Royal Palace in Seville, Spain

 Spain  No Responses »
Nov 292014
 

The Real Alcazar, Sevilla was built by Moorish rulers then taken over and built upon by Pedro I in 1364.

The Real Alcazar, Sevilla was built by Moorish rulers then taken over and built upon by Pedro I in 1364.

Isabel I sent explorers to the New World from this palace. The Spanish royal family maintains a private residence within the palace.
Entrance to Private Quarters from Patio where Court Met before the Hunt

Entrance to Private Quarters from Patio where Court Met before the Hunt


Patio of the Dolls Was Named After the Doll-Like Figures built into the Wall Design

Patio of the Dolls Was Named After the Doll-Like Figures built into the Wall Design

The Mudejar Style of Architecture Includes Elaborate Patterns and Poetry in Tile and Carvings

The Mudejar Style of Architecture Includes Elaborate Patterns and Poetry in Tile and Carvings


These Intricate Tile Designs Remind Me of Quilt Art

These Intricate Tile Designs Remind Me of Quilt Art


Imagine Having this Patio Inside of Your Home!

Imagine Having this Patio Inside of Your Home!


Extensive Walled Gardens Allow the Royal Family to Enjoy the Outdoors in Privacy

Extensive Walled Gardens Allow the Royal Family to Enjoy the Outdoors in Privacy


Pomegranates Growing in the Garden

Pomegranates Growing in the Garden


The Kings Enjoyed this Garden Retreat

The Kings Enjoyed this Garden Retreat


Peahens and Peacocks Live in the Garden

Peahens and Peacocks Live in the Garden


The Garden Walls Were Built in a Rustic Style which Contrasts with the Formal Structure of the Garden

The Garden Walls Were Built in a Rustic Style which Contrasts with the Formal Structure of the Garden

The Mesquita (Grand Mosque) in Cordoba

 Spain  No Responses »
Nov 142014
 

Cordoba is located south of Madrid and north of Sevilla. It has been settled and resettled by numerous people who have left behind their art and architecture.

The Mesquita was first built in 785 AD, evolved, and in the 10th century lavish additions were made. During the 16th century a cathedral was built inside

The Mesquita was first built in 785 AD, evolved, and in the 10th century lavish additions were made. During the 16th century a cathedral was built inside

More than 850 arches and columns gave me the impression of infinite splender

More than 850 arches and columns gave me the impression of infinite splender

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The Mihrab, the prayer niche, remains adjacent to the cathedral

The Mihrab, the prayer niche, remains adjacent to the cathedral

The intricate patterns of Moorish architecture contrast with the figurative scenes in the Roman catholic architecture

The intricate patterns of Moorish architecture contrast with the figurative scenes in the Roman catholic architecture

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A contemporary building that sits between the Mesquite and the Ramon bridge is styled to harmonize with both

A contemporary building that sits between the Mesquite and the Ramon bridge is styled to harmonize with both

The bell tower is over 300 feet tall and built on the site of the original minaret

The bell tower is over 300 feet tall and built on the site of the original minaret

Toledo

 Spain  No Responses »
Nov 042014
 

Ancient Romans, Visigoths, Moors, Jewish and Christian people have all contributed to Toledo’s rich heritage.

Toledo on the River Tagus

Toledo on the River Tagus

The Toledo Cathedral was built between 1226 and 1493

The Toledo Cathedral was built between 1226 and 1493

The palace of Carlos V stands on the site of former Roman, Visigoth and Muslim fortresses

The palace of Carlos V stands on the site of former Roman, Visigoth and Muslim fortresses

Catholic churches incorporate architecture of the Moors

Catholic churches incorporate architecture of the Moors

Enchanting Light

Synague to Church

Floor tiles from the synagogue

Floor tiles from the synagogue

Santa Maria la Blanca

The River Targus made capture of Toledo difficult

The River Targus made capture of Toledo difficult

River Targus

Puerta del Sol has Moorish arches and towers that fortified the northern entrance to Toledo

Puerta del Sol has Moorish arches and towers that fortified the northern entrance to Toledo