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Granada:
From the time historical records began Granada was ruled by many Caliphs, Arabic sultans and dynasties.
The Arabic/Moslem empire once stretched right up into the north of Spain.
The 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.
The Moslems and the Jews were forced to leave the country or convert to Christianity.
A period of what would nowadays be described as ethnic cleansing ensued.
At the same time Christopher Columbus came to Granada to ask Isabel and Ferdinand for a grant to build ships so that he could conquer the Americas.
They gave him the money and I am sure you already know the rest.
The Alhambra:
Granada has its usual quotient of churches, museums etc. typical for a southern European city.
However, Granada has the Alhambra which is considered by some to be one of the 10 wonders of the world.
In case you don't know, the Alhambra is a massive castle constructed over many centuries.
It consists of gardens, fortifications and sumptuous palaces.
It was the home of many of the Arabic Sultans who ruled the whole province so I suppose for centuries it received the optimum in interior decoration and architecture.
If you read the Koran it continually repeats the idea that heaven is a garden with running water.
From this perspective you could say that the Alhambra is an Arabic attempt to create heaven on earth.
Nowadays it receives 8000 visitors per day and is Spain's most visited monument. Even the biggest philistine would be impressed.
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