The Moors held Spain for a number of centuries. Their capital was at Granada (grä-nä´ dä), and their palaces are called the Alhambra. One of the palaces only is properly named the Alhambra, that is the Palace of the Moorish Kings. But the name is now applied to the many buildings. The Alhambra sets on a hill surrounded by deep ravines. It was well placed for defense against a foe in the Middle Ages. The first palace was built by Mohammed I, in the 13th century. Succeeding kings built the finest of these-the Court of the Lions, so named because twelve lions bear a large fountain basin in the center of the court. Under King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella the Moors were driven out. King Ferdinand tore down part of the Alhambra and built a new palace. Since then wars and neglect have further destroyed the fine old structures. But many of the ruins have been restored. Now the Alhambra belongs to the government and is well cared for. It is one of the wonder spots of Europe. The bright colors of the desert, mingled with the Eastern idea of carving, give the whole place an out-of-the-world appearance. It is said that the coloring was made as magnificent as that of the rugs of the East. The view you get in the picture suggests the great size of the Alhambra and the many kinds of buildings it contains. If you wish to have a vivid account of the old Moorish palace read Irving's The Alhambra. Where have you heard before of Ferdinand and Isabella? Who are the Moors? Where is this race of people now found? Is Spain considered one of the great countries of the world today? Was it ever so considered? What was the Spanish-American War about? Keystone ID: 967 Note: All titles, descriptions, and location coordinates are from the original Keystone Slide documentation as supplied by the Keystone View Company. No text has been edited or changed.