Spain 2012: Granada (Part Alhambra)

After spending the morning wandering the Mezquita in Cordoba, the parents and I made our way over to Granada. The countryside and white towns we passed through were beautiful--and then there was Granada itself. There's more to Granada than the Alhambra complex, but come on. You come to Grandada for the Alhambra!

{The Alhambra was a Moorish fortress built in the 14th century. The complex includes the palace, a 9th century fort, huge gardens, a summer palace and a 16th century palace of Charles V}

In the Alhambra grounds looking toward the albayzín

Moorish carvings

{Unfortunately the Patio de los Leones was under renovation--Apparently they are still trying to figure out how the Moors and Jews got the 12 lions to spit water like a clock almost a century ago.}

{"stalactite" ceiling}

{Charles V's 16th century palace}

{Inside the fort}

{Stopping at the Parador to take in the coffee, fine china and spectacular terrace views!}

{Gardens and summer palace}

Overall, the Alhambra is always spectacular. But taking it in with the site almost to ourselves and without the wilting summer heat? Even better!