Fountain de los Leones, Marble fountain in Alhambra Palace, Granada, Spain
The fountain in the Alhambra features twelve marble lions arranged in a circle, supporting a large alabaster basin from which water flows through their mouths. The structure forms the centerpiece of a palace courtyard, combining functional design with artistic expression.
Muhammad V commissioned the fountain during the Nasrid Dynasty in the 14th century as the centerpiece of the Lion's Palace. The work emerged during a period when Islamic Granada reached its artistic peak.
The lions embody Islamic artistic principles through geometric patterns and architectural elements typical of Moorish design from medieval Spain. The craftsmanship shows how artisans merged water, stone, and symbolism into a unified composition.
Visitors can see the fountain daily through guided tours of the Alhambra, with advance reservations recommended during summer months. Access is through the palace's interior courtyards connected to the main building.
Each lion displays individual characteristics in its carved features, creating distinct expressions despite following similar artistic patterns. This individuality suggests multiple craftsmen worked on the creation of the piece.
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