The Alhambra

High above Granada sits the Alhambra. The Moorish kings commenced construction in the 1300s to show their power and influence. But their time was coming to an end. As Christianity spread through Spain, the Alhambra was the last Muslim stronghold. In 1492, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella (you can visit their tomb in the Granada Cathedral) conquered the Alhambra. Wheras the Muslims had shown tolerance to the Christians and Jews, the new Catholic overlords showed now such respect. So began the Spanish Inquisition.



Some points to note:

• There´s one incongruous part of the Alhambra - it´s the Palace of Carlos V. A huge sqaure renaissance building with a beautiful circular courtyard.
• It is rumoured that the Alhambra´s Hall of Ambassadors is where King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella commissioned Columbus on his voyage that changed the world (nice to walk in that room and wonder about the conversations that occured at the time)
• Napoleon occupied the Alhambra... and on his departure ordered its destruction. One brave soldier stayed behind to extinguish the fuses and save the treasure! There´s a memorial to him just outside the Alcazaba

The Alhambra has been described as a giant ship perched on a hilltop, with the Alcazaba (fort at one end) as the bow of a ship. Check the video... one heck of a view from the bridge!