The Alhambra is an amazing monument to Moorish Spain and includes the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife gardens, and Alcazaba. I chose a very early entry time for my pre-booked ticket at 9:30 anticipating a lot of crowds as the day progresses. Most of the Alhambra dates from the 13th and 14th centuries when the Muslim rulers transformed the site into a palace. When the Christians reconquered Spain, they demolished part of this palace for a Renaissance building and subsequent stewards had even tried to blow it up.
Gaining an entry was an adventure in itself. They run a strict quota system to limit the number of visitors to certain parts of the massive complex. Having heard stories of much time wasted in long lines, I opted to pay a little extra to get a pre-booked online ticket, guaranteeing my entry into the restricted sections. Luckily, as I visited on a weekday, the crowds were thin upon my arrival just before opening time. There was no line for the automatic ticketing machines where I retrieved my ticket with my credit card in seconds.
The Sala de Dos Hermanas has a honeycomb dome featuring a main star and 5000 tiny ones to represent the constellations.
I emerged into another sunshine break at the Patio de Los Leones. The fountain showcased the palace's water system. tHe palace behind it was built in the 14th century. This would be a long stop to admire the architectural details.
The Hall of the Muqarnas is part of the Palace of the Lions. Its original domed roof was damaged in the late 16th century and replaced by what we see today, dating from the 17th.
The Palacio de Carlos V is a Renaissance addition. Construction started in the early 16th century but they ran out of funds, and the palace only got its roof in the early 20th. The exterior's designs is completely incoherent with the rest of the palace. It now houses museums.
The Palacio de Yusuf III is a lush garden that is beautifully manicured by an army of horticulturalists. Unlike the Nasrid Palaces next door, there are few buildings in this corner of the Alhambra.
The Palacio del Partal is a narrow building that stretches along the hillside with windows that face the Albaicin.
