Geographic Location
Around 218 B.C., Publio Cornelio Escipion obtained Spain for Rome during the Second Punic War. As a result of Roman rule, Spanish architecture was influenced.
Roman bridges, theaters, roads, and aqueducts were constructed in Spain. In fact, many were of such great quality that they still stand today. The Roman rule of Spain continued until the 5th century A.D.
Moor Influence
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In 711 A.D., the Moors invaded Spain, bringing their religion, Islam, and culture with them. Through this, they became a major influence on Spanish art and architecture.
Islamic architecture tended to be more decorative, ultimately carrying-over to Spanish architecture. |
Romanesque Architecture
"The Romanesque style was the style of the Reconquest...Romanesque architecture was really Christian architecture and showed that this part of Spain was again Christian."-"Madrid: History of Architecture of Spain". |
During the 10th-11th century A.D., much of Spain was reclaimed by Christianity, resulting in Romanesque architecture.
The Romanesque style was simple, yet it retained its Romans elements. Walls were thicker and were less decorative than Moorish architecture. |
Gothic Spanish Architecture
By the 12th century, Gothic architecture in Spain became prominent. There was great German and Italian influence, as well. However, it wasn't until the 13th century that Gothic style was truly expressed in Spanish architecture.
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Renaissance Spanish Architecture
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"The 12th Century saw the arrival of Gothic architecture from Europe in the Spanish peninsular, yet it was still alternating with the earlier Romanesque period. The true, High Gothic style came in the 13th Century." -Spanish Art.org |
The Spanish architecture started changing according to the Renaissance at the end of the 15th century. By then, the Gothic style in Spanish architecture had almost completely lost its influence.
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"In Spain, at the beginnings of the Renaissance architecture period (the end of the 15th Century), many former Gothic buildings were adapted to meet the new Renaissance style."-Spanish Art.org. |
Baroque Spanish Architecture
Baroque styles in architecture passed from Italy to Spain in the 16th century. Below are several examples of the style expressed in Spanish architecture.
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"Baroque is a style of architecture that came to Spain from nearby Italy in the 16th Century. A vernacular form of the style was then developed and is the style of architecture that one can see at the Plaza Mayor in Madrid."-Spanish Art.org |
19th Century Spanish Architecture
The 19th century in Spain was a time when older styles were revived. Newer materials made available through the Industrial Revolution were used in the architectural structures.
"The 19th Century was a period for revival of old architectural styles...The 19th Century was also the period of the Industrial Revolution. Buildings began to incorporate some of the new materials that this Revolution brought, including glass and ironwork."-Spanish Art.org. |
20th and 21st Century Spanish Architecture
"The 20th Century saw the rise of Catalan Modernism, a style that incorporated more natural and organic elements. Gaudí was the leading Spanish architect of this style."-Spanish Art.org.