The Moors held Granada until 1492. Who were the Moors? They were a group from North Africa of "Berber" descent. They conquered Spain in 700 AD. While most of Europe slumbered through the Dark Ages, Moorish civilization advanced in mathematics, engineering and art. Built mostly in the 14th century, their Alhambra Palace shows off the refined and elegant Moorish lifestyle. Since water is both rare and precious in most of the Islamic World it was the purest symbol of life to the Moors. The Alhambra is filled with fountains and fancy gardens built and planted over 600 years ago. Moorish engineers built aqueducts and an extensive system of running water / irrigation. Fountains were set to tell time, with sculpted lions spouting at 2 pm each day. After the Spanish re-conquered the Iberian Peninsula in 1492, the powerful Moorish Sultan, "Boabdil" went home crying in retreat; his Palace, the Palacios Nazaries, and its amazing engineering and architecture fell into disrepair. But even so, when you visit the palace today you can still see the carved wood ceilings, stucco "stalactites" mosaic ceramic tile and filigree windows. The finely carved Arabic script "only Allah is victorious" is repeated 9000 times though out the palace.
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| Alhambra Palace Granada, Spain |
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| Matthew & Nicole Alhambra Palace Granada, Spain |
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| Alhambra Palace Gardens Granada, Spain |
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