Moorish castle in Spain. Moorish castle in Sintra

The history of Gibraltar only in written references goes back 3 thousand years. This countdown began with the Phoenicians, who founded the first settlement in this place. And if you dig deeper and a little to the left, it turns out that this place was the last known site of Neanderthals in Europe.

The latter lived in these places from 50 thousand years BC until the 24th millennium at the same time of extinction. But on this page I will touch on a closer historical time, which you can not only see, but also touch.

And if we add specifics, today’s story is dedicated to the Moorish Castle of Gibraltar. The Spaniards at one time called the Moors the Arab-Berber invaders who landed on the Gibraltar Peninsula in 711 AD and managed to capture almost the entire Iberian Peninsula.

The fact is that these warlike children and members of their families crossed to Europe from the territory of today's Morocco, which at one time was the Roman province of Mauretania. This analogy was probably noticed by the savvy European inhabitants of the Early Middle Ages.

So, the Moors, who landed in this place, under the leadership of Tariq ibn Ziyad and Musa ibn Nusayr, assessed the profitability and defensibility of the Gibraltar peninsula and immediately decided to build a fortress in this place, but not one that burns in fire and rots in the rain , but modern stone.

And since the mentioned commanders arrived at the head of a 12 thousand-strong detachment, not to sharpen their swords, but for the sake of military exploits, they did not wait to build such a beautiful defensive structure, but rode into the depths of the Visigoth kingdom for military valor.

It is for this reason that the year the construction of the castle began was not recorded in strict accordance with the chronology of events. But since Gibraltar became the point of communication for the landing Arab troops with their homeland of North Africa, it is clear that the defense of this place simply required the construction of a well-fortified citadel.

Therefore, it is generally accepted that the first Moorish castle arose in the first half of the 8th century. And since there are no particular facts for objections, I propose that we recognize this statement not as unfounded, but as completely scientifically substantiated.

So, taking into account the fact that the Rock of Gibraltar occupies most of the peninsula, and its northern and eastern part was considered impregnable at all times, then the construction of the fortress was formulated in accordance with the realities of the existing visual picture of things.

The military architects of the Arab aggressors decided to fence off the peninsula from the rest of the world, using the natural relief. However, this approach to solving pressing problems has been of priority importance in all centuries.

And since Arab architects studied at normal universities, their decision to build a wall from the seashore to the top of the cliff was quite expected. Well, since a bare wall would not look beautiful, they decided to dilute it with several towers and other fortified buildings.

Moreover, the construction of the fortress was allegedly facilitated by the digging of a tunnel in the rock, the stone excavation from which was very useful as one of the building materials for the construction of the citadel. But again, notice that I said guess. Because it is quite possible that the stone was brought from African stone factories that had the appropriate European quality certificate. Who knows?

So, the first castle along with the walls has not survived to this day, due to the difficult relations of the Moorish state with the Spanish kingdom that arose over time on the Iberian Peninsula.

And in the end, it came to the point that in 1309, Spanish troops captured the original Arab lands (as the Arabs already believed by that time) and destroyed the Moorish castle to the ground. True, in the next 41 years they partially restored it, but this is not considered history.

And the number 41 sounded for a reason, but because in 1350 the army of the Moors regained these lands for another 112 years. And it was at this time that they rebuilt the Moorish castle, introducing into its appearance a look that was modern for the fortress at that time.

If we take into account that the castle has not been rebuilt since that time, then in this case we can confidently say that today everyone can see the construction of that very time without any deception.

The era of the heyday of the Cordoba Caliphate - a powerful state that in 929 declared its independence in the face of the entire Muslim world - is considered the time of the birth of Moorish art in Spain. Even the collapse of the Cordoba Caliphate in the 11th century did not stop the further development of the “Moorish style” in art. The style only acquired a lyrical, intimate sound, refined sensuality and at the same time even greater vital energy.

The well-known architectural ensemble "Alhambra", which evokes old legends of love and chivalry, is the pinnacle of Moorish art. Initially palace complex did not have a single plan, since it was built in Granada at different times, but despite this, it is distinguished by its integrity and architectural unity.

