| Spain |
| The Alhambra, Granada |
| Just a suggestion, but I believe these Spanish pages will make more sense if you first take a look at Morocco. Here is a joint history where links really matter. |
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| The Alhambra remains Spain's best known building. The Moors began constructing the Alhambra in the 1240s as both a palace and fortress, high above Grenada. It ultimately became the last Moorish stronghold in Spain, nearly 800 years after the Moors had launched their lightning invasion and conquest. The end of Moorish rule finally came in 1492, when King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella moved into the Alhambra. And it was from the Alhambra that the Catholic monarchs issued their edicts forcing all Moslems and Jews to leave Spain. The Moors had been far more tolerant of both Christians and Jews while they ruled Spain, during what became known as the Golden Age. Now Spain would conquer the new world, grow rich, and become known for its intolerance, as symbolized by the Inquisition. |
| An example of Moorish architecture in the Alhambbra. |
| These arches frame the Court of the Lions, the Alhambra's signature design. It was the harem. |
| The Court of the Lions, named for its central fountain. |
| There are a total of 12 lions, which could represent months of the year and/or signs of the zodiac. The Court of the Lions, although built by the Moors, is now a symbol of Spain. |
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| Spain Table of Contents |
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| If you have a high speed internet connection, watch the Intrepid Berkeley Explorer's free streaming video of this trip to Spain, Morocco, and Portugal, "From Flamenco to Fez", by clicking on AdventurePics.com . |