Week 9- Spanish Renaissance

 INT-History of interiors Blog 

By: Nicol Valeria Torres Villamil

Week 9 – Spanish Renaissance

This week we focused on the Spanish Renaissance, an extraordinary time when the diverse design influences of Moorish, Christian, Medieval, and Italian Renaissance were able to meet and mix. Spain was one of the strongest countries in the 16th century, and this power came to be seen in buildings, interiors, and furniture.  The Spanish Renaissance was characterized by the merging of various modern and old art forms, luxuriously decorated environments, and the shift into coming, less severe and more expressive styles.

Historical Images

Alhambra Palace, Granada

A masterpiece of Moorish architecture featuring intricate arabesques, courtyards, and reflecting pools.

La Mota Castle, Medina del Campo

A fortified castle representing the transition from medieval fortresses to Renaissance design.

Cathedral of Seville

The largest Gothic cathedral in the world, with Renaissance additions showing Spain’s religious devotion and wealth.

El Escorial, Madrid

Designed by Juan de Herrera, this monastery and palace represents simplicity, symmetry, and spiritual order.

Vargueño Cabinet

Spain’s most distinctive Renaissance furniture piece, featuring geometric inlays and Moorish craftsmanship.

Current Application Images

Flagler College (Ponce de León Hotel, Florida)

Built in 1888, this American building reflects Spanish Renaissance architecture with courtyards, domes, and mosaic interiors.

City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia – Santiago Calatrava

A modern masterpiece inspired by Spanish innovation, merging engineering and sculptural form.

Allen Lambert Galleria, Toronto

Calatrava’s light-filled interior recalls the rhythm and balance of Renaissance design.

Modern Spanish Courtyard Home

Features arches, patterned tiles, and symmetry inspired by Mudejar and Plateresque traditions.

Contemporary Furniture with Moorish Influence

Combines carved patterns and metal details inspired by the geometric beauty of Spanish Renaissance pieces.

One Step Further – Santiago Calatrava

Santiago Calatrava, a Spanish architect and engineer, who is recognized worldwide, keeps the Renaissance innovation in modern times. He is similar in his uniting of art, science, and structure with the artists of the 16th century. His works including the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia and the Turning Torso in Sweden are characterized by harmony, geometry, and movement. His method demonstrates that still Spanish creativity is able to combine beauty, technology, and human experience, like it was during the Renaissance.

Reflection

This week reminded me hings that Spain's cultural fusion had a hand in. The combination of Moorish ornamentation and Christian symbolism created a style that was both spiritual and worldly. I was especially fascinated by the transition from the richly detailed Plateresque to the simplicity of El Escorial, it shows that true beauty can exist in both ornament and restraint. I also loved discovering how modern architects like Santiago Calatrava carry on Spain’s legacy of innovation, proving that Renaissance principles of balance, proportion, and craftsmanship remain timeless.