The Alhambra (2016-07-10/2016-07-10) by Victoriano Izquierdo
Towering above the Spanish city of Granada is the Alhambra. This fortified palace complex dates back to the 13th Century, when this area was ruled by the Islamic Nasrid dynasty. Since then, the Alhambra has been admired for its strength, beauty, and pleasant gardens.
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The name Alhambra derives from its Arabic name, al-Qalʻat al-Ḥamrāʼ, meaning 'The Red Fortress'. This name, in turn, comes from the red clay - rich with iron oxide - originally used to construct its walls. Today, its walls are faced with white stone, but the name remains.
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The Nasrids and the Spanish are just the most recent peoples to have occupied this site. Archaeological evidence suggests that Visigoths, and perhaps the ancient Romans, also constructed defences on this hill, with its commanding views of the valley below.
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Although we talk about the Alhambra, it's not a single building, rather it's a collection of palaces and fortifications that have been added to over the centuries, with each successive ruler trying to outdo their predecessor by commissioning grander and grander structures.
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It's easy to be distracted by the architecture and look past the gardens. In fact, these lush green surroundings were admired as much as the buildings themselves. The aqueduct that brought fresh spring water to this isolated hilltop was considered a marvel of its age.
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This is the unusually-named Puerta del Vino, the Wine Gate. Some say that it's where wine was abandoned before entering the Islamic area of the Alhambra, others that it's name is a mishearing of the Arabic, Bib al-hamra' , Red Gate, for Bib al-jamra, Wine Gate.
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In 1527, Charles V of Spain ordered the construction of a new neoclassical palace within the walls of the Alhambra. Unfortunately, construction was expensive and slow, and for centuries it stood roofless and empty. Finally, in 1967, Charles' magnificent palace was completed.
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The Alhambra was very nearly destroyed. Between 1810-12, the fortress was occupied by French troops taking part in the Peninsular War. During their retreat, they set explosive charges around the complex. Eight towers were destroyed before the Spanish defused the remaining bombs.