The Mudejar art of Aragon: A jewel of Al-Andalus heritage

Mudejar art stands as one of the most exceptional and lasting legacies from the eight centuries of Islamic presence in Spain. So much so that UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage, describing it as “a singular, universal, and irreplaceable treasure for humanity.”

The recognition began in 1986 with four monuments in Teruel, one of Aragon’s three provinces, and was later expanded in 2001 to include six more in Zaragoza and surrounding areas. While Mudejar art exists in various regions of Spain—from Andalucía and Levante to Madrid, Castile, and even the Balearic and Canary Islands—only Aragon’s Mudejar has earned World Heritage status. In Aragón, this style has flourished exceptionally, becoming an emblem of the region with more than 150 Mudejar monuments.

So, what is Mudejar art? It’s a unique style, mainly architectural, that developed between the 12th and 14th centuries (in some places continuing until the 17th century) within the ‘new’ Christian kingdoms of the Iberian Peninsula. It skillfully blends European Christian architectural features of the time, such as Romanesque and Gothic, with Islamic elements rooted in Al-Andalus’s construction tradition. This is evident in the use of brick, colorful ceramic tiles, plaster, wood, intricate geometric patterns, horseshoe and lobed arches, and a striking use of green and white in decorative details.

How did this unexpected fusion come to be after centuries of conflict? The story goes that the new Christian elites, including the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, were so captivated by the beauty of ‘Andalusi’ art that they incorporated it into their own constructions—particularly churches and palaces—employing skilled Muslim artisans. Some theories even suggest that certain Mudejar structures, especially church towers, were once minarets that were later repurposed.

Some theories suggest that certain Mudejar towers were once minarets that were later repurposed.

So, is Mudejar art an evolution or continuation of Islamic architecture, or does it stand as a uniquely Christian style enriched by Islamic aesthetics? The debate among historians continues. Yet, this seamless and original fusion of Christian and Islamic art forms symbolizes a profound cultural coexistence, earning it well-deserved World Heritage recognition.

While the Mudejar style originated in the medieval era, the term “Mudejar” itself—a loanword from Arabic—wasn’t used to describe it until the 19th century. Derived from the Arabic mudajjan (مدجّن), it refers to Muslims who stayed in Christian-conquered lands during the Middle Ages, often allowed to keep their customs and religion in exchange for paying tribute. The name later became synonymous with this architectural style, which left its mark as far as Latin America and experienced a Neo-Mudejar revival in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as seen in landmarks like Madrid’s Las Ventas Bullring.

Here are five iconic UNESCO-listed Mudejar monuments you shouldn’t miss in Aragon:

Torre del Salvador tower (Teruel City)

One of the earliest Mudejar towers to gain World Heritage status, the Torre del Salvador tower features an Almohad minaret structure. Constructed between the 13th and 14th centuries, with later modifications, it showcases stunning exterior decorations, including green and white ceramic stars and intricate geometric patterns. Today, it houses the Mudejar Art Interpretation Center. Nearby is its “twin,” the Torre de San Martín tower. A charming legend tells of two Muslim friends, Omar and Abdalá, who competed to win the heart of Zoraida by building these magnificent towers.

La Seo del Salvador (Zaragoza City)

Built over the former Great Mosque of Saraqusta (Islamic Zaragoza), this was the city’s first Christian cathedral, predating the Basilica of El Pilar. La Seo is a captivating blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, but its Mudejar elements are particularly striking. These include the ornately decorated north wall of the “Parroquieta” and the impressive lantern, both of which secured its UNESCO status. Some experts suggest that this exquisite wall, completely covered with geometric designs, might have even belonged to the original mosque. In other words, it could be a part of the main mosque that Zaragoza once had, still standing today.

The Mudejar Ceiling of the Aljafería Palace (Zaragoza)

The Aljafería Palace, one of Spain’s most important Islamic palaces, is an absolute must-visit. You’ll be enchanted by the intricate arches of the central courtyard, along with the small mosque and mihrab, echoing the grandeur of the Great Mosque of Cordoba. After the Christian conquest of Zaragoza in 1118, the palace underwent expansions by various monarchs until, between 1488 and 1495, the Catholic Monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand constructed their own palace in the northern wing. They commissioned a magnificent gilded wooden ceiling for their throne room, adorned with Islamic geometric patterns, eight-pointed stars, and vegetal designs. This wonderful ceiling is one of the elements included in the UNESCO World Heritage list of Mudejar art in Aragon.

Collegiate Church of Santa María (Calatayud)

Calatayud, Aragon’s fourth-largest city, is a hidden gem on the route between Madrid and Zaragoza. Founded as one of the first Islamic cities in the 8th century, its landscape is still dominated by a network of impressive fortifications, from which its name, Qalat’ Ayub (Ayub’s Castle), derives. Calatayud (both the city and its comarca) is also a Mudejar hub, featuring the octagonal 72-meter tower of the Collegiate Church of Santa María, Spain’s tallest Mudejar tower—a true icon in the city. Its silhouette stands out and is easily recognizable in a panoramic view of Calatayud. Both the tower and the cloister of Collegiate Church of Santa María are part of the UNESCO World Heritage list of Mudejar architecture in Aragon.

Church of Santa María (Tobed, Zaragoza Province)

This small town, 31 kilometers from Calatayud, boasts a 14th-century Mudejar fortress-church, a true architectural marvel. This type of church, which served both a religious and defensive function, was common in this region during the 14th century, when the Christian kings of Castile and Aragón were engaged in a war. The exterior of the Iglesia de Santa María de Tobed is decorated with captivating Islamic geometric designs made of brick and glazed ceramics in green and white. The interior is equally stunning and can be visited by appointment. This church is a magnificent example of how Mudejar art flourished not only in major cities but also in rural areas.

Discovering Aragon’s Mudejar art offers a captivating journey through the enduring influence of Al-Andalus in Spain. Explore a world where Islamic and Christian aesthetics beautifully intertwine, leaving a legacy that’s both timeless and inspiring.