A long time ago, some Romans built a fortification on a hill that overlooks, what is today, the city of Grenada in Spain. Fast forward a few hundred years, to around 900AD, and a fortress was built there. The fortress slowly fell into ruin over the next 400 years until the Nasrid emir Mohammed Ben Al-Ahmar, of the Emirate of Grenada, decided to build a palace and fortress next to the ruins of the old fortress. The Nasrid Dynasty was the last Moorish Muslim dynasty on the Iberian Peninsula (which is comprised of Portugal, Spain and parts of France). The dynasty itself ruled over the Emirate of Granada, which was the last independent Muslim state on the Peninsula (1230AD to 1490AD).
Centuries later, after various stages of decline, discovery, disrepair, renovation, destruction, rediscovery, squatting, looting, repair, etc, etc … much of what Mohammed built on the hill is still there. Today, the numerous structures and landscaped gardens are collectively called The Alhambra.
The name ‘Alhambra’ comes from the Arabic phrase Al-Hamrā, which translates to ‘The Red One’ in English. While watching the facade of the Alhambra glowing with a reddish hue in the setting sun from high on the hill opposite the ancient structures, it’s very hard not to feel a touch overwhelmed by the art and ingenuity of our species when they are truly inspired to create.
Here are a two galleries of photos highlighting the outside spaces of the Alhambra …
La Puerta del Vino, or the Wine Gate, is the entryway to the upper part of the Alhambra. It’s also one of the oldest structures in the Alhambra, possibly dating back to 850AD.
Outside the Conveto de San Francisco, which was built by Catholic Monarchs in 1493.
The Bib-Arrambla Gate, or Gate of the Ears, built in the 11th or 12th century, was one of the main gates into the city of Grenada. This is a 1935 recreation, which was built in the gardens below the Alhambra from the debris of the original demolished gate.
Decorations on the outside of the Palace of Charles V. Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, had this Palace built in 1527 with the intent to live in the palace, but the palace was never finished and no monarch has ever lived there to date.
Pictures of the inner courtyard of the Palace of Charles V.
The Fountain of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor ...
... complete with a pomegranate, or Grenada, frieze.
This is a section of the defensive border wall, and one of the battlements, that surround the Alhambra.
The Alcazaba is a fortress believed to be built by Sawwar ben Hamdun during the fights between Muslims and muwalladins (Christians who converted to Islam and lived among the Muslims). It is one the oldest parts of the Alhambra, dating back to the 9th century.
Some shots from inside the Alcazaba ...
La Torre de la Vela, with its flags and bell tower that dominate the views over Grenada.
Looking down from the Torre de la Vela at Angela, who is looking down over old town Grenada ...
More pics from the gardens that are scattered throughout the extensive grounds of the Alhambra ...
The Justice Gate, one of only two entrances/exits in or out of the Alhambra.
