Department of Architecture and Landscape Architecture
Landscape Architecture Program
History of Landscape Architecture
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE 322
Spring Semester: Colliton
The Moorish Contribution
to Landscape Architecture
632-1492 AD
I. Historic Perspective: Garden of Islam
II. Four Elements of the Islamic Garden
A. Water
B. Shade
C. Color and Fragrance
D. Sound
III. Moors in Spain - Background and Developments
A. Cordoba
1. Medina-Azahara 936 AD -- Sacked by Christians
in 1013 AD (Mosque, Garden, and Alcazar) Medina-Azahara was all
but forgotten, until archaeologists started to excavate it in 1910
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The Ruins of Medina-Azahara (8 km out of Cordoba) In 936 caliph Abdul
Rahman decided he needed a new residential town, and had built Medina Azahara,
at that time the largest town in all the region, by 10.000 workers within
25 years. 4.300 columns, all of them originating from older buildings in
all the Mediterranean area, were used.
On top of a hill there was the palace, Alcazar Califal, below the administrative
district with parks and gardens, while the actual town was located in the
flat land.
Chroniclers tell us about the extraordinary beauty of the palaces "Throne
Hall" and "Golden Salon", both with arcs of ebony and ivory and ornaments
of marble, gold and precious stones. In the center there was a basin filled
with mercury, which reflected the rays of sunshine. But this colossal work
existed for only 74 years - then it was conquered and destroyed by the
Bereberes. Most of the artworks were stolen, and many of them were lateron
integrated in the many palaces of Cordoba.
2. La "Mezquita" and Courtyard of the Orange Trees (Patio
de los Naranjos) 786 AD (Early irrigation techniques)
British author Gerald Brenan called this impressive Arabian mosque,
the third-biggest in the world with an extension of 23.000 square meters,
the most beautiful and original building of all Spain.
This Mezquita initiated the so-called Califal style, which combined
Roman, Gothic, Byzantine, Syrian and Persian elements and was the starting-point
of all Arabian-Hispanic architecture of the centuries to come, up to the
Mudéjar-style of Arabians living in the Spain reconquered by Christians.
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Interior of Mosque |
Tower within the courtyard
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3. Alcazar of the Umaiyads or Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos
c. 1310AD (Mosaics, gardens and patios - vegetable gardens)
The Palace of the Christian Kings, built in 1328 by Alfonso XI, was
residence until the reconquest of Granada. Here was kept prisoner the Moorish
caliph Boabdil. In the interior of the palace there are remarkable Arabian
baths, Roman mosaics and a sarcophagus of of marble from 3rd century. Originally
there were four towers at the corners of the Alcazar, three of which can
be seen still today: the Torre de Los Leones, the oldest, which forms the
entrance to the palace, the octagonal Torre del Homenajeand the round Torre
del Rio. The fourth tower, Torre de la Vela, was destroyed in 19th century.
4. Fine Arts Museum - 1920's Strong Moorish Influence
B. Toledo (located Southwest of Madrid)
1. One of the oldest cities in Spain.
2. Captured by the Romans in 192 B.C.
3. Captured and occupied by the Visigoths between 534
to 712 A.D.
4. Moorish period 712 to 1085 - seat of the emir who was
subject to the Caliph of Cordoba.
5. Moorish Great Mosque was leveled to build the Toledo
Cathedral (considered the best Gothic cathedral in Spain)
6 Alcazar - the old citadel of Toledo - built on the site
of an earlier Roman fort on the highest point in the town.
C. Seville
1. Orange Tree Court - 13th Century (Cathedral
is adjacent Court)
View of Cathedral |
Tower
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2. The Reales Alcazar (Moorish and Christian Influences)
3. Italica - Roman Settlement east of Seville (Birthplace
of Emperor Hardrain).
4. Plaza Nueva (Moorish with later Christian Influences).
Spanish
Plaza |
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D. Malaga (the Port City) Malac = to salt
1. Considered Paradise to the Romans and Moors
2. Roman Theater developed in 100 B.C. - used until 571
as Roman Settlement.
3. Visigoths between 571 to 711.
4. Moorish between 711 to 1487.
View of
the Alcazaba |
Within the Alcazaba |
E. Granada (the last defense, but not a typical fortress).
1. The Alhambra (Red Castle) Muslim Architecture
- Some say best design work of the 15th Century
La Alcazaba - An impressive military fortification c. 9th century,
and was modified by Muhammad III, in 13th century, to be his private residence.
From the tower, Torre de la Vela, you have a great view over the town.
The palaces of the Alhambra start at the palace of Mexuar, originally
built by Ismael I for the juridical administration and later restructured
by Muhammad V. Under King Charles V the building was changed to be a Christian
chapel. Main attraction is the splendid Golden Room with its Renaissance
ceiling.
Court of the Lions (Patio
de los Arrayanes)
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Mexuar Ahambre
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2. The gardens of the Generalife
Those marvelous gardens, bordering on the Alhambra, were made in early
14th century and conserve their original shaping. They inspired many important
musicians and authors, among them Washington Irving ("Tales of the Alhambra").
3. Royal Hospital (Later Christian)
4. Caruja (Monastery (1662-1764 A.D.) Heavy Moorish Influence
F. Anadalusian Home - influence for the contemporary homes
of Southern and Central Spain.
IV. Transition to the Italian Renaissance
Additional Moorish Readings:
Earthy Paradise, Jones Lehrman
The Alhambra, Oleg Grabar
The Alhambra, Desmond Stewart
The Tales of Alhambra, Washington Irving
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02/12/03 | 
