Filling in some gaps in Spain, a Greenland cruise and I'm getting a tattoo!

[RooFlyer]

Some other stuff

Columns blackened by centuries (millenia) or people wrapping their arms around them







So,e of the loot in the Treasury. This is silver and gold plate 1500s







Silver and gold plate 1300s

 

[RooFlyer]

Around the outside and up the bell tower (formerly the minaret) - pay extra to go up - many stairs!!



A large courtyard of citrus - unfortunately neither in flower nor fruit.



Up we go - again, timed entry



A mosque with a cathedral built in it!







Just say'n









Just have to put these in. Some really cool granite pavers everywhere I've been - grey granite with abundant large xenoliths included. These are pieces of wall rock absorbed into the liquid granite as it ascends, partly digested and thoroughly cooked!

 

[Pushka]

So many billions of dollars must be invested in various places of worship. I wonder, like the Pyramids, if in future Millenia the grave robbers may come visiting.

 

[kevrosmith]

So many billions of dollars must be invested in various places of worship. I wonder, like the Pyramids, if in future Millenia the grave robbers may come visiting.

Are you predicting the collapse of society and reversion to centuries of abandoned cities?

 

[tgh]

Are you predicting the collapse of society and reversion to centuries of abandoned cities?

If Pushka is not so predicting, I opine that is is less a prediction than a certainty…..

 

[Pushka]

Are you predicting the collapse of society and reversion to centuries of abandoned cities?

It's kinda happening right now and has been since forever. Humanity just can't help itself.

 

[RooFlyer]

A walk around the old town showed it to be bright with many shops and restaurants.













The small synagogue was completed in 1315, possibly that of a family. After the jews were expelled in 1492, it was used for a variety of purposes and was only restored and opened as a museum in 1985.





The niche which would have held the hekhal (Torah ark)



The wall decoration follows the 'Mudéjar tradition' - a distinctive architectural and artistic style that flourished in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly after the Christian Reconquista, as Muslim artisans and craftsmen continued to work for Christian patrons.

 

[RooFlyer]

The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (Palace of the Christian monachs) was unfortunately closed for extensive renovations, so just a walk around outside The site had been the centre of power during the Ottoman period, and before. After the Christian Reconquista in 1236, about 1328, , Alfonso XI of Castile began building the present day structure on part of the site for the old fortress. The structure still appears Islamic due to Alfonso's use of the Mudéjar style.

Isabella and Ferdinand used the Alcázar for one of the first permanent tribunals of the Spanish Inquisition and as a headquarters in 1482, targeting a surviving Moorish area of Granada. They converted much of it, including the old hammam, into torture and interrogation chambers. The Inquisition maintained a tribunal here for three centuries. Christopher Columbus had his first audience here with Isabella and Ferdinand to solicit support for his expedition to find a western sea route to Asia.

Torre de los Leones

















The old city wall, and Puerta de la Luna, Gate of the Moon, leading to the Jewish Quarter.



A good way to hide a car park



3pm. Hot as hell. Retired to the hotel.

 

[SYD]

Any decent Vermut bars? 1pm and a Vermut on ice is a nice way to start lunch. Save the Pedro for desert!

 

[Seat0B]

3pm. Hot as hell. Retired to the hotel.

My hatred of hot weather and crowds is why we try to avoid Europe in peak summer. You’re very brave @RooFlyer to tackle these conditions.

 

[VPS]

My hatred of hot weather and crowds is why we try to avoid Europe in peak summer. You’re very brave @RooFlyer to tackle these conditions.

Agree 100%