Spain: Alhambra at last! BRR!

 After a summer like day the day before, we were greeted with cold rain on our way to Alhambra.  We woke up early and jumped into the car.  We had packed lots of extra layers, but this bad mother left them all in our bags at the hotel.  It was rainy, cold, and windy and we could see the snow falling in the mountains just a little bit up from where we were.

 The path to the main palaces weaves you through the lovely gardens.  We were so cold that we did not enjoy the gardens  much  and wished there were a straighter path to shelter.

 BRR!

We started at Alcazaba, one of the oldest parts of the Alhambra.The Alcazaba, a fortress, is the oldest part of the Alhambra, as is the case of the Vermilion Towers (Torres Bermejas). It is thought that before it was built and before the Muslims arrived to Granada, there were already several constructions in the same area. The first historical reference to the existence of the Alcazaba dates from the 9th century and it is believed that it was then built by Sawwar ben Hamdun during the fights between Muslims and muwalladins [Christians who converted to the Islam and lived among the Muslims].
The current complex was built by Mohammed I, who constructed the ramparts around the previous castle, defences and three new towers: The Broken Tower (Torre Quebrada), the Keep (Torre del Homenaje) and the Watch Tower (Torre de la Vela). As a consequence, the Alcazaba became a real fortress, where the king established the royal residence. His son Mohammed II also had his residence in the Alcazaba, until the palaces were finished. From then on, the Alcazaba was only used as a fortress for military purposes.
When the Christians took the city, they carried out many works to repair the Alcazaba. At different points in history, it was used as a State prison, even during the French occupation.

 Carlos V ordered the construction of the palace near the Alhambra so he could enjoy its wonders. The architect in charge of the construction was "Pedro Machuca", who loved the Renaissance style and was an experienced architect. The works, that started in 1527 and finished in 1957, went through different stages, lack of money, revolts that stopped the construction, etc. The ceilings sank due to abandonment.
Palacia de Carlos V holds the Museum of the Alhambra.  You couldn't take photos inside of the museum.  

 Thank God for the hot chocolate machine.  It saved us (twice!).