What is Moorish architecture?

The term describes the Islamic architecture of North Africa, Spain and Portugal, where the Moors ruled during the Middle Ages. The style, characterized by pointed arches, onion domes and intricate repeating patterns, enjoyed a burst of popularity in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, as more Westerners began traveling abroad and became fascinated by all things "Oriental." Most of the surviving examples from this Oriental Revival period are commercial buildings, such as banks, hotels and theaters, including the Suburban World Theatre in Uptown Minneapolis. Moorish-style homes are rare, particularly in the Midwest.
KIM PALMER