Palace of Charles V, Renaissance palace in Alhambra, Spain.
Palace of Charles V is a Renaissance building in the heart of the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. Its square outer form encloses a circular inner courtyard with two levels of sandstone colonnades that cast shadows and coolness onto the paved floor below.
Construction began in 1527 under architect Pedro Machuca, but work was interrupted several times and only completed in the 20th century. The original idea was to create a modern princely residence directly next to the medieval Nasrid palaces.
The palace takes its name from Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, who decided to build a permanent residence here after his wedding in Seville. Visitors today notice the clear contrast between the classical columns and arches of the Renaissance structure and the delicate Islamic forms of the neighboring Nasrid palaces.
The two museums inside the building share the rooms across two floors, with paintings and sculptures displayed in upper-floor rooms that receive natural light. Access to the inner courtyard is often free, even when museum rooms are closed.
The inner courtyard remained roofless for centuries, even though plans for a dome existed, and now serves as an open-air stage for concerts and performances. The acoustics of the circular space naturally amplify every sound.
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