The Alhambra

Overnight there was a powerful thunder storm. When we awoke (Bob was already up) at 7, it was like there were strobe lights in our room. We were very disappointed to see the weather forecast, because we were due to tour the Alhambra, which was mostly outside walking.

By the time we had breakfast and met the group it had stopped raining. The skies were still overcast, but the thunder and lightening were gone. Our hotel, the Alhambra Palace was just outside the back gate entrance after a short walk.

We had an excellent guide, never got his name clearly.

The Alhambra is made of red bricks from the outside, but is fantastically decorated on the inside. It took 200 years to build. It was started in 1236. It is Moorish and was built to house the Sultan, his family, his concubines and those who worked in support of him. The buildings were built around courtyards with water features and gardens in their midst. The Alhambra covers 33 acres, has 35 towers and is 1.5 miles around. The originator was Mohammed I from the Nasrid Dynasty. The decorations include mosaic tile work, intricate stone work, stucco decorations and amazing wooden ceilings. The Moors were driven out of Spain in 1492. After that time the buildings were added, but in more traditional European style.

The lion fountain – 12 totally different lions

Stucco decorations and ceiling

Another courtyard

After our visit we toured the gardens and then went to lunch at a lovely restaurant. The ceiling was decorated with jugs, formally used to serve wine.

Then we were off to Seville.