Alhambra
A trip to Granada and its vicinity, hundreds of kilometers into the interior of the famous Costa del Sol (Sunshine Coast), completes the experience of visiting Spain. This is a place that opens up for lovers of poetry the possibility of visiting Fuentevaquerosu, the village where Frederico Garcia Lorca was born.
Then there is Viznaru, the place where the Spanish Falangist killed the most famous Spanish poet in 1936. The rivers of tourists are flowing to Granada, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain.
Alhambra is a complex of fortresses and buildings that were built in the middle ages first by the Maori invaders and their descendants.
Its full name is Qal’at al-hambre and translation of it is Red Fort. Alhambra is basically a huge complex that spreads on the slopes of Granada. Thus it is one of the most popular tourist destinations throughout Europe. It was named after the red earth from which it was created. Its constructors used red clay for the creation of the whole complex.
”Red Flower”
Alhambra in Granada is full during all seasons round the year. It is with all rights called “red flower” of Andalusia. Moreover, it offers exceptional all-day enjoyment. There are many walls, palaces and gardens that are a pleasure for lovers of antiques.
It was mentioned for the first time as a fortress in the 9th century. However, it gained the appearance we admire today in the 13th century, when it was chosen as the royal residence by the ruling dynasty Nasrid. This beautiful complex was rebuilt in the time of Mohammed II (1273- 1302) and Muhammad III (1302 – 1309).
They also made a channel from the Darr River and built a dozen towers on the city walls that were continuously expanded. The golden age of Alhambra was in the time of the rule of Youssef I (1333 – 1353) and Mohammed V (1353 – 1391), when all the properties were decorated with arabesques and ornaments.
Parts of the Alhambra and its walls were destroyed when Spain was returned to the Catholic rulers. Then it lost part of the valuable historical buildings which included a mosque. On their foundations palace of Charles V and the Church of St.
Mary were built. All of this does not diminish the beauty of Alhambra which is a valuable pearl that preserves the Spanish and Muslim cultural heritage in the territory of Europe.
Palace of Lions
When Mohammed V succeeded his father Youssef I, he completed the construction of the most impressive part of Alhambra – mansions Lions (Palacio de los Leones).
This complex shows all the splendor of Islamic architecture built in the private residence of the royal family; beach, harem and all accompanying objects are decorated with great detail. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and promenades where visitors without professional guides can roam for hours in the labyrinth.