The Royal House (Dar al-Mulk)

At the highest point of the Alcázar stands what has been identified as the private residence of Caliph Abd al-Rahman III—the Royal House (Dar al-Mulk), which faced south, like the previously mentioned basilical-plan halls (“Upper Basilica Building”, “Rich Hall”, etc.). From there, the sovereign could contemplate in full splendor and without obstacles, for many kilometers, the rest of the palatial city complex of Medina Azahara, the Guadalquivir valley, and the Cordoban countryside. Therefore, the building dates back to an early period and must have been part of the original design of the Alcázar, commissioned by the first Umayyad Caliph of Córdoba and directed by his son and successor, Alhaken II.

Organization and structure of the building

The residence was organized on a platform cut into the rock, where a front terrace—no longer preserved—was located, along with three parallel bays of rooms spread out widthwise, ending in alcoves at the ends and decorated with *atauriques*. On the eastern end of this residential unit, there must have been a small bath. Like other buildings in the Alcázar, the Royal House was not built directly on the solid stone platform above, but was instead separated from it by a long service corridor that runs through the complex.

Later transformations

This residence is one of the best places to observe later changes to the original construction plan of Medina Azahara. These transformations involved removing the bath and constructing new rooms, carried out by order of Caliph Alhaken II (in the year 972) to adapt the building as a place for the crown prince, Hisham II, to receive the education and training appropriate to the responsibilities of governance.

Decoration and unique elements

In addition to its elevated position over the rest of the Alcázar, other outstanding features of the Dar al-Mulk include its abundant stone decoration and the flooring of the rooms—made of fired clay tiles—with decorative inlays of limestone forming various geometric motifs arranged in borders outlining the layout of those spaces.

State of preservation and historical significance

Currently, we cannot fully appreciate the spectacular nature of this south-facing building due to the loss of its exterior façade and the looting of its walls. However, it is known that this residential unit was flanked by two large rectangular staircases, with remnants of one still visible and the stairwell of the other carved into the rocky face of the mountain. These staircases, of impressive length (over 10 meters high), served to connect the caliph’s residence with the buildings located on the lower terrace. In any case, we can affirm that the Royal House was, until the later construction of the “Rich Hall“, the space with the greatest political and religious symbolism in all of Medina Azahara.

Visit to Medina Azahara

If you’re wondering what to visit in Córdoba, a great option would be the archaeological site of Medina Azahara by choosing one of our guided tours. Unfortunately, the Royal House is not currently open to visitors, as it is undergoing restoration. Choosing to engage in quality tourism means choosing ArtenCórdoba.

Text: Jesús Pijuán.