The Alhambra in Granada, Spain

The Alhambra on the southeastern border of Granada, Spain is an amazing Moorish palace built in the mid 14th century for the last Muslim Emirs in Spain. After the Reconquista, when the Catholic Monarchs retook the Al-Andalus province, some portions of the palace and fortress were used by the Christian rulers. In 1527 the Palace of Charles V was constructed inside the fortifications of the Alhambra for the Holy Roman Emperor who wanted to establish a residence close to the Alhambra palaces.

After falling into disrepair for centuries, the Alhambra was re-discovered in the 19th century and restorations were made to what is now one of Spain’s major tourist attractions. The Alhambra is hands down the most significant and famous piece of Islamic architecture in Spain and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1984.

The palace is a beautiful reflection of the Moorish culture in Spain as well as the amazing skills of Muslim, Jewish and Christian artisans, craftsmen and builders. Alhambra translates to “red fortress” which reflects the color of the red clay that the fort is made of, originally whitewashed, the buildings seen today have a reddish hue to them. The alcazaba (citadel) is the oldest and one of the most fortified parts of the complex. A trip up the famous “Vela” tower, the Alhambra’s largest, gives unparalleled views of the city and surroundings. On this tower in 1492 the flag of Ferdinand and Isabella was raised for the first time, symbolizing the Spanish conquest of Granada. The most important palace in the complex is the Comares Palace which was the official residence of the sultan and is lavishly built and decorated. The Palacio de los leones (Lion’s Palace) is home to an amazing central fountain whose basin is supported by twlve lion figures, truly a sight to behold.

Another reason to visit the Alhambra are its amazing gardens. Right outside the fortifications you will find the Palacio de Generalife, summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid Emirs and featuring one of the oldest surviving Moorish gardens. Within the fortress you will find the Partal Gardens, a relatively recent addition that features a path shaded by Pomegranate trees, whose fruit are the namesake and symbol of the city. It also is where you will find the Palace of the Partal, built a little over a century ago, it is the newest of the palaces on the grounds. With so much beauty, culture and history it’s hardly a wonder why the Alhambra is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Spain.