The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex located in Granada, Spain that was originally constructed in the 14th century as the residence for Moorish rulers. It is now a major tourist attraction showcasing Islamic architecture. The complex includes various palaces like the Comares Palace where the sultan lived, courtyards like the Arrayanes Courtyard, and gardens like the Generalife which was the summer palace. After touring the extensive site, visitors are often tired and take time to rest and eat.

1. LA ALHAMBRA Granada Spain

2. The Alhambra is a palace and fortress complex of the Moorish rulers of Granada in southern Spain (known as Al-Andalus when the fortress was constructed during the mid 14th century), occupying a hilly terrace on the southeastern border of the city of Granada. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alhambra) The Alhambra

3. Once the residence of the Muslim rulers of Granada and their court, the Alhambra is now one of Spain's major tourist attractions exhibiting the country's most famous Islamic architecture. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alhambra)

4. We started out our trip like any good tourist in Spain would….. …with a little wine and cheese.

5. The Alcazaba The Alcazaba is the oldest part of the Alhambra and was built for military purposes during the 13th-15th centuries , most likelyover Roman ruins.

6. Palacio de Carlos V In 1492 the Catholic King and Queen conquered the city of Granada. The conquerors began to alter the Alhambra and much of the Moorish art and architecture were destroyed. In the 16th century Charles V decided to have a palace built for himself right in the middle of the Alhambra. A large portion of the Moorish winter palace wasdestroyed to provide space for the new construction of a renaissance-style palace… …however, the palace was never completed.

7. The Comares Palace The Comares Palace is the most important palace of the Alhambra. It was the official residence of the sultan and the place where the "throne" hall was located. The entrance boasts the magnificent "Comares" façade where there are two openings: the right opening gives access to the family rooms and the left gives way to the official area. www.alhambra.org The small marble fountain was used to cleanse oneself before entering the palace, as is Muslim custom.

8. Embajadores Hall Inside the Comares Palace you will find Embajadores Hall. This is the most majestic room of the Alhambra, where the throne was placed and the official receptions where held. www.alhambra.org

9. The Arrayanes Courtyard The "Arrayanes" courtyard has been called different ways along the years. The actual name (as the "Mirtos" courtyard) is due to the thick myrtle hedges, whose color make a contrast with the white marble floor of the courtyard that surrounds the central pond. www.alhambra.org

10. The Lion’s Palace This palace housed the private rooms of the royal family, and it was built at the angle between the Baths and the "Arrayanes" courtyard. It consists of a central courtyard surrounded by galleries with columns, like a Christian cloister, which gives access to different rooms. There are no windows looking out to the exterior, but there is an interior garden, which corresponds with the Moslem concept of paradise. www.alhambra.org

11. El Generalife The Generalife is one of the oldest surviving Moorish gardens and the Palacio de Generalife was the summer palace and country estate of the Nasrid sultans of Granada. www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/generalife

12. After visiting the Alhambra we were exhausted. So, we did what a tourist does… …weate!