Huelva, Spain
Coordinates: 37.873333, -6.786111
The mosque of Almonaster la Real was located in the municipality Spanish of the province of Huelva, in Andalusia.
It was constructed during the Caliphate of Cordoba, between centuries IX and X, inside the castle Almonaster on the ruins of a basilica visigoda of the sixth century, which materials are reused.
It is worth noting that the town’s actual name “Almonaster” derives from the Arabic term “Al-Munastyr” which was given by the Muslims to designate ancient Christian temples.
After the Christian conquest, it was converted into a hermitage. Many changes were made, including the addition of a central axis in accordance with the new religion. The old door and the North flank were also reconstructed. Despite these changes, the whole building still retains a rustic charm.
It is the only Andalusian mosque that has been preserved almost intact in Spain in a rural area, preserving the sobriety and seclusion typical of these constructions to this day.
The Mihrab has lost its paint, and looks quite archaic; only the brick and stone is visible.
The Mosque holds a simple elegance of form from so many hundreds of years ago and the views from there are spectacular.
The mosque is built on a hill overlooking the town of Almonaster la Real. It is integrated into a complex that includes, in addition to the oratory, an old Muslim fortress attached to a bullring.
It gave superb views over the glorious countryside through which the visitor passes to reach this place.
Know This
The mosque is opened everyday from 9am to 8pm (even during holidays) and it is free.
Adjacent is the Plaza de Toros with its bullfighting ring built in 1891.
