Granada, 08/2007
One of our stops was Granada and the palace of Alhambra.
The following are a few pictures of this picturesque complex built by the Moorish monarchs. It is a palace/fortress overlooking the city of Granada famous for its ponds and gardens. Later Charles V added a Renaissance palace - Palacio de Carlos V.
Alhambra comes from the Arabic word 'Al Hamra' which means the 'Red One' - a reference to the red clay of the region. The building of the fortress goes back to 9th century. It was the home of the last ruling Muslim dynasty.
Generalife borders Alhambra and houses some of the most beautiful gardens of the era.
Alhambra and Generalife
And here are a few examples of the flowers cultivated in the gardens
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The convent of San Francisco in the Alhambra complex is now a Parador that gives respite from the heat and the sun to those who are willing to spend the extra Euro!
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Washington Irving, the American writer, spent a long period in residence at the Alhambra.
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Views of Granada from the Alhambra
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Our trip was completed with a flamenco night
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