Alhambra Granada, Spain Materials Used

● Marble was used in the embodiment of columns ● Slabs and jambs or stone use was restricted to sources like gates and large walls ● Tapia (rammed earth) was used on the outer walls Time Period

● Built by the Nasrid Dynasty (1232-1492)—the last Muslims to rule in Spain. ● Muhammad ibn Yusuf ibn Nasr (known as Muhammad I) founded the Nasrid Dynasty and secured this region in 1237 ● Started building the Alhambra the next year. Location

● Granada, Spain

Granada is located next to the Sierra Nevada mountains in Andalusia in the south of Spain Architecture

● From a geographically favorable position on a high plateau, the Alhambra kept watch over the kingdom's capital city situated at its feet ● It was laid out as an independent fortified town, separate from Granada, ● The city walls are approximately 1,900 yards long and had about 30 towers ● The Alhambra extends over an area of about 26 acres Religion

● Completed towards the end of Muslim rule of Spain ● Various Christian groups settled their differences, joined together and steadily drove the Arabs out of Spain. ● Granada was the last stronghold and finally succumbed to Isabel and Ferdinand (the catholic monarchs) in 1492. Function

● Palace of Nasrid sultans of Southern Spain Additional Knowledge

Context

Small, low bubbling fountains in each room provide cool temperatures in the summer

Descriptive terms

Palace, stucco, wood, paint, gilding, light airy interior, fortress-like exterior

Cross Cultural

Interiors: House of Vettii, Fallingwater, Hall of Mirrors, Versailles Video