Mezquita de Almonaster la Real

The Mosque of Almonaster la Real is an Islamic oratory of the Andalusian period located in the upper part of the castle of Almonaster la Real, in the province of Huelva, Andalusia. Although it is listed as a museum in the commission, its main heritage typology is that of a historic mosque, today integrated into the monumental complex of the castle and with religious and cultural uses. It is located at coordinates 37.87042, -6.78706, in the urban center of this mountain municipality. Its construction is situated between the end of the IX century and the beginning of the X century, in the context of the Caliphate of Cordoba. The sources consulted describe it as a work of Caliphate tradition, built on previous remains and reusing materials from previous periods, a circumstance that explains the historical overlap of the enclave. Among its most outstanding patrimonial elements is the building's floor plan itself, of small scale and strong sobriety, as well as its integration in the fortified enclosure of the castle. Several sources point out that it is one of the best preserved rural mosques in Spain and the only one of its kind that has survived almost intact. After the Christian conquest, the building was converted into a hermitage under the patronage of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, later maintaining Catholic worship. It was declared a National Monument on June 3, 1931, and is now considered an Asset of Cultural Interest due to its historical protection.