Emir Al-Ahmar (the first emir of the Nasrid dynasty) conceived the Alhambra Castle as his new government residence. He decided to build it in 1239 on the highest hill of Granada - Red Hill. There was an ancient Roman fortress on this site back in the 9th century. But the palaces and administrative buildings of the Amalhambra that have come down to us belong to XIV century, when enlightened sovereigns ruled in Granada - Joseph I and his son Muhammad I. Muhammad I personally supervised the construction, talked with architects, artists and workers; he was engaged in planning the garden, planting rare plants, beautiful bushes and beautiful flowers - it was thanks to him that the Alhambra castle has survived to this day.

The Comares Palace was the main residence of the Alhambra, in the central part of which the now world-famous Myrtle Courtyard was located. It was named so later, in the 17th century, because of the myrtle trees that were planted along the long sides of a rectangular pond located in the yard. The golden-pink Comares Tower (its height is 45 meters) and the blue sky are reflected in the mirror surface of the reservoir, expanding the space of the courtyard and creating a feeling of lightness and spaciousness.

In the center of the Comares Tower is the magnificent square Throne Room (or Hall of Ambassadors), in which the throne of the rulers of Granada stood directly opposite the entrance. The dimensions of this hall are 11.3x11.3x18.2 meters, it is the largest in the Alhambra, and was built in the 14th century. The hall has 9 large arched windows located at floor level, three of which are separated in the center by marble columns.

Thanks to the thickness of the walls in the Hall of Ambassadors, which reaches 3 meters, each of the windows turned into an independent, richly decorated space - like a loggia. These loggia windows add lyrical intimacy to the ceremonial hall of the Alhambra, from which the rulers of Granada observed the lives of their subjects and admired the beauties of the country. When creating the Throne Room, experienced Moorish architects showed truly miracles, playing with light and directing it through windows with skillful carvings and colored glass. Falling onto the shining walls, the light illuminates the hall with a piercing magical radiance. Light pours in not only from the lower windows, but also from the 20 barred upper windows. The pinnacle of the craftsmanship of Arab architects is the famous cedar wood ceiling. It is surrounded by a stalactite frieze and consists of 3 inclined planes tapering upward, crowned in the center with a small stalactite dome.

The Throne Room is the most historical hall of the Alhambra. Not all facts have historical confirmation, but they say that in this hall Queen Isabella received Christopher Columbus and here Sultan Boabdil surrendered Granada to the Catholic kings of Spain.

The opposite of the open and illuminated space of the Myrtle Courtyard is the shaded arched passage in the Comares Tower, which attracts you with a mysterious, cool semi-darkness. In front of the entrance to the tower there is an elongated, narrow “Hall of La Barca” - the Boat Hall. Some scientists explain this name by the similarity of the drawing of the ceiling of the hall with the keel of a ship. But the Spanish writer Carlos Pascual put forward a hypothesis about the origin of the word “barka” from the Arabic “baraka” - “blessing, grace”, which seems very likely.

Next to the Comares Palace is the Lion's Courtyard, which is a type of palace building-garden. It was here that the private life of the Caliphs of Granada took place, closed from prying eyes. The Lion's Courtyard was built in the second half of the 14th century. The name of the courtyard is not accidental: twelve lion figures surround a fountain located in the center of a small open courtyard. Lions carved from some special semi-precious marble are placed like the rays of a star.

This number of lions was not chosen in vain. As a long-standing legend says, it was 12 lions that supported the throne of King Solomon, and his vizier Ibn Nagrella, a Jew by origin, told Sultan Muhammad al-Ghani about this. The vizier advised the Sultan to surround the fountain with figures of lions, which were brought to the Alhambra from the old palace in Albuiein. But scientists do not believe in this story and classify it as a legend, since it is believed that the lions at the fountain appeared only in the 16th century - after the fall of Granada. But both historians and art critics agree on one thing: the enchanting silence of the Lion’s Courtyard, broken only by the murmur of water jets, hides many secrets.

