Alhambra, Palace complex in Granada, Spain
This monument extends across 350 acres (142,000 square meters) atop Sabika hill and includes multiple sections with palaces, defensive towers, fortification walls, and terraced gardens. Geometric patterns in stucco and ceramic tiles cover interior walls and vaulted ceilings, while water basins and channels flow through courtyards linking the different buildings.
Muhammad I Ibn al-Ahmar initiated construction of the fortress in 1238, which his successors transformed into a royal residence throughout the next two centuries. Following the Catholic Monarchs' conquest of Granada in 1492, Christian elements were incorporated including the Palace of Charles V, while the grounds continued functioning as a royal seat.
This monument served as the seat of Nasrid power on the Iberian Peninsula for over two centuries and combines Islamic architecture with Christian additions following the Reconquista. The complex represents the most significant example of Moorish design in Europe and attracts millions of visitors annually who seek to understand cultural exchanges between East and West.
Timed entry tickets are required for different sections, with morning hours providing better lighting conditions for photography. Access to the Nasrid Palaces is limited to a specific number of visitors per time slot, making advance booking several weeks ahead advisable. Comfortable footwear is necessary as paths between sections involve uphill walking and uneven surfaces.
The Court of the Lions features a central fountain supported by twelve marble lions that deliver water through their mouths. The hydraulic system uses a network of underground channels to ensure even water distribution and still operates following centuries-old engineering principles.
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