La Alhambra

La Alhambra is the top-rated attraction in Spain and is listed as number 40 on Hillman's 100 Wonders of the World. In January (when the temple was closed) we visited the Alhambra located in the city of Granada, Andalusia, Spain (within the Sierra Nevada mountain range).

The Alhambra is a Moorish complex of buildings that were originally constructed as a fortress in 889 AD, at the site of an earlier Roman stronghold, and converted into a royal palace in 1333 by Yusuf I, Sultan of Granada. The buildings are famous for their Múdejar (Spanish-Arabic) style architecture and design.

La Alhambra as seen from the San Nicolás viewpoint:

Windows with sacred Muslim inscriptions and patterns on the walls, located in the Mexuar Prayer Hall:

A closeup of patterns on a wall in La Alhambra:

A garden courtyard:

Hall of Kings:

Court of the Lions as viewed from the Hall of Kings:

Scott and Beverly pose at the Court of Los Arrayanes:

The Court of Lions (Patio de Leones):

Beverly in front of wall design and Islamic text::

Closeup of an arch in the Court of the Lions:

Other windows and archway located in the main palace of La Alhambra:

Scott and Beverly pose near an archway, on this very cold day in January:

The spectacular Cupula of the Hall of Los Abencerrajes:

A view of La Alhambra a dusk, as seen from the Albaysín (old Aarbic quarters):

The photos don't begin to capture the beauty and grandeur of La Alhambra. We hope to return when the weather is warmer!