In the late 15th Century, Ferdinand and Isabella, whose marriage had united two of the most powerful Christian Kingdoms in Spain, defeated the Moors forces at Granada, reestablishing "Los Espanas" as a collection of Christian Kingdoms.

Although the Moors had lost political power in Spain, many of them had become naturalized, marrying Spanish women, and, in some cases, voluntarily converting to the Christian faith. These "Mudéjars" retained many Islamic cultural and artistic traditions. Many of them were also highly trained craftsmen, and the nobles and kings of the Spanish courts were quick to retain their services for the construction and decoration of the new palaces, churches, and municiple constructions that were put up to celebrate the Christian victory.

The tenants of Islam do not permit the depiction of figurative heritage/images in its art. This prohibition was laid down by the Prophet Mohammed to discourage the worship of false idols. Consequently, Islamic art has produced some of the most beautiful geometric and abstract designs.