Keep a little mystery in your trip planning: flip this switch on and Explorer Picture Mode shows a stylized version of every place instead of the real photo, so you can go by the description and reviews first and picture it your own way -- turn it off again any time, or reveal the real photo for just one place at a time from its own page.

Create a free account to pick your own style (Vintage, Oil Painting, Illustration, and more) and have it remembered next time you visit.

World Europe Spain Andalusia Granada Alhambra History

Alhambra

Alhambra Historical Timeline

8.3 /10
Editorial rating
/10
traveler ratings

History

Changed

The romans initially built a fortress on that mountain spot around 889 AD but was left to abandonement. The spectacular Moorish-islamic palace was then built, on top of those roman ruins, during the Moorish occupation of Spain. Later, some Renaissance-style structures were added to make the site a royal court for Queen Isabella and Kind Ferdinand II when Christians re-conquered Spain in the 15th and 16th centuries.

The palace's stunning beauty is a reminder that while Christian Europe stumbled through the Dark Ages, the Moors of Andalusia reached unrivaled pinnacles of beauty and culture.

Publishing will make these pending changes visible on the live page.