Moorish architecture Moorish architecture Moorish architecture is the articulated Islamic architecture of North Africa and parts of Spain and Portugal (Al Andalus), where the Andalusians (Moors) were dominant between 711 and 1492. The best surviving examples are La Mezquita in Córdoba and the Alhambra palace in Granada (mainly 1338–1390), as well as the Giralda in Seville (1184). Other notable examples include the ruined palace city of Medina Azahara (936–1010), the church (former mosque) San Cristo de la Luz in Toledo, the Aljafería in Saragossa and baths at for example Ronda and Alhama de Granada. Characteristic elements of Moorish architecture include muqarnas, horseshoe
Alhambra through the citadel via a complex system of conduits ("acequia") and water tanks ("los albercones") which create the celebrated interplay of light, sound and surface. Alhambra is about in length by at its greatest width. It extends from west-northwest to east-southeast and covers an area of about or 35 acres. The Alhambra's most westerly feature is the Alcazaba (citadel), a strongly fortified position built to protect the original post-Roman districts of "Iliberri", now 'Centro', and "Gárnata al-yahūd" ('Granada of the Jews', now "Realejo", and the Moorish suburb of "El Albayzín". Due to touristic demand, modern access runs contrary to the