In prehistoric times, Great Roman cities strode across the region © M Chaplow
Architecture
From the cities to the sierras, the rolling inland plains to its long and varied coastline, Andalucía has a wealth of architecture. Historical civilisations are often recognised by their architectural accomplishments and cities and regions identified by their buildings and monuments. This is very true in Andalucía, a region rich in visible examples from every period throughout the ages, from the ancient dolmens in Antequera to the contemporary bridge over the Guadalquivir in Sevilla.
Prehistoric
In prehistoric times the early inhabitants of Andalucía moved great boulders to shelter their dead.
Roman
Great Roman cities and roads strode across the Iberian peninsular.
Moorish
Al-Andalus and nearly eight centuries of Moorish urban and agricultural construction.
Mudejar
During the Reconquest of Spain, the Moors continued to build in their own tradition under Christian rule giving rise to the Mudéjar style of architecture. A style unique to the Iberian Peninsula, blending Islamic (Moorish) decorative elements—like intricate brickwork and horseshoe arches—with
Christian architectural forms. Many Andalusian churches are "Gothic-Mudejar" hybrids.
Gothic
At the same time Gothic design was gradually being introduced from France and by the 13th century had begun to emerge in northern Andalucía. Characterized by vertical lines, pointed arches, and high vaulted ceilings. The Seville Cathedral is the world's largest Gothic cathedral.
Plateresque
An early Renaissance style in Spain (late 15th to early 16th century) named for its extremely detailed ornamentation that resembles the work of silversmiths (plateros). Plateresque style was unique to Spain.
Renaissance
From the 16th century there is still much evidence of the golden age. Focused on symmetry, proportion, and classical elements like domes and columns, often seen in the works of architects like Diego de Siloé or Andrés de Vandelvira in Jaén province.
Baroque
Delicate adornment gave way to the richly flowing extravagance of Baroque in the 17th and 18th centuries. A dramatic, highly ornate style that peaked in the 18th century. Andalucía is home to some of the most exuberant Baroque churches in Spain, often featuring "Churrigueresque" elements.
Churrigueresque
An ultra-ornate, "over-the-top" Spanish Baroque style characterized by extreme surface decoration.
Neoclassical A reaction against Baroque, returning to the sobriety of Greek and Roman forms., followed by Neo-Classicism, a movement in the arts and architecture to return to the more classic lines of the past.
Modernism
The dominant trend for industrial and corporate buildings, especially in the second half of the 20th century.
When the Romans invaded in the 1st century AD they proceeded to build whole towns and innumerable monuments, as well as roads, bridges and aqueducts. The two significant characteristics of their… More →
The mudéjar style of architecture emerged in Andalucía during the 12th century as Romanesque, with its close links to France and Italy, spread through northern and central Spain. The style, unique… More →
There is much illustrated information available in museums throughout Andalucía about the life and culture of prehistoric man. This has generally been pieced together through archaeological… More →
Classic Gothic architecture, overlapping with the mudéjar style, spread through Andalucía from the 14th century with the Reconquest. As the Christians recovered the towns and cities there was a… More →
Baroque and Neoclassic architecture was prominent in Spain between the late 17th and mid 18th Century. These two styles were not as influenced by the Muslim world as the majority of Andalucian… More →