#Alhambra #Palace #Granada #Spain

Alhambra is an ancient palace, fortress located in Granada, Spain. This eighth-century-old site is the only surviving palatine city (a royal territorial center) of the Islamic Golden Age and a remnant of the last Islamic kingdom in Western Europe.
Alhambra is about 740 meters (2,430 ft) in length by 205 meters (670 ft) at its greatest width. It extends from west-northwest to east-southeast and covers an area of about 142,000 square meters (1,530,000 sq ft) or 35 acres. Alhambra is located west of the city of Granada on the Sabikah hill, a strategic vantage point that provides views of the whole city of Granada and the plain of Granada.
The Sabikah hill and its palatine city are further surrounded by mountains, and Arab writers once likened Granada and Alhambra to a crown and diadem, respectively.
At the base of the plateau is the Darro River, which runs through a deep ravine to the north. The river separates Sabikah from the Albaicín, a Moorish residential district that, along with the Alhambra, form the medieval part of Granada.
The Generalife Garden, on the other hand, is situated nearby on the slopes of the Hill of the Sun. The Generalife contained residential buildings and land used for grazing and cultivation, and it was designed as a place of rest for the Muslim royalty living at the Alhambra.
The Alhambra is UNESCO World Heritage Site and also the inspiration for several songs and stories. The complex is unbalanced in shape and enclosed by protective walls. In all, the Alhambra spans nearly 26 acres, with quite a mile of walls, 30 towers and various smaller structures.
The palace complex was designed with the mountainous site in mind and lots of sorts of technology were considered. The park (Alameda de la Alhambra), which is overgrown with wildflowers and grass in spring, was planted by Moors with roses, oranges, and myrtles.
Alhambra has three core sections: The Alcazaba, military base that housed guards and their families. The palatial, which contained numerous palaces for the Sultan and his kin. The Medina, 1 / 4 where court officials lived and worked.
The palaces were separated into three independent areas. These areas included the Mexuar, semipublic part of the palace (for justice administration and state affairs). The Comares Palace, the official residence of the Sultan that was comprised of numerous rooms that surrounded the Court of the Myrtles (an outdoor area containing a large central pond lined with myrtle bushes). The Palace of Lions, a private area of palace for king and his family and mistresses.
The Alhambra complex contained numerous other structures, perhaps the most famous of which was the Patio of the Lions (or Courtyard of the Lions). This courtyard was so named for the central fountain, which is surrounded by twelve lions that spewed jets of water.
Other famous structures include the Hall of Abencerrajes, which has a stalactite ceiling and is a legendary site where a noble family was said to have been murdered, and the Hall of Ambassadors, a chamber where Islamic emirs (commanders) would negotiate with Christian emissaries.
The Alhambra is one of the most beautiful historical sites in Spain and is visited each year by thousands of tourists from around the world.

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