The Alhambra (2019-08-02/2019-08-02) by Dimitry B
History is, in many ways, a story of conflict and triumph. Empires have used military might and defensive strategy to spread ideas, trade, religion, and language around the world. At the core of this concept lies the fortress, a building designed and built to repel attack.
Often situated in key strategic positions that are easy to defend, fortresses have been built by almost every major society throughout history. Let's take a closer look at some of the world's most iconic and formidable fortresses and find out what has made them so successful.
The Castle of Good Hope
Castle of Good Hope - Cape Town, South Africa
This five sided fortress, built in the 17th century, was originally located on the coastline of Table Bay (although it now sits further inland due to land reclamation programs). It is a classic example of a Dutch East India Company fort, with its star design and central compound.
The castle is the oldest existing building in South Africa, and replaced an existing timber and clay fort on the site. Its current central location belies its original position defending the entrance to the city.
Forts and fortresses have played a key defensive and strategic role all over the world. Perimeter walls are often key to the defensive capabilities.
Alhambra
Alhambra - Granada, Spain
This fortress complex located in Andalusia, Spain, is perhaps one of the world's best known and dramatic fortifications. Begun in 1238 by Muhammad Ibn al-Ahmar, the founder of the Emirate of Granada, the fort sits on a hill high above the city.
As well as a complex of palaces and official buildings, the Alhambra features some very imposing and impressive defensive constructions, such as the huge turreted exterior wall with regular watch towers and viewing positions. A superior vantage point to watch for any attack.
Water often played a key role in the defensive position of forts, making it much more difficult to attack and therefore easier to defend.
Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle - Bavaria, Germany
Located on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau near Füssen in southwest Bavaria, Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle is actually younger than it looks. Despite its appearance as a classic medieval fairytale castle, it was actually constructed in the 19th century.
Commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria, it was intended as his personal residence, and the fortified design was more in tribute to the romantic work of Richard Wagner than any real military threat. So, here we can see the impact of fortified design on architecture in a wider sense.
An elevated position not only provides excellent views of would be attackers but also makes any kind of assault extremely difficult.
The Hill of the Alhambra, Granada (1865) by Samuel ColmanThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
Want to know more?
You can discover more stories about the history and uses of the Alhambra here.
