Photo Above - interior view of the Aljafería Palace. Click on the above Photo to get an expanded view. (Very large photo will open in a new window, best for broadband users.) |
One tower of the Aljafería predates the Palace, the Troubadour Tower, it was constructed in the 9th century AD.
The Taifas period Palace (build for the Banu Hud) was started in the late 11th century. It was constructed more for the residential enjoyment of the Taifas than as a defensive structure. With the fall of Zaragoza to Alfonso I in 1118 AD the Palace became the home of the (Christian) Kings of Aragon, .
Other notables to use the Palace as a Royal residence, are Peter IV of Aragon (1319 -87 AD) and the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabel.
Alterations to the Palace were conducted as the function of the building changed. By 1593 is was being converted in to a military base. For a time the Palace was even used as a hospital. |
