Alhambra

Welcome to the Alhambra, a breathtaking palatine city standing proudly on Sabika Hill in Granada. As you stand here on Calle Real de la Alhambra, you are looking at one of the most exquisite examples of Islamic architecture in the world. Its name, Al-Hamra, translates from Arabic as 'The Red One,' a nod to the distinct rust-colored tint of the heavy earthen walls that surround this massive complex. Originally established as a small fortress in the year eight hundred and eighty-nine, it was transformed into a monumental royal residence by the Nasrid dynasty, the last Muslim rulers of the Iberian Peninsula, between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries. As you begin your journey, imagine this hilltop as a self-contained city of palaces, gardens, and military towers designed to represent a literal paradise on earth.