Ahhh...The Alhambra...

The Alhambra is a stunning fortress, palace, and garden complex in Granada, Spain.  We visited on a beautifully sunny day.  The Alhambra was the center of Moorish rule in Spain from the 9th to the 15th century.  It became the Royal Court of Ferdinand and Isabella after the Christian reconquest of Spain, and it is where Christopher Columbus received his sailing orders in 1492.....

                                                 

The Tower of Justice has been the main entrance since 1348, and is the main entrance today....

The fortress and the palace....

The palace is decorated in stunning geometric Islamic designs....

Amazing ceiling...

Another amazing ceiling, close-up details below....

Some other views inside the palace....

Open roofs above courtyards...

Water was an important feature of the Alhambra...

The court of the Myrtles....

View of Granada through a window....

The Court of the Lions...

Every square inch is decorated...

Washington Irving spent time in Granada and was inspired to write "Tales of the Alhambra"...

                               Views of the garden complex....

Amazing to see snow-capped mountains in the distance...

Fountains everywhere...

The paved paths had intricate designs...

                                             

The canopied arbor leading to the exit....

The Alhambra is such an amazing place to visit.... and a place that played an important role in world history.  A visit we won't soon forget....

Click on any photo to enlarge....