The Alhambra Place, Granada

Hotel Entrance

Inside Hotel

We are now in Granada, and staying at the Alhambra Palace Hotel just down the road from the entrance to the Palace. The Hotel is fantastic, and I have posted a couple of photos here. 

We had dinner together as a tour party last night in the beautiful dining room and then it was up early this morning for a 4hr tour of the Alhambra Palace and gardens. If you want some more in depth info on the Palace click on this link

The Alhambra Palace

Beautiful Gardens and Ponds

The site was originally constructed as a fort in the 9th century and  was then converted to an Islamic royal palace in the 14th century.

As with all the territories in this part of the world as the Christians began to dominate the lands the Palaces and churches all began to take on christian influences as the properties changed and were added two in the ensuing years. 

Inside the Palace, Islamic Influence

The Palace fell into disrepair in the 17th and 18th centuries and was significantly restored in the 20th century. The palace is just beautiful, the buildings and gardens are probably as close as you are going to get to heaven on earth... This small selection of photos does not do it justice at all..

More Islamic interior

Amazing Gardens 1

Amazing Gardens 2

In the early 19th century, the American author Washington Irving wrote a collection of essays entitled "Tales of the Alhambra" that began to introduce western audiences to the Palace and gardens.

Internal Court yards

Markets in Granada

We then spent the afternoon exploring the old section of the town of Granada, a couple of photos provided.. :-) Tomorrow off to Seville via Ronda.

Shop in Granada

Inside Market stall

View of Granada