Alhambra

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and considered one of the word's most spectacular modern wonders, the Alhambra is a spectacular Muslim fort-palace, the emblem of Granada and the pinnacle of Spain's days under Islamic rule. Walking through the sumptuous palaces and their immaculate gardens is like being transported back in time, so take your time exploring and let your imagination run wild!

As you explore the rooms, courtyards, gardens and fountains of this lavishly exotic Islamic palace complex, you'll get just a taste of the unrivalled brilliance and extravagance of Granada's affluent Islamic history. Its intricately detailed ceilings and walls, lush sprawling gardens, beautiful fountains and unique sculpturesall do their part to make this Europe's most exotic attraction and Spain's most visited.

The oldest part of the Alhambra is the Alcazaba, the original structure of the complex. It was built by the first of Granada's Nasrid kings - Alhamar - as a strategic citadel and dates as far back as the 9th century! The king later used the fort as his royal residence, as did his son... that is, until the more lavish palaces of the Alhambra were completed!

Now for a few can't-misses in the Alhambra:

• Patio de los Leones (Courtyard of the Lions): It's the Alhambra's most famous and most charcteristically Islamic courtyard. It features water streaming through tiny canals, an elaborate fountain supported by 12 lions and arcades of marble column.
• Patio del Cuarto Dorado (Courtyard of the Gilded Room): As you stand in this lovely courtyard you'll notice shielded windows running along the upper part; these windows lead to the royal living area - or harem - and allowed those within to see out without letting those standing in the courtyard see in.
• Sala de Embajadores (Ambassadors' Hall): This historic stop in the Alhambra is where Islamic king Boabdil officially surrendered his kingdom to Fernando and Isabel at the end of the famous Spanish Reconquest. Later, the hall also saw the discussions between the Spanish monarchs and Christopher Columbus over some rather famous upcoming journeys.

***BONUS!!! Spending some time in Granada will allow you to truly get to experience this fascinating attraction and discover its many secrets. What's more, school staff at Enforex Granada organize all sorts of cultural activities so that you learn as much as possible... one of these activities is a guided visit to the Alhambra!