Andalusia has a great artistic and cultural heritage owed in large part to the Muslims. Islam left a very significant mark on Spanish culture that can be seen in its music, cuisine, language, and, most of all, its architecture. There’s no better way to discover it than by visiting the most important Muslim monuments in the region.
We invite you to take a trip to the past through the legacies of Al-Andalus (711-1492), or Muslim Spain, southern Spain’s period of greatest splendor.
The Nazrid Kingdom of Granada, the last Muslim state on the Iberian Peninsula, left Spain with one of the most important and best conserved monuments of the Arab world: The Alhambra. This 12th-century Al-Andalus palatine city houses a complex of palaces, gardens, and fortresses that form a true citadel within Granada itself.
Few buildings can boast of such beauty as the Nazrid palaces complex where the ancient sultans lived, especially is Comares Palace and the Patio de los Leones, or Court of the Lions. Stroll between its white marble columns and take in its spectacular muqarnas, or ornamental vaulting. Lose yourself among the hidden corners of the Generalife gardens and relax to the sound of its fountains.
When you finish seeing the Alhambra, go to the San Nicolás scenic overlook, in the Arab neighborhood of the Albaicín, to take in the best views of the palatine city at sunset.
Medina Azahara is one of the most significant Muslim monuments in Spain and dates to the period of Al-Andalus’ greatest splendor, the Caliphate of Córdoba, when this capital city was the most advanced in Europe.
Legend holds that King Abderramán III ordered the city built just a few miles from Córdoba in honor of his favorite wife, who was named Azahara. Here you will find true works of art. Among them, the Salón Rico, or Hall of Riches, stands out. It served as a reception hall and a place for celebrating religious festivals to impress guests.
Unfortunately, the city had a short life. Fewer than 100 years after its construction, it was looted and destroyed by the civil war that put an end to the Caliphate and started the first period of the Taifa kingdoms.
The Alcazaba, or citadel, of Málaga is one of the Arab monuments you can’t miss on this route, especially for the spectacular views of the sea and the city that can be seen from its walls. It is an 11th-century fortress castle whose Taifa and Nazrid palaces and charming gardens stand out.
In addition, at the base of these walls you can find the Roman Theater and the Palacio de la Aduana, or Customs Palace, which makes this an ideal place to observe this city’s blending of cultures.
This architectural gem is found in the heart of Seville. It brings together a blend of cultures from Andalusia and Spain, with vestiges of art from the Muslim and Mudéjar periods and from the Gothic period after the Reconquista, or Reconquest.
Although the first spaces were created during the Caliphate of Córdoba and Seville’s Abbadid Kingdom, the majority of what we see today was constructed by King Peter the Cruel. Despite being a Christian monarch, he built in a Mudéjar style that has a clear Al-Andalus influence. He hired Muslim workers who came from Granada to recreate palaces like those of the Alhambra.
The Salón de los Embajadores (Chamber of the Ambassadors), the Patio de las Doncellas (Court of the Maidens), and the Patio de las Muñecas (Court of the Dolls), with their woodwork, plaster, and mosaics, are the treasures of this complex of palaces, along with the unbelievable gardens. This unforgettable experience will take you back to the stories of The Thousand and One Nights.
The Mezquita of Córdoba, or the Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba, along with the Alhambra, are the two most visited Muslim monuments in Andalusia. It’s not surprising: its hall with one thousand three hundred columns of jasper, granite, and marble and its two-toned horseshoe arches are universally known. This is the oldest building on the route, ordered built in 785 over the remains of a Visigoth church. You cannot miss the mihrab, or semicircular niche in mosques that indicates the direction of Mecca, which is one of the most important in the Muslim world. Imagine how the Muslims and Muladis of the time came here to pray.
Seville is one of the cities with the greatest Muslim legacy. Like many other Spanish monuments, the Giralda, or cathedral tower, has its origins in the time of Al-Andalus, specifically during the period of Almohad rule. Proof of this is the great similarity to the tower of the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakesh. Its upper part was built by the Christians and today it is the bell tower for the Santa María Cathedral. Enjoy the views and get to know one of the most beautiful cities in Andalusia from above.
The Alcazaba, or fortress, of Almería is another of the Arab monuments of note in this region. This fortress can be seen from any point in the city. Visit the Al-Mu’tasim palace and take in the extension of this fortification, which has been a film set for more than thirty movies, including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
The Arab Baths of Jaén are found in the basement of the Villardompardo Palace. Despite being one of the biggest in Spain, they are unknown to many. In the same tradition as Roman baths, Arab baths played a very notable role in the culture of Al-Andalus, both as a spiritual place and as a place for social gatherings. Pass through its rooms, which are at different temperatures, and imagine how it would be to bathe in its waters during that era
Another of the vestiges that the Muslims of Andalusia left us is the mezquita, or mosque, of Almonaster la Real, in the province of Huelva. Although less striking than the aforementioned works of architecture, this building has special value, as it is the only rural mosque in Spain that has survived nearly intact to modern day. The ravages of time have not conquered this unique monument, which stands out for its austerity.
Senator Hotels & Resorts has hotels located in nearly all the provinces that are on this Arab Trail. Great options include the Senator Granada Spa Hotel, the Senator Huelva Hotel, or the Virgen de los Reyes in Seville, with central locations that include all services so that you can enjoy an unforgettable stay. Take the opportunity for a cultural getaway and discover the charms of ancient Al-Andalus!
The Romans ruled Hispania, which is what they called the Iberian Peninsula, for seven centuries, from 218 B.C. to the 5th century A.D. During this period, they conquered the entire Iberian Peninsula and along the way, left their mark by building colossal works of architecture that still remain standing today.
Today we bring you a route through the main Roman monuments in Spain so that you can immerse yourself in a trip to the empire’s past.
