Alhambra Granada (Andalusia Spain) by Prisca van Dorrestein

The Alhambra (Arabic: قصر الحمراء - qasr alhamrā' - Red Palace) is a medieval palace and fortress of the Moorish rulers of the kingdom of Granada in Andalusia (southern Spain). It is located on a hilly plateau on the southeastern border of the city of Granada. The entire complex of the Alhambra covers an enormous area of 140,000 m².

The extensive complex was considered a very important spoil after the conquest of the kingdom of Granada in 1492 by the Catholic royal couple. Their grandson Emperor Charles V, after visiting Granada in 1526, ordered the construction of a Renaissance palace in the middle of the Alhambra, for which part of the Alhambra was demolished. His wife saw to it that what remains today remained.

Because of its finely executed Islamic art and the very high value of its art treasures, it is a popular attraction for art students in Europe. Inside there are beautiful decorations attributed to Yusuf I. Many of the Alhambra's art treasures have been restored, making it a good example of Moorish art in continental Europe.

Those who want to visit the Alhambra should be especially aware of the quota that UNESCO has set for visitor numbers: only a limited number of visitors are allowed to enter the Alhambra per day, so those who want to visit at random run a great risk of not being admitted, and advance booking is wise. Nevertheless, there is much to see around the Alhambra, as the nature and surroundings and the building on the outside are worth visiting in themselves, with views of the Sierra Nevada and the plains of Cordoba.

In the gardens of the Alhambra is the Parador of Granada, the former monastery of St. Francis where originally the Catholic kings were buried. Furthermore, one can find the Generalife.