I decided to give Neo-Mudéjar architecture its own post as I like it so much and there is plenty of it in Seville. Neo-Mudéjar is a revival of the Mudéjar (Moorish) architecture created by the Muslims who remained in Iberia after the Christian Reconquista. Features of Neo-Mudéjar include horseshoe arches, arabesque tiling, and the use of the abstract brick ornamentation on façades.
One of the first examples of Neo-Mudéjar style was the Plaza de Toros in Madrid, constructed in 1874 (now demolished). It became the blueprint for bullrings and public buildings throughout the Spanish speaking world. Another early example is Gaudí’s Casa Vicens in Barcelona, conceived in 1883.
The second wave of Neo-Mudéjar came in 1929 when Seville hosted the Ibero-American Exposition. Important examples from this time include Plaza de España (separate post here)…
…and Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares in Parque de María Luisa (post here). Both were designed by the famous Sevillano architect Aníbal González. González is also responsible for the beautiful Modernista building in this post.
Also in the park is the Costurero de la Reina (the Queen’s Sewing Box) which is the oldest Neo-Mudéjar building in Seville (constructed in 1893).
Andalusian architecture took different forms in different cities at this time. In Cádiz and Huelva, Neocolonialism was in vogue while in the provinces of Almería, Granada, Málaga and Jaén, Eclectic Historicism was the order of the day. In Seville and Córdoba it was Neo-Mudéjar. Together these local variations became known as Regionalismo Historicista (Historical Regionalism). They have in common an intent to recover artistic pasts, particularly the Mudejar and Baroque which were perceived as glorious eras, and combine them with modernist influences like Art Nouveau.
Back in town, Aníbal González was also responsible for an apartment building (built 1911-1912) on Calle Cuna where it meets Plaza de Villasís.
Another important architect, a contemporary of González, was José Espiau y Muñoz. He was responsible for the stunning Hotel Alfonso XIII, a luxury hotel built for the Ibero-American Exposition.
Another famous building, Edificio de La Adriática at 2 Avenida de la Constitución, on the corner with Calle Fernández y González, was designed by Muñoz in 1914.
Edificio Ciudad de Londres, on the corner of Calle Cuna and Calle Cerrajería, built by Muñoz earlier in 1914, was apparently the prototype for La Adriática.
Other favourites that I have spotted on my walks around town that I know nothing about include 7 Calle Núñez de Balboa.
And a few more I don’t have the addresses for.
Click on the galleries to get the best view.
Such a beautiful style of architecture isn’t it? I love it the more I look at it. There’ll defintitely be more added to this post on my next trip!