Alhambra

Overlooking the city of Granada, the Alhambra is the most important and most spectacular piece of Moorish architecture in Spain. The name means 'the red' in Arabic, and the building is so called because of the colour of the bricks forming the outer walls. It was begun in 1238 as both a palace and a fortress by Ibn Ahmar, founder of the Nasrid dynasty (who made Granada the capital of his Moorish kingdom), and it was subsequently elaborated upon by his successors until its completion in 1358.

Visitors can explore the Alcazaba, or citadel, which is the oldest remaining part of the complex, as well as the Alhambra Palace, containing the fabled Patio de los Leones (Court of the Lions), an alabaster basin supported by 12 white marble lions. The Generalife gardens, dotted with pools and fountains, are located on the neighbouring hill and were laid out in the 14th century.

Due to very high demand, visitors should book your Alhambra admission tickets at least one week in advance (tel: 902 888 001; www.alhambra-tickets.es). Allow three hours to tour the entire attraction.