The Alhambra was the last stronghold of the Muslim Moors in Europe - they held out here until 1492 when Isabelle and Ferdinand retook it. I hadn't known that Columbus had been prepared to set out on his journey of exploration before this, but had been told he'd have to wait until Granada was retaken before Isabelle and Ferdinand would co-sign his loan to finance the trip.
The intricate details that decorate the walls, ceilings and windows are gorgeous, and would have been more so when the stained glass windows were still intact before an explosion at a nearby dynamite factory blew them all out (actually, one remains) and the paint hadn't worn off.
Windows frame beautiful views throughout.
The gardens of the Generalife (which roughly translates "regenerative gardens") are a high point.
This area is further up the hill and catches the coolest breezes (downright chilly when we were there). This is where the sultan and his posse would hang out on hot summer days.
Speaking of sultans - they may have led a luxurious life, but death by assassination was a serious occupational hazard - especially from members of one's immediate family. Fathers, sons, brothers - bumping each other off on a regular basis. Some ruled for only weeks before coming to an untimely end.
Meanwhile, back at the gardens the fountains still function as they did originally - by gravity.
And the original viaducts are still evident - and those that Napoleon didn't wreck (along with ransacking most of the palaces and grounds) still function.
Our guide, Margarita, said that the water supply at her home comes from the old viaducts, originally built by the Romans.
As you can see, today is our first sunny day (sunny all day - not just a brief tease). It's chilly - it got below freezing last night - but great weather for sightseeing.
John was last here about 13 years ago, also in March. At that time, there were very few people here. Margarita said that tourism has been increasing significantly every year. Now tickets are issued with designated entry times for the palaces, and visitors may only enter some areas, like the Generalife, once.
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