Hall of Abd al-Rahman III. Archaeological Area of Madinat al-Zahra (Córdoba, Spain)

Identified with one of the large reception rooms in the city, the so-called Oriental Hall, this building was the architectural framework for the celebration of political receptions by the caliph. In front of the High Garden, in the official sector. The plant is basilical, with a core of three longitudinal naves separated by arches and a front portico, of six arches, open to the garden. On both sides are arranged large elongated rooms with square rooms at their ends. The building was built by the caliph Abd al-Rahman III, as the abundant epigraphy of its interior attests. Its main feature is the extraordinary decoration, carved in stone plates attached to the walls, which extends to the totality of the internal paraments and the façade that faces the garden. In this ornamental program stand out, for its originality and innovation, the large plant boards located at the bottom of the composition. Photos: courtesy of the Archaeological Area of Medina Azahara. Junta de Andalucía Bibliography: Vallejo, A. (2004): Madinat al-Zahra. Official Guide of the Archaeological Area, Seville.