Spain - Table of Contents....................Architecture Around the World

Alhambra
Granada, Spain

Architect: Multiple
Mostly built: 14th century
Style: IslamicMudéjar
Status: UNESCO World Heritage Site

Photos and text:
Nasrid Mexuar Palace

Nasrid Comares Palace Exterior

Nasrid Palaces - Miscellany

Nasrid Horseshoe arches / Washington Irving at the Alhambra / Courtyard of Lindaraja / View of City of Granada

Nasrid Tower of the Ladies / Generalife / Alcazaba

Nasrid Wine Gate

Charles V Palace Courtyard

Church of St. Mary of the Alhambra

The Alhambra's Moorish palaces were built for the last Muslim Emirs in Spain and its court, of the Nasrid dynasty. The Alhambra was a palace, a fortress and a citadel; the residence of the Nasrid Sultans and top government officials, court servants and the royal guard.

The Nasrid Kingdom became the last Islamic sultanate on the Iberian Peninsula, and its capital Granada progressively received Muslim populations forced to retreat from the Christians. The city grew with the development of new suburbs and extended its walls nearly until it was conquered at the end of the 15th century.

Reconquista: "reconquest." Spain was conquered by the Muslims (Moors) between 711 and 728. The "Reconquista" began almost immediately in 722 and ended in 1492.

After the Reconquista by the Catholic Monarchs in 1492, some portions of the Alhambra were used by the Christian rulers, especially Charles V. After being allowed to fall into disrepair for centuries, the Alhambra was "discovered" in the 19th century by European scholars and travelers, with restorations commencing.

Photos and their arrangement © 2009 Chuck LaChiusa
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