The Alhambra

The Alhambra, Granada, Spain, Nasrid Dynasty, 1354-1391, white-washed adobe stucco, wood, tile, paint, and gliding

The Alhambra in Granada, Spain was a fortress complex made in the Nasrid Dynasty of Islamic Spain and it was created sometime during 1354 to 1391 with white washed adobe stucco, wood, tile, paint, and gliding. It was a palace made for the caliphate, the leaders of an Islamic government, but also acted as a military fortress. Because of this, it had characteristics of both beautiful living quarters and a military base. 

The complex includes three original palaces: the Comares Palace, the Palace of the Lions, and the Partal Palace. The Comares facade is set behind a courtyard and a fountain and built on a three-stepped platform. The Palace of Lions sits next to the Comares Palace and is filled with intricate carvings of lions. On the East side of the Palace of Lions is the Sala de los Reyes, or Hall of Kings, which is an elongated area with a vaulted muqarnas ceiling, meaning that the ceiling was covered in the muqarnas pattern that was commonly used in Islamic architecture. The Partal Palace is the oldest part of the Alhambra and is mostly known for its long pool next to its five-arched arcade. 

The Alhambra was placed on a tall hill and enclosed by high walls. Since it was located so high up, they could view their surroundings and quickly locate enemies coming their way. The high towers meant that no one could enter without special access. Along with these protections, the Alhambra also had a citadel Alcazaba, meaning that a lot of guards would be defending all of the officials and elites inside the walls. Additionally, every part of the complex was interconnected so guards could get around quickly. 

Although the Nasrids centered their leading complex around military safety, it did not come at the expense of beauty. The Nasrids were able to attend to both defense and architectural wonders.