The other site we toured in Granada, was the Alhambra.  The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex located in Granada, Spain.  It was originally constructed as a small fortress in AD 889 on the remains of Roman fortifications, and then largely ignored until its ruins were renovated and rebuilt in the mid-13^th century by the Nasrid, emir Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar, who built its current palace and walls.  It was converted into a royal palace in 1333 by Yusuf I, Sultan of Granada.  After the conclusion of the Christian Reconquista in 1492, the site became the Royal Court of Ferdinand and Isabella, where Christopher Columbus received royal endorsement for his expedition that resulted in the discovery of the Americas.


We were stuck by the lack of signage in this large, rambling compound.  It has been developed in many stages over many years.  They offer audio headsets for a price, but we didn't get one.  I regret that. We are not sure what room Columbus got his commission.

The arch through which you pass to access the gate into the Alhambra.

The main gate into the Alhambra called the "Tower of Justice" built in 1348. I love to think of all the people who would have walked through it in history.

Main gate, closer view.

Palace of Charles V

Typical architecture.

Most everything is covered in carvings and tiles.

One of many ceilings.

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Look at the size of this door and its hardware!

Details on the wall and ceiling.

The Court of the Lions.  The alabaster basin supported by the figures of 12 lions in white marble are a symbol of strength, power, and sovereignty.  Each hour, one lion would produce water from it's mouth.

Another shot of the Court of the Lions