Mudéjar art

Mudéjar art is a style native and unique to the history of Spain. It was a meeting between Christianity and Islam. The term Mudéjar refers to the Muslims who continued to practise their religion and their customs in the territories that became part of the Christian kingdoms as the Reconquest advanced into southern Spain.

Mudéjar art flourished thanks to the social phenomenon represented by the climate of peaceful coexistence between three cultures: Christian, Islamic and Jewish. This system of Islamic artistic work (materials, techniques, formal elements) left its mark both on Christian architecture and on its sumptuary arts.

Mudéjar style developed in Sahagún, León, as an adaption of architectural and ornamental motifs (specially through decoration with plasterwork and brick). Mudéjar extended to the rest of the kingdom of León, Toledo, Ávila, Segovia, etc., giving rise to what has been called “brick Romanesque style”. Centers of this type of art are found in cities such as Toro, Cuéllar, Arévalo and Madrigal de las Altas Torres. It became most highly developed mainly in Aragón, especially in Teruel. During the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries, many imposing Mudéjar-style towers were built in Teruel, changing the aspect of the city. This distinction has survived to the present day.

by: María Díaz Guerra