Nasrid Palaces and Early Medieval Architecture: Alhambra to Visigothic Spain

The Alhambra: Nasrid Architectural Masterpieces

Courtyard of the Lions

The Courtyard of the Lions features a criss-cross water channel system connecting the courtyard to the surrounding rooms, forming a cruciform compositional axis. The courtyard is surrounded by slender columns and porticos.

• Fountain of the Lions: Features 12 lion sculptures. The design evokes the image of an oasis, characterized by small, provisional-looking columns adorned with vegetation carvings.

Hall of the Two Sisters

This was the most important room, serving as the residence of the King and the main hall. It features its own fountain and represents the beginning of the complex's design philosophy.

• Architecture: Main hall with a dome, repetition of geometric patterns (geopatterns).
• Layout: Two side galleries leading to a second level (Mirador de la Daraxa).

Hall of the Kings

Composed of five chambers, this hall was primarily used for festivities. Notable features include disintegrated arches and repetitive decorative elements.

Hall of the Abencerrajes

This hall is famous for its spectacular dome of muqarnas (stalactite vaulting), rotated 45 degrees, creating a stunning star dome effect. The dome is intricately carved.

Decoration in the Alhambra

The entire Alhambra complex is characterized by extensive carving and rich decorative patterns, including:

• Vegetal motifs
• Geometrical patterns
• Calligraphy
• Muqarnas

Pre-Romanesque Architectural Styles

Carolingian Architecture (8th–9th Centuries)

Palatine Chapel, Aachen (Germany)

Designed by Eudes de Metz (8th Century), the chapel features a centralized and octagonal floor plan, drawing on Visigothic precedents. Key characteristics include:

• A larger volume at the entrance (the portal) flanked by two side towers with spiral stairs.
• The inclusion of a Westwerk in the western part of the church.
• Byzantine-influenced decoration, utilizing green and white marble.

Abbey of Corvey (Germany, 9th Century)

A massive building characterized by its east-west orientation and a central portal flanked by two towers.

Byzantine Architecture (Second Golden Age)

This period spans from the mid-9th century to the early 13th century.

Complex of the Palace of Constantinople

The Byzantine Empire developed the cross-in-square grid as a basic typology, evolving from Roman precedents. This style features a central dome followed by groin and barrel vaults.

Hosios Loukas Monastery (Greece, 10th Century)

Known for its robust, vertically ascending structure, emphasizing volumetric importance towards the central dome. The exterior features Greek-style decoration. The complex consists of two attached churches:

1. Theotokos (Dedicated to the Virgin): Features a kinkox scheme, groin vaults on the corners, a central dome supported by four columns, and a double narthex.
2. Saint Luke: Features a Greek cross layout, a centralized dome with circular geometry, framed by four chambers covered by groin vaults. A small dome representing Pentecost is situated above the altar.

Interior Iconography

Byzantine interiors emphasize vertical dimensions and the embodiment of the Christian cosmos in miniature. Iconography is figurative, focusing on religious themes, often executed in mosaics with golden backgrounds (the golden domes symbolizing heaven) for the most important images.

Spanish Pre-Romanesque Architecture (6th–7th C.)

This period is often associated with the use of Votive Gold Crowns found in churches. General characteristics include thick walls, small interior spaces, and a focus on eastern orientation.

San Pedro de la Nave, Zamora

This church features a Greek or Latin cross plan contained within a rectangle, drawing precedents from Roman and Greek architecture. Key features:

• Three naves.
• Thick walls and small spaces.
• Oriented facing east.
• It was famously disassembled and reassembled in a different location.
• Features a geometrical central lantern and stylized sculptures.

San Juan de Baños, Palencia

Notable for its three naves, monolithic interior columns, appendix structure, and the use of horseshoe arches.

Quintanilla de las Viñas, Burgos

Features a Latin cross plan with three principal naves and one in the transept. Architectural details include:

• Thick walls and small spaces.
• Capital columns adorned with vegetal motifs.
• Stylized sculpture.