Real (residence) facts for kids
During the time of Sharq al-Andalus, a real was a special kind of garden or orchard. It usually had a building that served as a summer home. These beautiful places were owned by important city families and were located near cities or large farms. The word real comes from the Arabic word Riyad, which means garden.
What is a Real?
A real was more than just a garden; it was a private estate. It combined a productive orchard or garden with a comfortable house. People used these homes as a quiet escape during the warmer months. They were often built by wealthy families in Al-Andalus, which was the name for the parts of Spain ruled by Muslims long ago.
Real Places and Names
In other parts of Al-Andalus, a similar type of estate was called an Almunia. A famous example of a real is the Real Palace in Valencia. This palace was a royal residence, meaning it was used by kings.
The word Real is still used today in many place names, especially in the Catalan region of Spain. This shows how the Arabic word became part of the local language. You can find it in names like Secar de la Real in Palma de Mallorca, and in towns such as Montroy and Real de Gandia. The area called Pla del Real in Valencia also uses this old term.
It's easy to get confused and think that Real always means "royal" or "belonging to a king." While the Real Palace was indeed a royal home, the original meaning of real was simply a beautiful garden estate.
See also
In Spanish: Real (residencia) para niños
