Alhambra - the most famous monument of Moorish art in Spain - was built during the reign of the Nasrid dynasty. The palace was built of wood, ceramic tile and plaster. Every ruler to make some changes to this complex of buildings and courtyards. After the Reconquista, Charles V ordered the destruction of the palace and build another in its place a palace and a church. From this period, the Alhambra fell into disrepair, she was subjected to looting, in case of fire it. During the restoration of the palace it took until the end of the XIX century.

Palace of Charles V stands out for its massiveness. But inside the square building (60x60 m), hides one of the most beautiful Renaissance courtyards in Spain. This creation toledtsa Pedro Machuca, who studied in Italy, maybe Michelangelo. Round courtyard simply furnished with a double row of columns (Doric below, Ionic above) has a diameter of 30 meters. Now in the palace of Charles V located the Museum of Fine Arts and Museum of Hispanic-Muslim art.

Lion Yard - a fabulous patio built with Muhammad V, framed by arcades of the 124 elegant columns. In the center of the courtyard - the fountain bowl supported by 12 stone lions. According to an ancient legend in the Hall Abenserrahov by order of the Emir was decapitated Abenserrahov 100 family members as punishment for what one of them fell in love with a concubine of the Emir. Royal hall where feasts and festivals, famous for its unique ceiling decorated with paintings on the skin at jousting and hunting scenes. The pond is surrounded by a patio myrtle hedges of myrtle bushes and graceful arcades. From the oldest buildings of the Alhambra - Palacio del Partal - Save a portico with arches and towers.

On the north side of the Alhambra are the Generalife gardens. Here rulers could take shelter from the sun and palace intrigues. The gardens were planted in the XIII century, but their layout changed repeatedly.