The Alhambra in Granada

On our last day in Granada, we took a tour of The Alhambra, which is a massive palace and fortress complex in Granada.  It was originally built as a military area, situated on a rocky hill along the River Darro and surrounded by woods and mountains, making it difficult to access.  In the middle of the 13th century it became the royal residence for the Moors and held the court of Granada.  Close to The Alhambra (but still connected) is an independent palace surrounded by orchards and gardens where the royalty used as their place of relaxation; it is called the Generalife.  At one point, during Napoleon's rule and consequent invasion of Spain and capture of Granada, there was an attempt by the French to blow up and destroy The Alhambra.  The story that we heard about three times was that a soldier cut the fuse, saving The Alhambra!

First, we walked through The Alhambra (from the entrance) to get to the main sites.

In the next two photos you can see the destroyed quarters of the groundkeepers and other workers, some of whom lived in The Alhambra.

Then we came upon the massive palace of Charles V, who had it built when Christians controlled Granada.  The palace was never finished, as he ran out of money.  I have to say that it is a pretty ugly chunk of stone in the middle of the gracious Moorish architecture...but, it's history.

Now we get to the Moorish architecture...these are gates originally built as an entrance into the The Alhambra, as well as a protection, as they could be closed and locked.

Notice the key above the archway...a common symbol used by the Nasrid dynasty, which built and inhabited The Alhambra.

I am going to add too many photos here of The Alhambra, from our walk through the palaces, pools, courtyards, gardens, views, etc. so skim through as you wish...

They call this style of architecture "honeycomb".

This is the court of the lions.  Islam does not typically allow figures because they are against any form of idolatry.  So these lions are unusual.  The king wanted them, so...he gets what he wants.

More honeycomb...however, it would have been much more colorful 

and detailed than what remains now.

Again, the lions...all slightly different and alternating male and female.

Right about here is where the Generalife begins...

This is our guide, who is the only Arabic guide for The Alhambra.  He reads Arabic and has a rich understanding of the culture and art.

The next photos are our walk from The Alhambra back to town.

We ate lunch at a tourist trap restaurant with a patio (on purpose).  :)

Then we went to a famous gelato shop (our second visit).

We are waiting in the bus station for our bus to Sevilla.  

Goodbye, Granada!