History of the Grand Alhambra
The Alhambra is an Islamic Palace complex located in Granada in Spain. It is one of the most well preserved Arabian palaces and derived its name Alhambra from the red color which is found on the mountain on which the palace is built. The palace was built long ago, from 1333 to 1391 under King Yusuf and his son Mohammed. Later some alterations were made by the Catholic Monarchs and Charles the Fifth who built a Renaissance palace in the middle of this grand structure, but these paled in comparison to the grandeur of the place.
The Alhambra was the residential home of the higher administrative officers and privileged soldiers of the Nasrid Dynasty which ruled from 1238-1492. It is well known for its work of art and its grand architectural structures. The Alhambra palace was initially chosen as a site for the court from where a close watch could be kept on the capital of the empire. However, with time the structure changed and included a palace as well as a court. This development saw an expansion and modification of the palace. There are four major parts of the palace which gives us an idea about the entire structure in brief.
The Fortress Alcazaba
The Alcazaba is found high up at the top of the hill, and was used as the armed forces head office during the Nasrid rule. This structure was constructed to provide quarters for the defense force, and to protect the royal family who lived here. There are two entrances to the palace, but the most interesting one is from the Puerta de la Justicia. The entryway portrays the Islamic sign of a key with an outstretched hand which is carved out of marble. The five fingers of the hand represent the 5 percepts of the Koran.
The Alhambra is an Islamic Palace complex located in Granada in Spain. It is one of the most well preserved Arabian palaces and derived its name Alhambra from the red color which is found on the mountain on which the palace is built. The palace was built long ago, from 1333 to 1391 under King Yusuf and his son Mohammed. Later some alterations were made by the Catholic Monarchs and Charles the Fifth who built a Renaissance palace in the middle of this grand structure, but these paled in comparison to the grandeur of the place.
The Alhambra was the residential home of the higher administrative officers and privileged soldiers of the Nasrid Dynasty which ruled from 1238-1492. It is well known for its work of art and its grand architectural structures. The Alhambra palace was initially chosen as a site for the court from where a close watch could be kept on the capital of the empire. However, with time the structure changed and included a palace as well as a court. This development saw an expansion and modification of the palace. There are four major parts of the palace which gives us an idea about the entire structure in brief.
The Fortress Alcazaba
The Alcazaba is found high up at the top of the hill, and was used as the armed forces head office during the Nasrid rule. This structure was constructed to provide quarters for the defense force, and to protect the royal family who lived here. There are two entrances to the palace, but the most interesting one is from the Puerta de la Justicia. The entryway portrays the Islamic sign of a key with an outstretched hand which is carved out of marble. The five fingers of the hand represent the 5 percepts of the Koran.
