Alhambra is near the city of Granada in the district of Granada which is at the south of Spain. Alhambra is a series of lovely palaces and gardens which are beautiful, well preserved and of excellent architectural beauty. More than eight thousand visitors visit the Alhambra everyday, enjoy the beauty and take photographs to take home and show the world the beauty of Spanish architecture.

UNESCO has declared Alhambra as a World Heritage Site. Alhambra means a red or crimson castle as it looks like that in the sunlight. At nights it becomes pearly white and is called ‘pearls set in emeralds’. It is so beautiful. The Alhambra is a fortress, a palace and a small city. The main palace of Charles V is at the center and is an outstanding piece of Renaissance architecture. The Alcabza is the oldest part of Alhambra and has solid towers on its four sides. You can enter through the lovely gardens which are well kept and preserved. La Casa Royal comprises of several palaces with courts. The most spectacular piece is the Chamber of the Lions. Twelve lions made of marble are the main attractions. There is a twelve sided fountain and plenty of palm tress which combine to make it a lovely and beautiful place worth visiting and a must see item on all tourists and visitors list.

Red, blue and golden colors dominate the Alhambra and all the palaces and court have this theme and color combinations. The terrace of Alhambra covers a lot of area and is beautifully crafted. Natural elements are combined with man made ones to make the architecture stunningly attractive. It speaks volumes for the skills of the craftsmen of those times. The entire place is like heaven on earth which is the basic theme of the place. Every one who worked and planned the Alhambra, whether Muslim or Christian kept this theme in mind which has resulted in such a perfect place. Fountains with running water make a sweet sound and strong columns, reflecting pools and others have been used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the place.

Christopher Columbus, who discovered America, was given permission by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabelle in the Hall of the Ambassadors which is the largest in the Alhambra. It is a square room which was used as a reception room with the King’s throne placed opposite the entrance. The main attraction is the Vase of Alhambra. It is 1.3 meters in height and is blue, white and gold in color. It dates back to 1320 and is a beautiful sample of Moorish art.

Alhambra has elaborate bedrooms, bathrooms summer rooms, whispering galleries, labyrinths and a host of other such things which has made it a great tourist attraction, never to be forgotten. A visit to Spain is incomplete without a visit to Alhambra. This fortress city has so many things to be seen that several visits are necessary to complete seeing the Alhambra in its entirety. It reflects Spain’s melting pot culture where so many rulers ruled it.