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Alhambra |
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Alhambra, Moorish citadel, SpainAlhambra [Arab.,=the red], extensive group of buildings on a hill overlooking Granada, Spain. They were built chiefly between 1230 and 1354 and they formed a great citadel of the Moorish kings of Spain. After the expulsion of the Moors in 1492, the structures suffered mutilation, but were extensively restored after 1828.The Alhambra is a true expression of the once flourishing Moorish civilization and is the finest example of its architecture in Spain. It comprises remains of the citadel, the so-called palace of the kings, and the quarters once used by officials. The halls and chambers surround a series of open courts, which include the Court of Lions containing arcades resting on 124 white marble columns. The interior of the building is adorned sumptuously with magnificent examples of the so-called honeycomb and stalactite vaulting; its walls and ceilings are decorated with geometric ornamentation of minute detail and intricacy, executed with surpassing skill in marble, alabaster, glazed tile, and carved plaster. BibliographySee W. Irving, Legends of the Alhambra (1832); A. F. Calvert, The Alhambra (1907); S. Desmond, ed., The Alhambra (1974). Alhambra, city, United StatesAlhambra (ălhăm`brə), city (1990 pop. 82,106), Los Angeles co., S Calif., a suburb E of Los Angeles; inc. 1903. It has iron and aluminum foundries and manufactures fabricated metal products, corrugated boxes, and electronic equipment. The San Gabriel Mts. and Mount Wilson Observatory are nearby.AlhambraPalace of the Moorish monarchs of Granada, Spain, built (1238–1358) on a plateau above the city. Its name (Arabic: “the red”) may refer to the colour of the sun-dried bricks used in its outer walls. The Alhambra, only three parts of which remain intact, is made up of a series of rooms and gardens clustered around three principal courts, with extensive use of fountains and water basins. Its surfaces are astoundingly ornate and varied, with outstanding examples of stalactite work. Alhambra a citadel and palace in Granada, Spain, built for the Moorish kings during the 13th and 14th centuries: noted for its rich ornamentation Alhambra the palatial 13th-century Moorish citadel in Granada, noted for its lofty situation, beautiful courts, and fountains. [Span. Hist.: Benét, 24] See : Splendor How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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"Why, the Alhambra would be almost more lively," said Harris, venturing his head outside the cover for a moment and taking a survey of the sky. ) when we came upon a fine Moorish mosque, with tall tower, rich with checker-work of many-colored porcelain, and every part and portion of the edifice adorned with the quaint architecture of the Alhambra, and Blucher started to ride into the open doorway. We're all living wonders, Major," he went on, turning to Thomson, "but if I don't get a Sole Colbert and a grill at the Savoy, and a front seat at the Alhambra, before many weeks have passed, I shall get stale--that's what'll happen to me. |
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