The mountain slopes of the Sierra Nevada supplied abundant water to the streams, gardens and fountains of the Alhambra. Water is an earthly element that the Moors valued above all else. Easterners consider fountains, streams and waterfalls as much a characteristic part of architecture as the Greeks considered columns. It’s not for nothing that one of the fountains in the Lion’s Courtyard has the following inscription: “Look at the water and look at the pond, and you won’t be able to decide whether the water is calm or marble flowing.”

The Lion Courtyard is interesting not only because of the lion statues. Another decoration of the courtyard is the “Hall of Stalactites”, located on its western side. The hall got its name because of the lace decoration of the ceiling. And although this ceiling died at the end of the 16th century during a fire and was replaced in 1614 by an elliptical covering, the name has been preserved to this day.

The spacious “Hall of the Two Sisters,” located on the north side of the Lion Court, also has its own history: two Christian sisters, separated from their lovers, were first imprisoned there and then died. Arab craftsmen, when creating this square hall, created miracles: a beautiful ornamental decoration, in which they masterfully combined the cold shine of tiles, the vital warmth of wood and the plasticity of matte knock. The stucco work “The Hall of Two Sisters” has survived to this day, surprising and bewitching today’s traveler: it is impossible to find two identical tiles in these carved honeycombs. Being in this room, it seems that when you turn around, you will see beauty itself...

Another hall, the Abencerhav Hall, located opposite the Hall of the Two Sisters, has a dark past. As legends say, it was here, in 1482, that the bloody murders took place. Clearing the way for his son to the throne, the cruel ruler summoned 36 more claimants to the throne to the palace. The meeting took place in this hall and ended horribly: the executioner cut the throats of all competitors... Almost 6 centuries have passed since then, but even now people sometimes see blood stains.

Moorish poets, describing Granada and the Alhambra Castle, did not skimp on metaphors: “the joy of children,” “an unfading garden of flowers and fruits,” “the true paradise of Mohammed.” Easterners imagine paradise to be brilliant and luxurious, filled with the joys of life. They see Paradise as a wonderful garden with emerald meadows, deep, clear rivers and earthly pleasures.

The construction of the Alhambra castle coincided with the time of the Reconquista in Spain - the long and difficult struggle of the Spaniards against the Arab conquerors. The rulers of Granada wanted to hide behind the thick walls of the Alhambra from disturbing news and thoughts, to forget all the dangers, betrayals and betrayals and not think about tomorrow. In the fortress, among refined luxury, one can still feel that serenity, the inviting dream that so attracts the rulers of the East.

Repeating simple ones countless times architectural elements, the masters were able to create unique complex shapes. Muslims are not allowed by their religion to depict living things, so they looked to nature for ideas and inspiration. Observing and rethinking every flower, every leaf, the masters turned them into geometric masterpieces. Arabic writing, made by a master stone or wood carver, also turned into art. “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger,” this phrase, included in the ornament, is repeated countless times.

One legend says that Sultan Boabdil hid in a hiding place outside the castle when the Christian armies approached the Alhambra, so as not to see the Christian flag fly over the heart of Granada. And his mother told him: “You mourn like a woman for what you could not protect like a man.”

In the following centuries, Granada was ruled by Christian rulers. Ferdinand the Magnificent in 1515 issued a special decree on the preservation of the Alhambra - “such an exceptional and magnificent structure.” One of the subsequent kings of Spain built a new royal palace on the territory of the castle. The palace was built by the architect Pedro Machuca, who at that time was restoring the Alhambra and caring for its gardens. Since Machuca was a student of the great Michelangelo, he decided to build a majestic building in the Renaissance style.

The new palace, burdened with pilasters and bas-reliefs, did not resemble the light architecture of the Alhambra in style. He looks like a stranger in the ensemble of Moorish buildings, a product of another era, other tastes, other systems of aesthetic and moral values. The American writer W. Irving even compared him “to an arrogant and uninvited guest.”

Since 1536, Granada has been the residence of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. He agreed not to rebuild the Alhambra, although he wanted to build a rotunda here, which was never completed...

