The Alhambra, Grenada | Nasrid Dynasty, 13th Century

During the middle ages, the Iberian Peninsula was a hotly contested region between Islamic Arabs and Christian Europeans, this period of history is known as the Reconquista. By the beginning of the 13th century, the country of Spain as we know it today had started to take shape, however, there was still a small Arab territory in the south held by the Nasrid Dynasty.

The Alhambra is a royal palace within this territory, located roughly 70km from the southern coast of Spain. Sitting on the edge of the breathtaking Sierra Nevada mountain range in the Spanish province of Grenada, it is easy to see why this palace was so revered. It was built initially by the Nasrids during their decline and, after the land had been seized by the Spanish in the late 15th century, was used as a palace by the country’s royalty.

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This post is part of an expanded series taken from 37 Wonders of the World in Chronological Order. You can click the link to read more or navigate between individual photo posts beneath the gallery.

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