Lying on the top of the hill of the Assabica on the southeastern border of the city of Granada, Andalusia in Spain is the Alhambra; a palace complex built around mid 14th century. Alhambra reflects Moorish culture and architecture to a great extent and Alhambra reflects the colour of the red clay of the surroundings but originally it was white washed. Also evidence from Arab texts also indicates that the fortress that is seen today was built during the Nasrid Dynasty.
Alhambra’s design was not an organized one, thus the complex has odd positioning in buildings. The area is around 740 metres in length and 205 metres in width. Towards the western part of Alhambra is the alcazaba and the rest consists of several Moorish palaces with thirteen towers. The river Darro passes through a ravine on the north and divides the plateau from the Albaicín district of Granada. When talking about the art and architecture here, artists have tried to have the same forms and trends creating new styles over the Nasrid Dynasty with a little Byzantine influence. Columns and muqarnas appear in several chambers, and the interiors of numerous palaces are decorated with arabesques and calligraphy. From since 1492, the Alhambra began to change due to Christian conquest of the city. An earthquake hit more damage to the original sit plan in 1821 and restoration was undertaken in 1828 by the architect José Contreras.
Among the many features of the Alhambra, Royal Complex is significant. It consists of three parts namingly, Mexuar, Serallo, and the Harem where Mexuar is for conducting business and administration while Serallo contains Court of the Myrtles. Last but not least, Harem contains the living quarters for the wives and mistresses of the Arabic monarchs. This area contains a bathroom with running water baths, and pressurized water for showering. The Court of the Myrtles is about 42m long and 22m broad with a centre pond full of goldfish with myrtles on either side. Also there is this Hall of the Ambassadors which is the largest found in Alhambra. This was used as the grand reception room and the throne of the sultan was placed opposite the entrance. It was in this setting that Christopher Columbus received Isabel and Ferdinand's support to sail to the New World.
The court of lions is also another feature we find here which is actually an oblong court of 35m long and 20m wide. In the centre, we can see the Fountain of Lions, an alabaster basin supported by the figures of twelve lions in white marble, not designed with sculptural accuracy but as symbols of strength and courage. Hall of the Abencerrajes is a perfect square room with a lofty dome and trellised windows at its base. Opposing it is the Hall of the two Sisters. Of buildings we find in Alhambra, most intriguing one is the Palacio de Generalife or the garden of the architect. Other than these, there are many other features like Hall of Justice, Court of the Council Chamber, Court of the Vestibule, Queen's Robing Room etc.
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