Second stop: Granada
After a short flight we left Catalunya and arrived in Andalucia. Although we stayed near the famed Alhambra, because our tickets were for the afternoon, we went to the Muslim Quarter, or Albayzin, first. (Click on each image to see the high-resolution version)
The labyrinthian cobblestone streets in Albayzin make it infinitely interesting -- the scene seems to change at every turn.
In the afternoon finally we entered the Alhambra.
One of the grandest building inside is Carlos V Palace, which as the name implies was the palace of Holy Roman Emperor Carlos V, but in a confusing twist of dynastic parlance, he was also Carlos I of Spain.
But the crown jewel probably is the Palacio NazarÃes, with many intricately ornamented windows and moulded walls.
The thick walls of the Alcazaba, along with its imposing geographical location, makes it virtually impregnable, and Granada was the last last Islamic city to fall in the Reconquista.
On our last day in Granada, I took a morning stroll to the Alhambra. Surely one of the most magnificent cities in Spain, but we had to bid our adios.
Last look at this golden city, bathed in the warm early morning sun.
Some wildlife shots. I did not bring my big telephoto lens with me on this trip, so the wildlife pictures are somewhat underpar, but I did manage to get a few new birds.
San Nicolas Church
San Nicolas Church
Albayzin
Albayzin
Alhambra
Carlos V Palace
Windows in the Oratory
Alhambra
A finely moulded wall at the Mexuar.
The Arrayanes Courtyard
The Armas Tower of Alcazaba
The Armas Square of Alcazaba
Bird's-eye-view of Granada, seen from the Alhambra
Albayzin at night, seen from the Alhambra
Armas Tower in the morning
Armas Tower in the morning
Granada
A Lizard in the Alhambra
Eurasian Jay
European Robin
Eurasian Blackbird
Wood Pigeon
