Alhambra, Granada. ANDALUSIA

Built as a Moorish fortress in the ninth century, and later converted into a Royal palace for the Nasrid dynasty, the Alhambra dominates a hill right over the center of Granada. The Palace and the fabulous gardens is one of Europe’s jewel in Arabic architecture and probably one of Spain top five touristic attractions. After the reconquista in 1492, some Christian constructions, such as the surprising Palace of Charles V (photo 4), were inserted within the Nasrid fortifications. Other highlights are the court of the lions (Photos 1, 6 and 7), the Generalife palace and Gardens (Photos 3 and 8), the Alcazaba (Photo 5) and the Court of the Myrtles (Photo 10). Photos from Spring 2013