Aljafería Palace: A Jewel of Islamic Architecture in Zaragoza
Aljafería Palace: A Testament to Islamic Art
The Aljafería Palace in Zaragoza stands as a remarkable example of Islamic architecture in Spain. Built during the 11th century, it showcases a unique blend of artistic and constructive elements.
Architectural Characteristics
- Arches: The palace features a tendency to link sequences of arches, with keys extending upwards like branches. Decorative knots, while aesthetically pleasing, often lack a structural role.
- Columns: Columns serve as a primary medium, exhibiting increased stylization and a tendency towards luxurious materials like marble.
- Decoration: Architectural decoration is used extensively to conceal the relative simplicity of the materials. Carved stucco covers surfaces, creating ornate decor.
- Themes: Plant-based themes, reminiscent of Cordoba, are employed with a higher density, creating a baroque effect.
Civil Architecture
The Aljafería Palace exemplifies civil architecture, particularly palaces and fortresses. However, the overall size of the buildings is notably smaller.
Historical Significance
The Aljafería Palace in Zaragoza, constructed by Abu-Jafar Al-Murtadir of the Banu Hud dynasty between 1047 and 1081, remains a significant historical landmark. The name ‘Aljafería’ originates from ‘Jafar,’ its constructor. Originally named QARS AL-Surur, or Fortress of Rejoicing, the palace underwent modifications throughout its history.
In 1118, Zaragoza was reconquered, transforming the Aljafería into a Christian palace. The 19th century saw further additions to the interiors. Today, it serves as the seat of the Parliament of Aragon.
Layout and Design
The Aljafería Palace is a walled residence, similar in type and location to the Umayyad desert palaces in Syria or Jordan, serving as a recreational space.
Plant Layout:
- The palace features a square, fortified layout with semicircular towers at the corners and additional towers reinforcing the middle of the wall.
- A square tower, known as the Troubadour Tower, stands in the north, featuring vaulted floors and dating back to an earlier period.
- The exact number of original doors remains unknown, but reconstructions suggest a horseshoe arch flanked by towers. The upper portion of the door is not from the Islamic period.
Interior Spaces
The interior retains a conservative ceremonial area, centered around a rectangular courtyard known as the Courtyard of Santa Isabel. This courtyard is oriented north-south, featuring a rectangular canal and two square reservoirs in front of the south arcade.
Arcades:
- The arcades of the courtyard showcase intersecting arches at different levels (lobed and mixtilinear), adorned with heavy plasterwork.
- This creates a sense of depth and a baroque aesthetic.
- The combination of arches represents a novel design.
- The columns are more stylized.
In the north, another rectangular canal leads to ceremonial areas. Beyond the first canal, a porch roof and an arcade lead into a rectangular space, culminating in two side rooms. Above are the Throne Room and Gold Room, which connect to two additional rooms on either side. The chapel is located in the background.
Archery:
The archery features lobed arches, with blind lobed arches intersecting above to form decoration. Marble columns support the structure, complete with capitals and cornice. The edges are finished in the lobes of the bow, with binding knots above. The capitals are highly stylized, drawing inspiration from Madinat-al Zahara, with more abstract and variegated vegetal decoration.