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The Syrian leader (912– 61) established the autonomous Caliphate of al-Andalus.

Inheriting many of their techniques from the Romans, the Moors were masters of agricultural engineering. Their system consisted of three main elements: the aqueduct, the waterwheel and the irrigation channel. Thereby, they were able to cultivate vast areas, often building ingenious terracing on slopes. They also introduced many crops, including bitter oranges, lemons, almonds, rice, cotton, pomegranates, aubergines (eggplants), artichokes, asparagus and mulberry trees (to feed silk-worms).

One of the largest surviving fortresses in the region (see Almería City & Around).

Remains of the original Moorish walls and tower can still be seen (see Málaga).

The village’s mosque is one of Andalucía’s finest, with great views from the minaret.

Most of the works by Cano (1601–67) can be seen in Granada, largely because after he was accused of killing his wife the city vowed to protect him if he would work exclusively for them. Sadly, such a predicament limited the opportunities for this gifted painter, sculptor and architect to fully blossom.

Andrés de Vandelvira (1509– 75) was the quintessential architect of the Spanish Renaissance in Andalucía. His work spanned the three major phases of the style’s predominance, from ornamental Plateresque, to Italianate Classical, to austere Herreran. He can be given virtually sole credit for the architectural treasures in the town of Úbeda and many important edifices in Baeza (see Baeza and Úbeda).

Some 700 years later, when the Roman Empire began to come apart, tribes from northern Europe laid claim to the peninsula. The Vandals and then the Visigoths ruled for some three centuries. Politically unstable, a question of rightful succession in AD 710 led to the enlistment of Muslim armies from North Africa. The Moors saw their chance and within 10 years had taken over.

Moorish art and architecture is full of signs and symbols and often incorporates calligraphy into its designs, quoting the Koran or poetry. The point was to inspire the viewer to reflect upon the unity of all things under Allah, whose power and perfection could never be equalled by the achievements of man.

This building has been the town hall since the 16th century. Inside, the rooms are decorated with historic paraphernalia of the city and the monarchy, in a blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles. Outside, the façades reflect the evolution of taste, from the original Renaissance Plateresque work with its finely carved stone-work, to the 19th-century attempt to copy the style, seen from Plaza de San Francisco.