Granada and Alhambra

Not sure anyone was quite cured of the shell shock of Costa De Sol as we made our way, not too far to Granada... About an hour or so from leaving the sunny shores of the Mediterranean we had snow capped mountains and more amazing palaces - from the dominant Islamic period through to Catholicism... Most of this is around 1100-1500... Granada had water but still quite close to the coast so was touted as the new capital and Spain and certainly and important place to hold for Europe. Not sure if anyone has noticed that the reclamation of Spain by the Christians from the Muslims is 1492 - the same year that Columbus discovered America. So having control of the Mediterranean also gave access to trade with the new World and Granada was touted to be capital of Europe and America (I did think of this this afternoon when I heard some yanks yelling at a Spanish waiter that they wanted the price in US DOLLARS por favor!!).

 I have a squillion shots of palaces and gardens so here is a small selection...

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A couple of interesting things to note, the lattice screens on the upper floor (white) was where the harem lived...

Mercenary Gypsies assisted the Christians to reclaim Granada. In return they were given the caves on the hills opposite the Alhambra to live in. See about the houses on the hill side there are some things that look kind of like house fronts - these are the caves which are still inhabited today...

Snow capped Sierra Nevada ranges behind the new part of the city.

After all this travelling and hours wandering Alhambra, spent the afternoon in a cafe on the boulevard near our hotel (note Hotel Los Angeles if you are visiting Granada - family owned and has a nice feel)... Anyhow, sat in the sun eating Paella with the snow capped peaks at the end of the street... lovely!