The Spanish Moorish style draws on the Islamic artistic legacy in Spain, characterized by horseshoe arches, intricate tilework, courtyards with fountains, and ornate geometric or floral patterns. Key elements include stucco walls, mosaic tiles, and a focus on indoor-outdoor integration.

Rooted in the period of Moorish rule in the Iberian Peninsula (8th–15th centuries), these design elements saw revival in the early 20th century, especially in grand estates and public buildings in Southern Spain and across parts of the U.S. The style’s exotic allure and complex ornamentation captured the imagination of architects and patrons seeking a romantic, historical flourish.

Because it emerged and flourished in the Mediterranean basin, it is typically considered part of (and influential within) broader Mediterranean architectural traditions. In particular, the arch forms, courtyards, and ornamental detailing seen in Moorish homes helped shape the Spanish (and subsequently Spanish Colonial) design language, which is often grouped under the Mediterranean style umbrella in modern contexts.

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