Spanish Architecture

Spanish Architecture refers to the architectural style and building techniques developed and used in Spain from pre-historic times to the present day. It encompasses a rich and diverse range of styles, from the simple stone structures of the Iberian Peninsula to the ornate Gothic cathedrals of the Middle Ages, to the elaborately decorated Mudéjar style of the Islamic period, to the modernist designs of the 20th century. Spanish architecture is characterized by its use of arches, courtyards, patios, tiles, and ironwork and is known for its bold, bright colors and intricate detailing. It has greatly influenced architectural styles in the Americas and elsewhere due to the widespread colonization and settlement by the Spanish empire in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries.