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Tag: La Alhambra

Morocco & Andalucia: “characteristic”: #15 in series: ornamentation “2”)

 

The Alhambra in Granada is one of the world’s man-made wonders.

Spain’s #1 tourist attraction is usually described as a “fortress and palace complex”.

Its structures span several centuries, and both “Moorish” and “Christian” Spain.

At its peak, in the 14th century CE – prior to late 15th century “Christian” Spain’s Reconquista – the Alhambra was a very sophisticated hilltop city in its own right, distinct from Granada-proper.

The Nasrid Palaces are the most glorious legacy of that period.

Collectively, their interior spaces (including walls and ceilings) are very probably “our”  planet’s most exquisite.

Almost every inch therein rewards close attention.

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Morocco & Andalucia: “characteristic” (#12 in series: mighty walls “1”)

 

 

If you are partial to “historic”, imposing, dramatically situated fortresses, you will find Morocco and Spain very rewarding destinations.

Pictured above, bathed in autumnal late afternoon light, is part of the Alcazabar – the Alhambra’s fortress, which is also its oldest (surviving) section.

The Alcazabar was built by Granada’s Moorish rulers, nearly 800 years ago.

After the Reconquista of 1492 further modifications and additions were made by the “restored” Spanish Catholic regime.

Since 1975 – and the end of Franco’s Catholic-accented dictatorship – global tourism has “conquered”  Granada.

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Signage & Signification (final in series: a Spanish hotel’s pointed reminder to guests from the USA)

 

 

 

 

Actually, two continents comprise most of the Americas, but the Spanish hotelier’s point is well-made.

I suspect that few guests from the USA even notice the “writing on the hotel lobby wall”,  let alone grasp its message.

This hotel has a most “unlikely” name, given its quintessentially Andalusian location.

The Hotel America has 17 rooms and a (good) courtyard restaurant which serves homestyle Granadan food.

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