While the Andalucian south of Spain is famous for its Islamic architecture – particularly the Alhambra in Granada – the impact of Islamic architecture can also be seen in other parts of Spain. The Monastery of San Miguel in the northern Leon province of Spain is an example of what is called Mozarabic art.
The church was built by Cordobic monks in 913. Influenced by the Cordoba Caliphate, the Visigoths who lived under Muslim governance of southern Spain brought to the north a culture and art form that included the Arabic “mehrab” or arch design typical of Islamic mosques. The San Miguel Monastery is one example of such Mozarabic art. Leon is located about 250 miles from Madrid.
