Alhambra, Granada

Long ago, Muslims ruled a large part of what is now Spain. They called it 'Al-Andalus,' and it was a paradise of gardens, libraries, fountains, and schools for almost 800 years. The Alhambra is the most famous building they left behind.

The Alhambra sits on a hill in the city of Granada. Its name means 'The Red One,' because the stones glow red in the sunset. Inside, every wall, ceiling, and arch is covered in incredible geometric patterns and Qur'an verses carved into the plaster like lace.

There are little courtyards everywhere, each with its own marble fountain. The most famous one is the Court of the Lions, where 12 stone lions hold up a beautiful round fountain in the middle. Water flows from the fountain through tiny channels into all four sides of the courtyard.

The Alhambra reminds Muslims that for hundreds of years, Andalusia was a center of learning. Muslim scientists, doctors, and poets lived there, and Christians and Jews came from all over Europe to study with them.