So this place is amazing.

Dates initially from the mid 13th century it was developed by the Moorish rulers over the succeeding centuries until the city was taken by Isabella and Ferdinand in 1492. They then took it over and their grandson Charles V built a renaissance palace there. The pre Christian buildings are beautifully decorated. No representations of people or animals allowed so amazing patterns and script. Plaster made in molds and then painted. Unfortunately most the paint has disappeared over time so can only guess at how it really looked. There is still one section of original stained glass in place. A number of courtyards with beautiful refle citing pools. The whole use of water is amazing given that there is no natural water supply on this hill. It is brought in through an 8 kilometre conduit and through channeled though the whole site, fountains, ponds, bath houses etc.

The tour guide was fond of telling us that most of the development was done by the Nasrid dynasty. There were 22 Nasrid Sultans over a period of 250 years. The law of averages suggest that some ruled rather briefly. A quick check of the all knowing Wikipedia show that many were bumped off after very short reigns. Talk about not being able to trust your family.

The palace built by Charles V wasn’t finished until the 20th century. It was funded by taxes on the Moorish citizens. When they rebelled over the payments, he left the building with no roof. This was only added in the 20th century.

Fabulous gardens. To be here in spring would be absolutely glorious.