One of the architectural wonders of medieval Muslim heritage is ‘Al Hambra’ in Spain. Or Al Hamra, as it is pronounced in Arabic, meaning red, which basically, is the colour of the clay, from which bricks were made for monument’s construction.
Some say that it is also named after its founder-builder, Mohd. Ibn Al Ahmer, a muslim ruler of medieval times.
Situated on a hilly plateau overlooking the city of Granada, in south-western Spain, Al Hamra was constructed by Muslims rulers and it remained as their seat of command till to the last ruler, before Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella of Castile took over. It was built sometime between 1248 A.D. and 1354 A.D.
Encompassed by a strong fortified wall, Al Hamra, is a series of building, that includes some built by the Muslim rulers during their rule, others was altered or completely rebuilt by later day Christian and Roman rulers.
Of the main buildings, the most magnificent are the Court of the Lions; Hall of the Ambassadors; Casa Real or Moorish palace; Court of the Myrtles; and the Palacio de Generalife or the Muslim Jennat Al Arif – the Garden of Al Arif.
