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Built in 1348, this magnificent horseshoe arch makes use of Arab defensive techniques – a steep approach combined with four right-angled turns – to slow down invading armies.

The “Wine Gate” – so called because it was used as a wine cellar in the 16th century – marks the main entrance arch to what was once the Medina (market).

From these ramparts visitors can enjoy superb views of Granada. The giant cisterns (aljibes ) underneath were built by the Christian conquerors.

Although largely in ruins, this fortress is well worth a look. Don’t miss climbing up onto the Torre de la Vela for views of the Sierra Nevada.

This Italian Renaissance palace is the masterpiece of Pedro Machuca, a student of Michelangelo. Housed here are the Museo de la Alhambra, with a fine collection of Nasrid art, and the Museo de Bellas Artes, with a range of interesting Christian works.

The Nasrid palaces are built of simple brick, wood and stucco, in keeping with Islamic thought not to compete with the creations of Allah.

The most poorly preserved of the three palaces, this area was the most public space, dedicated to judicial and bureaucratic business. The original structure dates from 1365, but there are obvious Christian overlays, since it was converted to a chapel in the 16th century.

Built in the mid-14th century, this area constituted the Serallo , where the sultan would receive dignitaries and deal with diplomatic issues. Inside is the Salón de Embajadores, the main throne room of the Alhambra. In front of the palace is the Patio de Arrayanes , where serene fountains and pools, fragrant plantings, and elaborate wood and stucco work are all strictly geometric in design yet delicately refined, often featuring inscribed poems in praise of Allah.

Dating from the late 1300s, this palace was the Harem, the private zone reserved for the sultan and his family. The fountain of 12 lions – which may represent the 12 signs of the zodiac, the 12 hours of the clock, or the 12 tribes of Israel – has become emblematic of the whole Alhambra.

As you leave the Alhambra, stroll through the gardens with their fountains and water-courses laid out in an area that used to have palaces of its own. All you can see of them now are five porticoed arches . This area leads up to the Generalife, the summer palace. (see Moorish Granada: Generalife).