The Top 5 Western European cities with Islamic history

Ever thought of exploring the Islamic roots of the so called old continent? halaltrip presents the Top 5 cities in Western Europe still shining with the old Islamic legacy that shaped the continent. Maybe you’ll find your next holiday destination as summer is about to come.

5.) Vienna: The Ottoman Empire tried to capture unsuccessfully the Austrian capital in 1529 and later in 1683. Beside the military siege both countries exchanged various cultural aspects of life within the last centuries. Today Vienna is famous for its great coffee shops, the “Wiener Schnitzel” and the “Stephansdom”, where the bells of the church were made out of the left behind guns from the Ottoman. The architecture of the city is partly based on oriental designs like flat roofs or the similar like a mosque built “Karl Church” with its kind of minarets. Moreover you’ll find some wall paintings remembering the sieges. You’ll even find a Yunus-Emre-Fountain located in the Türkenschanzpark that was a gift from the Republic of Turkey to Austria in 1991.

4.) Algarve: Derived from the Arabic word “al gharb” meaning “the west” this southernmost region of mainland Portugal was once the west border of the Moorish empire. Various architecture aspects are mainly affected by that time. Especially the twisting and narrow streets protecting people from the hot sun and many small minarets on houses are one of the most famous Islamic legacy. Also many Arabic words have influenced the Portuguese language.

3.) Sevilla: Once the capitol for the Kings of the Umayyad Caliphate and important centre of Al-Andalus Sevilla is still a beautiful city in the heart of Spain. As a prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site the Moorish aesthetic and urban influences continued and are very present in contemporary Seville. If you do check out this great city, visiting the Cathedral of Sevilla is a must. Once known as The Great Mosque with its beautifully ornamented and world famous minaret called Giralda the church is one of the biggest in the world nowadays.

2.) Cordoba: In 766 Cordoba was elected as capital of the independent Muslim emirate of al-Andalus. At that time nearly half a million people lived in Cordoba not only making it the world’s second largest city but one of the most advanced in the world. The city acted as cultural, financial, economic and political heart of the Muslim empire. Also the construction of The Great Mosque of Cordoba dates back to this time once being the largest library in the world. Today the Christian Mezquita is one of the most famous tourist hot spots in the region. This incredible building is without a question one of the most impressive in Europe.

1.) Granada: Only the massive area of the Alhambra would be worth to visit this great city. Built during the mid 14th century the Alhambra acted as a palace and a fortress complex today it is one of the most viewed hot spots in the world. Travellers are waiting hours standing in line only to purchase some tickets. So please visit the official website before visiting this historic monument.