The Alhambra's Moorish palaces were built for the last Muslim Emirs in Spain. After the Reconquista by the The Catholic Monarchs in 1492 some portions were then used by the Christian rulers.

The Palace of Charles V, built in 1527, was positioned within the Nasrid fortifications of the Alhambra..

After being allowed to fall into disrepair for several centuries, the Alhambra was "re-discovered" in the 19th century by European scholars and travellers, and restoration commenced.

It is now one of Spain's major tourist attractions, exhibiting the country's most significant and well known Islamic architecture, together with 16th-century and later Christian building and garden designs.

The Alhambra is extremely popular and to prevent overcrowding entrance tickets must be purchased in advance.

More photos from La Alhambra