Oceania Cruise to Spain - August 2014
supported by the figures of twelve lions in white marble, not designed
with sculptural accuracy but as symbols of strength, power,
and sovereignty. Each hour one lion would produce water from its
mouth.
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Oceania Cruise to Spain - August 2014 |
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| Granada (Motril), Spain |
Tour=Iconic Alhambra Palace & Gardens 7 hrs. |
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| A 1 hour drive inland to Granada. | The finest example of Moorish architecture in Spain. | ||||
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| Alhambra Palace | |||||
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| Original architecture has been preserved. | |||||
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| Originally constructed as a small fortress in 889 and then largely ignored until its ruins were renovated and rebuilt in the mid-11th century by the Moorish king Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar of the Kingdom of Granada, who built its current palace and walls. It was converted into a royal palace in 1333 by Yusuf I, Sultan of Granada; some portions were used by Christian rulers. The Palace of Charles V, built by Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor in 1527 was inserted in the Alhambra | |||||
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| Water, a very important part of culture (needed to wash and pray 5 times a day). | |||||
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| "God is the only Victor.". | |||||
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| The Alhambra was not a single construction but rather an evolution of successive reforms and extensions. | |||||
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| Ornamental mosaics and wood carved doors adorn Alhambra. | |||||
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| A ceiling in the Alhambra | |||||
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| Court of the Lions contains a poem written by Ibn Zamrak. This praises the beauty of the fountain and the power of the lions, but it also describes their ingenious hydraulic systems and how they actually worked, just a simple example of the Muslims' genius at architecture, design and engineering during that time. |
In the centre of the court is the Fountain of Lions, an alabaster basin supported by the figures of twelve lions in white marble, not designed with sculptural accuracy but as symbols of strength, power, and sovereignty. Each hour one lion would produce water from its mouth. |
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| We had a walking tour with headphones and a professional guide. | |||||
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| Generalife Gardens | |||||
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| Albaicin quarter | |||||
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| Unfortunately many shops were closed as it was Sunday. | Sierra Nevada Mountains | ||||
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| Wind power - generating electricity | |||||
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