| During the night the weather changed. Instead of the blue sky of Saturday, we were greeted on Sunday by a mixture of snow and rain. Despite the weather, we still continued with our plans to see the magnificent Alhambra representing the peak of Moorish architectural achievement in Spain during the 13th and 14th centuries. The Alhambra consisted of three parts: the royal palace (Palacios Nazaries), the fort (Alcazaba), and the sultan�s summer home and gardens (Generalife). Most spectacular was the palace. Unlike the Catholic church, Islam forbade human images. Instead, intricate and exquisite geometric and floral patterns and designs, combined with verses from the Koran, were created throughout all the rooms and areas of the palace. The effect was awe-inspiring. |