Sala de las dos Hermanas (Hall of the two Sisters), so-called from two very beautiful white marble slabs laid as part of the pavement. The roof is a dome honeycombed with tiny cells, all different, and said to number 5000. This is a magnificent example of the so-called "stalactite vaulting" of the Moors. IMG_7516 IMG_7519 Another view of Granada IMG_7522 Daniel at Granada - sounds like a fable IMG_7527 The baths had very nice star-shaped skylights IMG_7534 IMG_7548 The Generalife gardens are nice, but quite recent planted in the 1930s IMG_7556 IMG_7558 A view of the Hall of the two Sisters roof from the outside IMG_7562 IMG_7564 The Alcazaba Citadel is still standing probably from Roman times and you can climb a lot of narrow stairs to get an even higher view of the area IMG_7567 On the watchtower, the Torre de la Vela, 25 m (85 ft high), the flag of Ferdinand and Isabella was first raised, in token of the Spanish conquest of Granada, on January 2, 1492. A turret containing a huge bell was added in the 18th century, and restored after being damaged by lightning in 1881. IMG_7568 Ruins show various structures including the baths and dungeon in another area IMG_7570 Several tourists look from the medium height lookout in the lower right across Granada IMG_7572 The Pillar of Charles V IMG_7579 IMG_7580 A series of streams flows along a series of steps and canals down the steep hill back to Granada IMG_7582 This is the Puerta Judiciaria (Gate of Judgment), a massive horseshoe archway, surmounted by a square tower, and used by the Moors as an informal court of justice. A hand, with fingers outstretched as a talisman against the evil eye, is carved above this gate on the exterior; a key, the symbol of authority, occupies the corresponding place on the interior. IMG_7585 I believe this is a fountain of Columbus asking Isabella for funding of his trip IMG_7587 The watchtower IMG_7588 The courtyard of our hotel IMG_7592 Elsewhere in Granada, a modern piece of art IMG_7594 The Alhambra at sunset IMG_7595 IMG_7596 An alley in Granada at night IMG_7617 IMG_7619 Return to Features