Alhambra: Christian-Era Monuments

The south facade of Palacio Carlos V (Charles V Palace) in the Alhambra, Granada, Spain

Carlos V Pillar The image shows a beautifully decorated wall located next to the Puerta de la Justicia and below the artillery pieces in front of the Palacio Carlos V. You can see this on your way to the Alhambra. As you can see, the wall has three distinct levels of carvings. The bottom level … Read more

Alhambra: Outer Monuments

Front facade of the Puerta de las Granadas (Gate of the Pomegranates) in the Alhambra, Granada, Spain

Pedestrian Path to the Alhambra Entrance The Alhambra monuments are on top of Sabika Hill, and there are two pedestrian paths to the main entrance from the foot of this hill. The path explained here is via the Puerta de Las Granadas (Gate of the Pomegranates). If you are walking there from the city center, … Read more

Generalife

A view of the Generalife from the Alhambra in Granada, Spain

Heavenly Gardens of the Nasrids Located on Cerro del Sol (Sun Hill), a hill adjoining the Alhambra, the Generalife is a complex consisting of beautiful gardens, orchards, and a palace used by the Nasrid kings as a leisure residence, especially during summer. Derived from the Arabic word Jannat al-‘Arīf, Generalife means an architect’s garden. Inspired … Read more

Alhambra: Alcazaba

The eastern part of the Alcazaba located at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain

A Formidable Fortress of the Nasrids Located strategically on the western end of Sabika Hill, the Alcazaba is a fortress used by the Nasrid rulers to defend the Alhambra, the center of power of the Emirate of Granada. Because of its hilltop location, many kingdoms that came before them built fortifications in this site. Experts … Read more

Alhambra: Gardens of the Partal

Torre de las Damas (Tower of the Ladies), a building with an open portico located in the Partal Gardens, Alhambra, Granada, Spain

Located between the Medina (i.e., city) and the Nasrid Palaces, the area covered by the present Gardens of the Partal was mostly residential during the Nasrid era. Because of the convenient location, the people who worked in the palaces lived in this area. Medina, which had shops, baths, and mosques, was nearby and met their daily … Read more

Alhambra

An external view of the Alhambra at night

Discover the Magic of the Alhambra Located on top of Sabika Hill and overlooking the picturesque city of Granada in southern Spain, the Alhambra is one of the most fascinating historical sites in the world. It is home to monuments belonging to two dominant, but distinct cultures of the world, i.e., Islamic culture from North … Read more

Alhambra: Palacios Nazaríes (Nasrid Palaces)

Courtyard of the Lions inside the Nasrid Palaces in the Alhambra, Granada, Spain

A Shining Example of Moorish Art and Architecture Known for the grandeur and unique Islamic art, the Palacios Nazaríes (Nasrid Palaces) is a complex of interconnected palaces built by the Nasrids, a powerful dynasty originated in North African and ruled the Emirate of Granada over a period of 260 years. Besides using the palaces as … Read more

Somanathapura Keshava Temple

Main entrance and facade of the Keshava Temple, located at Somanathapura in Karnataka, India.

A Masterpiece of Hoysala Temple Art Located 24 miles east of Mysore in Karnataka, India, the Keshava Temple in Somanthapura is a shining example of Hoysala architecture. Although not as famous or as big as the Belur – Halebidu temples, it is as stunningly beautiful and ornate. Built in 1258 CE, more than 100 years … Read more

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