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Identifying feature

Horseshoe arch

An arch whose curve continues past a half circle, so the opening narrows at its base. It is common in Islamic architecture, especially in Spain and North Africa.

a sign of these styles

Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem: an example of Islamic Medieval Islamic Medieval c. 700–1500 Domes and minarets over courtyards, pointed and horseshoe arches, and dense geometric and calligraphic ornament. Court of the Lions, Alhambra, Granada, Spain: an example of Moorish / Mudéjar Moorish / Mudéjar c. 800–1600 Spain's Islamic tradition: horseshoe arches, carved stucco, glazed tilework, and patterned brick. Dohány Street Synagogue, Budapest, Hungary: an example of Moorish Revival Moorish Revival c. 1840–1930 Horseshoe arches, striped brick or stone, onion domes and slender minaret-like towers on synagogues, theatres and hotels.

often seen with

Arcade A row of arches carried on columns or piers (thick square supports), often forming a covered walkway along a… Geometric ornament Decoration made of zigzags, chevrons (V shapes), stepped forms and other repeated geometric shapes instead… Courtyard An open-air space enclosed by the walls of a building or group of buildings. Dome A rounded roof shaped as half a sphere, often raised on a drum (a circular wall). Minaret A tall, slender tower attached to or near a mosque, usually with one or more balconies near the top. Decorative tilework Glazed ceramic tiles, fired clay with a glassy coating, used to finish walls, floors and fireplace surrounds. Deep-set window A window set far back into a thick wall of stone, brick or adobe, leaving a deep reveal, the side of the… Pointed arch An arch whose two curved sides meet at a point, called the apex.