The Moorish castle rises above the sandy isthmus connecting Gibraltar to the mainland, like a sentry guarding its possessions.

It was built six centuries ago, after the ancient Arab fortifications located on this site were destroyed by Spanish troops in 1309.

Having recaptured Gibraltar in 1333, the Moors rebuilt the castle and called it the “Tower of Honor”.

After many different battles, the building was transformed from a fortress into a museum, which became open to visitors.

You can only see four small rooms at the top of the tower, since its entire lower part down to the base is a stone monolith.

Life-size wax figures of Arab military leaders and rulers are on display for visitors.

Among them you can see Tariq ibn Seyid, the leader of the twelve thousand Arab-Berber detachment that landed on Gibraltar in 711, and Al-Mumip, who founded the city of Gibraltar in 1160.

Moorish castle

One of the unique attractions of Gibraltar is the Moorish Castle, built by the Marinid dynasty in the 7th century AD. It is a medieval fortification consisting of gates, fortress walls and the Tower of Memory, which is the dominant feature of the structure. The castle is visible from afar due to its striking architecture and strategic location - it is a symbol of the Arab domination of the Iberian Peninsula, which lasted more than eight hundred years. Its walls stretch from the top of Gibraltar down to the sea.

The most striking part of the castle is the Tower of Memory, rebuilt in the 14th century. Its height is about one hundred meters, it is the most high tower Islamic period on the peninsula. Its strong stone walls and bastions proudly bear the scars of sieges and artillery fire.

This ancient structure with the solemnly flying flag still towers over Gibraltar, attracting the attention of tourists. Currently, the recently restored castle complex is open to tourists.

The Castle of the Moors or Sintra Castle is located on one of the hills of the rocky massif of Mount Sintra. From the height of the walls there is a stunning view of the city of the same name, Atlantic Ocean, green valleys, you can even see the Mafra Palace from here.

The history of the castle began in the 8th century, when Muslims reached the Iberian Peninsula, here they erected primitive defensive structures and founded the settlement “as-Shantara”.

The castle was built in a strategic location, from here the Moors could control the main routes connecting Lisbon, Sintra, Mafra and Cascais.

At the beginning of the 12th century, while the Moors were sharing power among themselves, King Afonso Henriques liberated Portuguese lands. After the successful siege of St. George's Castle in Lisbon in 1147, the Moors abandoned Sintra.

One legend says that the Muslims were so surprised by the Crusaders' victory in Lisbon that they surrendered the castle of Sintra without a fight in the hope that they would soon return. Treasures were hidden in one of the caves near the castle.

This legend has a right to life. There are many natural voids in the Sintra mountain range. Geologists have found that the caves stretch under the entire plateau and have access to the sea, some of them are filled with sea water at high tide.

It is possible that these natural caves served the Moors with secret passages outside the castle. And they could become a hiding place for treasures. By the way, no one found the treasure.

The castle covers an area of 12 thousand square meters. meters, the perimeter of the walls is 450 meters.

The Portuguese, as owners, improve the design of the fortress and erect a chapel. While waiting for the Muslims to return, the fortress becomes a strategic observation point. A small detachment is stationed here, which, in the event of an impending threat from the shore or land, was supposed to immediately inform the king about it.

By the 13th century Sintra became favorite place Portuguese kings. But the rulers preferred the more comfortable chambers of the national palace of Sintra to the ascetic castle.

Gradually the castle falls into disrepair. This process accelerated in the 15th century, when the Jews, the only inhabitants of the castle, were expelled from the country.

The abandoned castle was left for several centuries. The forces of nature almost destroyed it: first, lightning struck and destroyed the tower, then the earthquake of 1755.

Only in the 19th century, with the advent of fashion for romanticism, the history of the Castle of the Moors was resumed. Just at this time, King Consort Fernando II was starting the construction of the century next door - a new royal residence, Pena Palace. Under the guise, the king buys nearby lands, including the castle for 210 reais.

Despite the amateurish approach to restoration work, Fernand II managed to stop the destructive process; walls were restored, trees were planted, and paths were laid. And it is thanks to the subtle artistic nature of the king that today we can walk through this place, imbued with history and romanticism.

