Sections date back to the 9th Century the Alhambra is perhaps the greatest representation of Spanish Muslim art and architecture.
Aqueduct
Olive trees
Banos (Baths)
Tourists have their own police!
Charles V Palace:
This palace was built next to the Alhambra so the Emperor could enjoy its beauty, and still fulfill the royal family's needs. Our guide told us that there was an earthquake in the mid 1500s that scared Charles V so badly that he basically deserted the project in Granada.
The complex was primarily done during the reigns of Yussuf I (1333-1353) and Mohammed V (1353-1391). Nearly every interior surface is covered with ornate geometric patters.
Court of the Myrtles (Patio de los Arrayanes)
The central pond is 34 meters long and 7.10 meters wide, is fed by two fountains . The inscriptions praise God.
Hall of the Ambassadors:
This is basically the throne room; its also where receptions were held. The layout leaves this room in semi-darkness, but produces great lighting effects concentrated on the throne. The backlighting also lit the throne, but left petitioners unable to actually see the face of their ruler.
The hall is completely covered in decorative inscriptions.
Palace of the Lions
When Mohammed V succeeded his father he started building the Palace of hte Lions (Palacio de los Leones). The palace is where Nasrid art it at its most magnificent. The central patio is surrounded by several galleries melding a Christian influence with the Spanish Muslim style.
The lions represent the 12 tribes of Israel, and being a big fan of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" I can name all 12. (Reuben was the eldest of the children of Israel with Simeon and Levi the next in line, Naphtali and Issachar, Asher and Dan, Zebulan and Gad take the total to 9. Benjamin and Judah which leaves only 1 - Jacob, Jacob and sons - Joseph, Jacob's favorite son!)
You know I can't help myself when it comes to photo ops framed this way!
Garden of the Partal
The building is the Ladies Tower (where the harem lived).
This is either the Tower of the Captive or the Tower of the Princesses (Torre de las Infantas).
The three towers seen here are the Tower of the Princesses, Tower of the Captive, and Tower of the Judge.
Generalife - I wish I could've spent all day here, but alas, the downside to joining a tour group is losing the ability to sit and take it all in.
Pomegranates
Patio of the Irrigation Ditch (aka Not a Great Name)
Next up you'll be seeing the Real Alacazar in Seville which is very similar in style to the Alhambra. Both are amazing, but if you are in Spain and deciding between a trip to the Alhambra and Seville - I would definitely choose the Alhambra.
