Cordoba

Capital of the emirate and peninsular caliphate, Cordoba is a city with an enormous cultural and monumental legacy. It boasts 4 declarations as World Heritage Site. Prominent Andalusians contributed to the development of the city.

Calatorao

This small Aragonese municipality takes its name from the Arabic (‘Qala’a al Turab’), which means ‘earth fortress’. Although its origin is a Celtic settlement, it does not become relevant until the Muslim conquest of Zaragoza in 714. The Christian population lived in harmony with the Muslim population until the expulsion decree in 1610. Its historical heritage includes the castle of Doña Urraca, of Mudejar and Renaissance style, and the Pilgrims’ Hospital, built over the main mosque.

Cáceres

The imposing Almohad wall, of which ten towers remain, protected the medina. The cistern, the cistern and the Yusuf al-Burch House (12th century dwelling) date from the same period. The medina has become a recurring film set for its medieval atmosphere.

Braga

The Islamic presence in Portugal during the Middle Ages was significantly lower in the north of the country. Braga was conquered by the Muslims in 716 and fell into the hands of Alfonso III of Asturias just 150 years later. Its Islamic imprint, therefore, is limited. The Andalusian influence is felt mainly in architecture and urban planning, as well as in toponymy and agriculture.

Bollullos de la Mitación

Several sources attribute to Bollullos an Arabic etymological origin and means ‘small tower’. In any case, the Sevillian locality is a Turdetan settlement, although it preserves Islamic remains, mainly Almohad. The most significant Andalusian element is undoubtedly the minaret that still stands in the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de Cuatrovitas, built over an ancient Almohad mosque. The beautiful complex was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument in 1931.

Beja

The birthplace of the famous poet-king Al Muta’mid, whose court was visited by other famous Andalusian personalities such as Azarquiel or Ibn Hazm. Its castle and walls, successively conquered by the Andalusians and Portuguese, were rebuilt several times.

Badajoz

Foundation of Ibn Marwan, who develops the medina, providing it with the public services of the Islamic city: mosque, baths, citadel, walls. Later integrated into the Caliphate of Cordoba, a period in which a great academic activity developed in the medina. From the Islamic period remains the Alcazaba, restored several times, one of the oldest in the peninsula.

Aracena

There are several houses of the Andalusian settlement of XII and XIII centuries. On its former synagogue and mosque are now churches. Also Andalusian is its citadel and walls that can be visited.

Almeria

It was founded by Caliph Abderraman III in 955 and became the most dynamic port of Al Andalus. Its peak, however, was reached during the Taifa period, first as a commercial center of the first order, and later under the rule of the Kingdom of Granada. Its Islamic Alcazaba, built in the tenth century, is its main heritage attraction.