Travel Spain - Granada - Morishly Moorish

Picture special.

No depthy story of local interest or tale of calamitous ill preparation to tell here. Just a few simple photographs of a place so rich in history, art and architecture it would be a criminal shame not to share.

Alahambra, the crown of Granada. A predominately moorish fortification sitting against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada.

One of the many ponds within the sculpted gardens of this ancient fortress.

A typical Moorish arch overlooking overlooking the terracotta roofs of Granada far below.

Courtyards within the new palace feature more modern, Spanish style architecture.

Stunning water features within the walled garden known as 'the maze'.

The 'stalactite' dome within the palace.

Stunning detail of the Arabic calligraphy that covers nearly every square foot of the interior palace walls.

Intricate and colourful tessellation of tiles that purportedly influenced M. C. Esher's work on the subject.

A stunning example of the beautiful calligraphic architecture on display.

This vaulted ceiling shows a beautiful fusion of Moorish and later European designs.

Even Fibonacci would be impressed by this curved staircase within the central plaza.

Unique terracotta-domed ceilings of the main bathhouse.

Intricately detailed stone trough within the on-site museum. Received my first warning for taking this photograph.

Perhaps the most beautiful case in the Alahambra collection. Received my final warning for taking this photograph.

Fortuny favours his right side. Part of an exhibition dedicated to the man so inspired by the Alahambra.

Part of a Christian religious art exhibition currently running.

The magnificent view from the fortifications back across Granada.