Restoration of a medieval mosque

Dr Federico Wulff Barreiro and Melina Guirnaldos have completed the restoration of the medieval Oratorio del Partal mosque in Grenada, Spain. The project has taken four years to complete.

The Oratorio del Partal is a 14th century palatine mosque built during the reign of Sultan Yusuf I (1318 – 1354) in the Alhambra, a palace and fortress complex located in Granada and UNESCO Worldwide Heritage site. It is considered the most important heritage site in Spain, with more than 2.5 million visitors per year. Originally constructed as a small fortress in AD 889 on the remains of Roman fortifications, its ruins were renovated and rebuilt in the mid-13th century by the Moorish emir Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar of the Emirate of Granada, who built its current palace and walls. It was converted into a royal palace in 1333 by Yusuf I, Sultan of Granada.

The project was supported by the Alhambra Council, who commissioned W+G Architects to conduct preliminary studies, the technical project and the direction of the building supervision.

Dr Federico Wulff Barreiro is a lecturer and researcher within the School, as well as being the founder and director of the practice W+G Architects, who led the restoration project. Melina Guirnaldos is co-founder of the practice, as well as researcher and design tutor within the School. She is currently also completing a PhD in heritage preservation at WSA.