A garden in the Alhambra's Palace

Granada

Granada by itself is a nice smaller city, but the town's greatest claim to fame is the wonderful Islamic castle built on the hillside to its east. The Alhambra, is one of the greatest treasures left behind by the Moors from their five hundred year rule in Southern Spain.

I had heard a great deal about this palace and its accompanying gardens, so when we planned the trip I made sure we'd get a chance to stop by. We were not disappointed with what we found.

The palace is filled with intricate woodwork and faded mosaic tiles that only hint at the spectacular sight it must have been in its full glory.


Southern Spain is a dry place, but the Alhambra's gardens are green and verdant as if part of an oasis. The Moors were able to accomplish this by a system of pumps and deep wells that drew up the water and fed it generously through fountains and streams. An amazing accomplishment considering the fortress was first constructed in the 9th century.

The Patio of the Lions within the Alhambra

The "Crimson Castle"
After visiting the Alhambra we wondered through the windy streets of Granada. We briefly toured its cathedral and vainly looked for a grocery store. We spent the evening in a Spanish bar sampling some tapas, and later headed out to a discoteca for some nightlife.

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