When you read your travel guide or listen to the explanations of a local guide, Art History terms are often mentioned that may seem complex. But in reality, they are very easy to understand and identify on a monument. That happens with Moroccan bows. In this post, we tell you which are the most common in this country and why they are so interesting.
Moroccan arches: what you should know
The Moroccan arches are one of the most important elements in architecture. Not only for its constructive function but also for its aesthetic function. In fact, one of the peculiarities of Arab architecture is that its arches are used, on many occasions, with the sole intention of decorating: that is, sometimes they are blind, without actually supporting any weight or serving as an entrance to any space.
Let us remember that, in architecture, an arch is made up of voussoirs, that is, stones or ashlars fitted together to transmit the pressures of the structure it supports to another supporting element, normally a column or pillar. In the Christian tradition, the most used is the semicircular arch, that is, the half-circumference arch. But in Arab architecture, we find many other examples, which change among themselves according to the shape of their voussoirs. These are the most common:
Where to see this type of Moroccan arches
After a few lines of theory, it is time for practice: recognize them in some of the most symbolic monuments in the country. An exercise that, if you do it in situ in the country, will generate much more satisfaction.
To see this type of Moroccan arches you will not have to make a great effort: you will find them in practically all the monuments of the country. These are some arches that you can find in three very symbolic buildings:
These are just a few examples of Moroccan bows. And, from now on, you’ll be able to tell them apart with ease, especially if you’re accompanied by a local guide, such as the one we can arrange for your visits.