The Roman civilization left a great legacy for posterity including as law, water channeling, and numerous architectural works. The Aqueduct of Segovia is one of the best conserved Roman structures and, most of all, the most important work of civil engineering in Hispania.
It was built during the reign of Emperor Trajan (2nd century A.D.) at the time of the empire’s greatest splendor. At that time, nearly all of Europe was under its rule, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Caspian Sea and from the north of Africa and to the borders of ancient Caledonia. Thanks to this aqueduct, all of Segovia’s inhabitants had water available, brought from the Guadarrama Mountain Range nearly 10 miles away.
To enjoy this architectural work, go to the Plaza del Azoguejo, walk among its 167 arches, and be awed by the nearly 100 feet tall structure. From here, you can visit the Segovia Fortress, the longtime seat of the Court of Castile and León and, along with the aqueduct, an essential monument.
The city of Italica, located in the town of Santiponce on the outskirts of Seville, is a monument in and of itself. It was ordered built by General Scipio following his victory against the Carthaginians in the 3rd century B.C. In fact, it was the first major Roman city founded in Spain and the first outside of Italian territory.
Here you will find Roman baths, an aqueduct, ancient houses, and an amphitheater which had a capacity of 25,000 people. This shows the importance of this city where, in addition, the Hispanic Emperors Trajan and Hadrian. However, the most surprising thing is without a doubt its notable mosaics, which are very well preserved. They decorated the homes of the wealthiest families. Those found in the house of the planetarium are the most spectacular.
Likewise, from here you can set off on a route to see the most emblematic Muslim monuments in Andalusia, another of the most important civilizations that passed through Spain.
In Extremadura, the ancient province of Lusitania, the Romans left one of the greatest concentrations of monuments in the peninsula. Today, Augusta Emerita (Mérida) still conserves is essence as a Roman city.
You must visit its theater, which has a capacity of more than 3,000 people. Also, if you go in summer, you can enjoy a concert in this extraordinary setting. The Temple of Diana is another essential stop in this city, which in ancient times was dedicated to the cult of the Roman goddess of hunting.
Other Roman monuments that are worth a visit include the Arch of Trajan, the amphitheater, and most of all, the mosaics that this civilization used to decorate the walls and floors of everyday places. With this route through the archaeological remains of Mérida, you’ll get an idea of how these ancient people lived.
In addition to being good engineers, the Romans had a great sense of esthetics. A simple glance at the ruins of Baelo Claudia is enough to see that. Those who came ashore at this place fell in love with the marvelous Bolonia beach, which is very close to Tarifa, and decided to found a city with views of the Atlantic.
In this idyllic place, the ancient basilica still stands, presided over by a statue of Emperor Trajan. Baelo Claudia was a strategic point for commerce with the north of Africa and an industrial area dedicated to the salting of fish and the production of “garum,” a very famous sauce in that era that was made of fermented fish intestines.
Make the most of your visit and go for a dip at one of the best beaches in Spain and while you’re at it, take a trip and get to know the capital of the province, Cádiz. Check out our guide on what to see in Cádiz.
Tarraco, capital of the Roman province of Tarraconensis, was one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire. Its amphitheater, which dates from the period of Augustus, is the most noteworthy building in this archaeological site, which was declared a World Heritage Site.
Like in Mérida, there are many vestiges of this civilization in Tarragona. The best plan is to get lost among its streets and run into the ruins of the circus, the forum, its walls, and its theater, among others. Furthermore, you cannot miss the famous Ferreres Aqueduct, nicknames the “Devil’s Bridge,” which is 15 miles from the city.
Cartago Novo (Cartagena) was one of the cities on the famous Via Augusta, the main transportation and communications network in Hispania which ran along more than 930 miles from the Pyrenees to Cádiz. The Roman theater, which dates from this period, was discovered accidentally in 1988. In addition to Cartagena, don’t miss out on visiting Murcia, a hidden gem that has lots to offer tourists. Discover all there is to see on a two-day trip to Murcia.
Although it is not as impressive as the theaters in Mérida or Tarragona, Málaga has a Roman theater that dates from the 1st century B.C. and was discovered in 1951. It is in an unbeatable location, at the foot of the Fortress in the city center, very close to the Palacio de la Aduana, or the Customs Palace. Once you finish your visit, you can stop by the Nazrid palaces and the Museum of Málaga on these two complexes. Afterwards, continue your route by visiting the Cathedral.
The Temple of Augustus is one of the least known Roman buildings, located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. It was built to honor Caesar Augustus, the first Roman emperor and the one who ushered in the imperial period. Although it was destroyed with the passing of time, three huge columns remain standing, which were found in the 19th century. So, if you visit the City of Counts, set aside some time to discover this Roman ruin.
The House of Columns is one of the Roman monuments in Spain that is worth a visit. It is easily accessible from Madrid.
Before it was conquered by the Romans, Numancia was a Celtiberian settlement. In fact, the Numantines put up great resistance and forced the empire to bring in its best consuls to fight them. In the end, the city ended up falling after a long siege by Scipio’s army. The House of Columns is the best example of a residence of that era. The remains of its porticoed patio still stand.
If you are going to visit beautiful Ronda or its surrounding mountains, a must-see is Acinipo. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most notable Roman monuments in Andalusia. It’s no coincidence that they would choose this strategic location in the mountains surrounded by fertile land to build a new city. In this archaeological site, the theater is conserved in very good condition and you can still view the remains of the walls and baths.
If you are interested in taking this trip to the Roman Empire’s Hispania, don’t hesitate to stay at Senator Hotels & Resorts. The chain has establishments close to all the Roman monuments described in this guide. The hotels have all the amenities and services necessary for a fantastic historic and cultural getaway.
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