Due to the castle's location, it can sometimes be quite windy, so bring something to protect you from the elements.

The castle of the Moors was restored to its former power in the middle of the 20th century: the walls were put in order, archaeological excavations. For example, ancient burials were found.

Now the Castle of the Moors consists of powerful walls, behind which you will see the remains of a Moorish cistern, in which water was stored in case of a siege, and the ruins of a chapel with an archaeological exhibition.

Several years ago, the issue of preserving these historical relics became acute, and the municipality developed a project to preserve the artifacts, completed the roof of the chapel and stables, and created an information area for visitors.

The atmosphere of this powerful structure is so mesmerizing that you forget about reality. But please don't forget about safety. The walls are quite high, the steps are uneven, of course, there are protective railings and curbs, but still be careful and watch your step.

The most important reason to visit the Castle of the Moors is the view. The panoramic breathtaking view deserves to be sure to visit the Moorish castle, walk along the fortress wall, and touch the history that is more than 1000 years old. This is how long the formidable walls preserve the peace of the Triton coast.

Alhambra Palace(Spanish: Alhambra, which means Red Castle) is the country residence of the emirs of Granada, in Spain. The Alhambra is a fortified castle-palace. It is a famous landmark of Spanish architecture from the Moorish period. The first fortifications on its territory were built by the Arabs back in the 9th century. But the vast majority of the Alhambra's buildings date back to the 13th-14th centuries. The castle complex consists of two large parts: Alcazaba - a citadel on the edge of a steep mountain, the city of emirs, Medina, adjacent to it on the eastern side.

"Alhambra" means "red", which is true, since the castle is built of reddish stone. The walls of the fortress are adjacent to the city fortifications of Granada.

The castle rises on an elongated mountain peak at an altitude of 700 m above sea level. The length of the complex reaches 740 m, width - 205 m. Its area is 142 thousand square meters, and the outer walls extend for as much as 2 km.

Now main entrance The Alhambra Palace is located on the south side. There is a road leading towards it, running between the wall and the slope. During the Arab rule, one could enter the castle through a huge horseshoe-shaped arch - the Gate of Justice, located in a tower with the same name. A huge hand is carved above the arch. Below, above the gate opening, is a key no smaller in size. In Spain there is a legend that the hand and the key are witchcraft signs of the fate of the Alhambra. They say that the Moorish king who built this castle-palace was a famous wizard. He cast a magic spell on the Alhambra. Therefore, neither hurricanes nor wars could destroy it. The spell will lose its power only when a hand from the outer arch reaches under the arch for the key. Then the walls will turn to dust, revealing Moorish treasures under the foundations of the fortress.

In the southern part of the Alhambra there are later buildings of the Christian era: the unfinished palace of Charles V (1526), next to it, on the site of a mosque, the Church of St. Mary and a monastery were built.

The Alhambra remained under Arab rule longer than other castles in Spain. Together with Granada, the fortress became last stronghold Muslim rule in this country. In 1492, after a long siege, it was surrendered to the united troops of the Catholic kings - Ferdinand of Aragon and Isabella of Castile, which marked the end of the Reconquista.

Over the following centuries, elements of Moorish architecture were gradually destroyed. Therefore, from the outside, the castle-palace looks ascetically strict and is not very impressive. But you just have to get inside to feel like you’re in a fairy tale, surrounded by a complex system of courtyards, halls and galleries. The walls of the inner chambers of the palace are made of golden stone, and the rooms are filled to the top with sunlight. The interior decoration amazes with its splendor and sophistication. Arcades of pointed and horseshoe arches with openwork decorations rest on very thin marble columns that surround the courtyards. Entrance openings with graceful arches lead to chambers completely covered with ornaments.

The Alhambra Palace in Granada now houses a museum of Islamic architecture.

Alhambra Castle on the map:

Sorry, the card is temporarily unavailable Sorry, the card is temporarily unavailable

Photo 360 panorama:

Video, just photos in the form of a slide show:

Another video in Spanish, but you can just enjoy the beauty :)