10 Interesting facts about Alhambra

Madrid, Spain · About Sightseeing

The word 'Alhambra' is a short form of the word 'Calat Alhambra' which is the name given to a palace and fortress complex located in Granada, Andalusia, Spain. The palace started off as a small fortress that was built in 899. After years of neglect, the Moorish king of Grenada renovated it in the 11th century. The fortress was to later be converted into a royal palace in the 1333 century by Yusuf I, Sultan of Granada. Check out some interesting facts about the palace below.

The word 'Alhambra' is a short form of the word 'Calat Alhambra' which is the name given to a palace and fortress complex located in Granada, Andalusia, Spain. The palace started off as a small fortress that was built in 899. After years of neglect, the Moorish king of Grenada renovated it in the 11th century. The fortress was to later be converted into a royal palace in the 1333 century by Yusuf I, Sultan of Granada. Check out some interesting facts about the palace below.

1. The Alhambra Palace was home to the Spain Emirs until 1492 when the Catholic Monarchs conquered the Nasrid Dynasty.

2. In 1527, the Palace of Charles V, built by Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor was put within the Nasrid's Alhambra fortifications.

3. Alhambra is located on al-Sabika Hill, on the southeastern border of the city of Granada.

4. The Palace was strategically located on the hill to give view of the whole expanse of the city of Granada as well as the meadow.

5. The plateau on which the palace was built measures about 740 meters (2430 ft.) in length and 205 meters (674 ft.) at its greatest width.

6. Most of the buildings on the Alhambra were whitewashed, but today, after years of being baked in the sun, they appear reddish.

7. It is during the rule of Abdullah ibn Muhammad (888-912) in Spain that the first mention of Alhambra is seen, especially during the war between the Muladies and the Arabs.

8. The castle of Alhambra was added as part of the city ramparts in the 9th century. It is therefore part of the city of Granada today.

9. During the French Domination of Spain, part of the Alhambra was destroyed but it was later restored, parts of which was done as late as the 19th century.

10. The Alhambra is surrounded by river Darro on its northern side, valley of al-Sabika on its southern side and street Cuesta del Rey Chico on its eastern side.

Before I researched on this piece, I never knew Spain was once ruled by Arabs and Muslims. The research was eye opening. Perhaps, like me, you should plan to go see for yourself...

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