Granada was the last stronghold for the Moors on the Iberian Peninsula. In the year 711, people with a strong Muslim faith came over the straits of Gibraltar. In a matter of a few years they were able to establish a prosperous society. Trade, culture and science were blooming. In Cordoba they established the first university in Europe in about the year 800. It was here most of the ancient history was translated from Arabic to Latin. We still use a lot of Arabic words, like algebra, our numbers 1,2, 3, 4. so this culture had a strong and important impact on western civilization. It was the bridge between the Greek and later European civilization of the early 1500s. Interestingly, the Moorish society was also very open and liberal, and Christians and Jews were able to live side by side with Muslims.
In the year 1492 the religious, almost civil war on the Iberian Peninsula ended with the Muslim defeat at Granada. Spain was now to become the most extreme of countries for Christianity, and for more than 400 years the church had a major impact on society with the Inquisition. Jews and Muslims were forced to leave the country and Spain later spent a lot of the silver and gold, brought from South America, fighting religious wars in Europe.
A few years before their defeat, the Moors finished the Alhambra palace. This must be regarded as one of the "Wonders of the World" built by man. The palace is positioned on the high slopes of Sierra Nevada and overlooks the plains below and the city of Granada. It does not matter if you come in winter, spring, summer or fall, as the climate is always perfect. As you walk through the palace, the tiles, the mosaic and the architecture are astonishing and the flowing fountains all help to create a relaxing atmosphere.
After the grand tour through the Alhambra Palace we continued to the garden of the gardens, the Generalife. It is hard to believe it was actually built in the 1300s. It is splendid!
Then it was time for a big Spanish-style two-hour lunch at the Alhambra Hotel. The number of dishes was incredible. Most of our guests had to have both a second and a third round to try everything. It was delicious.
Next it was time for a short siesta. Buses took us down to the city of Granada and we went to visit to huge cathedral where Ferdinand and Isabella are laid to rest. The cathedral itself is an impressive structure.
At 7 o'clock we were back at the Caledonian Star at sail for Gibraltar. This night we had a nice moon and the Mediterranean was again flat and calm.
