality of Visigothic and Muslim influences.
• Visigothic characteristics include framing panels and specific extrados and intrados proportions.
• Twin arches are frequently utilized.
• The importance of these arches extends beyond the elevation to the floor plan itself.

Supports and Columns

• Columns: Monolithic columns are common, featuring Visigothic Corinthian capitals with Byzantine-style double collars or stem carvings.
• Pillars: Compound pillars are used for the compilation of covers.

Vaulting and Roofing

• Vaulting: When large spaces are present, wooden armatures are used. Otherwise, there is a diversity of vault types, including barrel, gallon, helmet, splayed, and vaida vaults.
• Domes: Domes often appear in the cruise area, providing light.
• Islamic Influence: Vaults are often trasdosados (externally reinforced) with significant overhangs supported by eaves and corbels.
• Spatial Complexity: Mozarabic buildings are characterized by highly compartmentalized and complex spatial structures.