Private Sector

The so-called private sector of Medina Azahara encompasses the spaces dedicated to the everyday, residential, and service life of the palatine city. In contrast to the ceremonial and political character of the official sector, this area was linked to the daily life of the caliph, his family, high officials, and the personnel who ensured the internal functioning of the complex.

Although the term “private” should not be understood in a strictly modern domestic sense, it does refer to areas with more restricted access, organized around residences, courtyards, and auxiliary rooms, where architecture prioritizes functionality without abandoning the aesthetic quality typical of the Caliphate.

House of Ya’far

The House of Ya’far belonged to the caliph’s vizier and prime minister, one of the most influential figures at the Umayyad court. It is a high-ranking residence, arranged around courtyards and rooms that combine residential and representative functions.

Its position within the complex and the richness of its architectural remains reflect the privileged status of its owner within the palatine hierarchy.

House of the Pool

The House of the Pool is named after the large central pool that organizes the space. This element served not only an aesthetic function but also a climatic one, cooling the environment and structuring domestic life around water.

It is a magnificent example of a caliphal residence, where intimacy, comfort, and symbolism are combined.

Service Quarters

The Service Quarters were intended for the personnel who worked in direct service of the palace: officials, guards, servants, and skilled workers.

Their architecture is simpler than that of noble residences, but it retains a rational layout adapted to the needs of daily life within a fully functioning palatine city.

Trapezoidal Space

The Trapezoidal Space is a transitional area whose exact function is still debated among researchers. Its peculiar layout and location suggest a space that connected various residential and service zones.

This type of area demonstrates the urban complexity of Medina Azahara and the careful planning of its internal pathways.

Upper Residences

The Upper Residences are located on higher levels of the private sector, which provided them with greater privacy and better views over the complex.

They were probably intended for high-ranking individuals or those close to the caliph, combining residential use with a clear spatial hierarchy.

Court of the Pillars

The Court of the Pillars is one of the most distinctive spaces in the private sector. Its name comes from the pillars that structured the porticoed galleries, creating a courtyard of great harmony and balance.

This courtyard served as the organizing nucleus for the surrounding rooms, following a typical layout of Andalusi domestic architecture.

Royal House

The Royal House was the most intimate residential area of the caliph and his family. It consists of a complex arrangement of courtyards, rooms, and spaces designed to ensure privacy, security, and comfort.

Its strategic location and refined architecture reflect the importance of this area within the palatine urban plan.

The private sector and daily life in Medina Azahara

The private sector allows us to understand how daily life unfolded in the caliphal city, beyond the solemnity of power. Houses, courtyards, and service spaces formed a functional network that sustained the splendor of the Caliphate of Córdoba.

If you wish to explore Medina Azahara in depth and understand the difference between its official and private areas, we recommend booking one of our guided tours. Discover the palatine city with ArtenCórdoba, specialists in heritage interpretation.