Oh, there are so many things I don’t know, and far more that I didn’t know that I didn’t know. Alhambra in Granada is certainly one of those, but what it really revealed is how little I know about Spanish history*.
The Alberian Pennisula has a dramatic history. Here’s 1700 years in 2 sentence:
1) The Roman Empire straddled the BC to AD shift before the Visigoths (who?) took over until Muslims conquered the area in about 700 AD, and not long after Christianity slowly bled (bled, ha) through from north to south.
2) Even history minors know that 1492 was a big deal; not only did Isabella & Ferdinand finance Columbus sailing the ocean blue, but they also expelled Muslims and Jews from the newly united Spain.
2a) A particularly slanted reporting worded it this way: In 1492, King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castille conquered the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada, finally freeing Spain from Muslim rule after nearly 800 years. Because it wanted to be a peaceful democracy?? Ha! Nope.**
Now we can go to Alhambra, which is a palace/citadel/fortress dating from the 700s, though like all these types, it was built, added onto and evolved over centuries.
Dwayne and I explored some exterior Islamic construction in Egypt and Jordan, but didn’t get to study it until we were in the south of Spain. I already knew that since Islam doesn’t allow for depictions of people and animals, geometric shapes are mostly used. But I didn’t know what could actually look like in practice by a man, Mohammad V (shortest name I can give), with a huge amount of power and wealth and travel experience. What is notable about Alhambra is not just that is a wonderfully preserved, more-than-thousand-year-old Islamic palace in southern Spain; the crafting of the carved walls, doors, windows, archways is so finely delicate and detailed, it is known worldwide as a particular architectural achievement.
The wall starts with colored tiles, then around the doorway is colorful geometric inlays, while the regular walls are heavily carved. 
The details are indiscernable from any distance, but the intricated patterns are still obvious. 
Courtyards with reflecting pools are just about the most relaxing feature a Pacific Northwest home will never have. 
Mohammad is said to have his first revelations in a cave, and the “cave-ness” of these intricate archways reflect that. 
Keyhole-shaped doors and windows feature predominately. 
Highly decorated walls and archways lead to an interesting feature… 
…in the Alhambra where a very non-Islamic ceiling is still quite vibrant. This almost-certainly Christian art is contemporary to the building and seems to suggest that other religions were tolerated and perhaps this addition, maybe a gift, shows mutual honor. With that in mind… 
…this fountain is credited as a gift from a Jewish group to the palace, perhaps with the same mutual regard.
Dwayne loves his architecture like I love the gardens, and he walked away with an appreciation for the site, but no inspiration to build that way. As beautiful and exotic as the palace was, it was so visually busy, even empty of furnishings, that my brain got tired. Fortunately, the gardens were spectacular and refreshing. My brain is already wondering where I can plant a star-shaped garden.
I don’t blame you if your brain is hurting after all that information smooshed into one post! Once I wrap up Spain, we can go relax in Sicily for a little while.
*I am very sheepish that I have a history minor. When allowed out in the world, it turns out I know very little.
**It will take more than 2 sentences to complete Spain’s history from the Spanish Empire, war, war, war, war, republic, war, war, republic 2, Franco, monarchy, to democracy and joining the EU. Hmm, well I left out some wars, but there it is in one sentence.
Needopedia 
100 points for me! Do I get extra points if I’ve actually stayed at the Alhambra? Back when I was younger, my parents, sister, and I spent a couple of weeks in Spain staying at various paradors, one of which was in the Alhambra. As I recall it was pretty cool.
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I was going to say 200 points, but upon reflection, that is easily 300. Wow, Scott!
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