Wander Lord

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Alhambra – Red Castle

Alhambra - Red Castle

Alhambra – Red Castle

From VIII to XVI century during the Arab rule in Spain there was a mixture of styles, ways of life of the Spaniards, the Visigoths and the Moors. The Arab influence is strongly reflected in the exterior of the city of Granada. It was the most typical representative of Arab life in Spain, but the most typical expression of the Arab architecture was the Alhambra, which translates as “Red Castle”.
The Moors who conquered the city in the VIII century named it Granada. They freed it from the Visigoth and established an Islamic domination. A large number of pomegranate trees – one of the main fruit in that hot area, determined the name of the city. The Moors brought not only the African language, but also a new culture. However, they did not destroy the Christian churches and synagogues, and built their houses and castles.

Moorish Muslim rule continued in different areas of Spain until 1250-1492. During that period, Granada became one of the largest and richest cities of medieval Europe, and became the center of science and art. In 1250, people started construction of the Alhambra Castle – the most outstanding monument of Moorish art in Spain, included in the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Alhambra was built as a royal residence of Nasrid dynasty. Muhammad ibn Yusuf ibn Nasr was the first architect. The construction of the palace lasted for over a hundred years and was finished in the second half of the XIV century.
From the outside Alhambra looks like the fortress, but inside it is a rich sultan’s palace.

Alhambra pool

Alhambra pool


In 1829, American writer Washington Irving and Russian Prince Dolgoruky visited Granada and they were delighted with the castle. Later French writers Victor Hugo and Théophile Gautier expressed their admiration.
Alhambra is a complex of unique gardens and patios.
In 1492, after several months of siege of the city emir Boabdil handed the keys of Granada to Catholic Kings Ferdinand and Isabella. In the XVI century Charles V built his own palace within the walls of the Alhambra. However, he almost did not live there, and the whole complex gradually fell into decay. In the XIX century Napoleon’s troops only worsened the condition of the Alhambra. Its reconstruction began in the XX century.

Alhambra – Red Castle

Amazing Alhambra

Amazing Alhambra

Attractive Alhambra

Attractive Alhambra

Beautiful Alhambra

Beautiful Alhambra

Beautiful arch

Beautiful arch

Beautiful windows

Beautiful windows

Carving on plaster

Carving on plaster

Charming Alhambra

Charming Alhambra

Columns in the Court of the Lion

Columns in the Court of the Lion

Details

Details

El patio de los leones de la alhambra

El patio de los leones de la alhambra

Fasades

Fasades

Fontains in Alhambra

Fontains in Alhambra

Generalife. Jardin de la Sultana

Generalife. Jardin de la Sultana

Gorgeous Alhambra

Gorgeous Alhambra

Granada

Granada

Great Alhambra

Great Alhambra

Inside Alhambra

Inside Alhambra

Interesting Alhambra

Interesting Alhambra

Magnificent Alhambra

Magnificent Alhambra

Majestic Alhambra

Majestic Alhambra

Palacio Carlos V

Palacio Carlos V

Patio de la Higuera

Patio de la Higuera

Patio de los Arrayanes

Patio de los Arrayanes

Patio de los Leones

Patio de los Leones

Patio de los Leones

Patio de los Leones

Pool in Alhambra

Pool in Alhambra

Pretty Alhambra

Pretty Alhambra

Stunning Alhambra

Stunning Alhambra

The House of ambassadors

The House of ambassadors

Wonderful Alhambra

Wonderful Alhambra

Wonderful arch

Wonderful arch