I posted a similar thread on the Asia board.

I just came back from Spain and saw Spain's most treasured site, an incredible Muslim fort & complex called The Alhambra (Red Fort). It was pretty amazing. I even noticed it is one of the sites nominated for the New Seven Wonders of the world.

I must say that if you are someone that has already seen the great Islamic/Mughal architecture of India, you may be a tad less... overwhelemed.

Don't get me wrong, the Alhambra was beautiful, but in the span of a week I saw the Taj, Fatehpuhr Sikr and the Amber Palace. The Alhambra has had much much better upkeep than the Amber Palace in particular. Also the fact that the Alhambra didn't have the water issues of Fatehpuhr Sikr has given them the most incredible gardens!

When I got to the Alhambra, I thought &quot;Well this is what I would <b>expect</b> of Muslim leaders back then.&quot;

Perhaps if I had seen the Alhambra first, I would have been less impressed by some of the sites in India. Any thoughts?

I saw the Taj first (in day time and by a full moon yet!)and was much more impressed by Alhambra, possibly because I'm much more impressed with Spain than India. I've been back to Spain many times and have no desire or intention to go back to India. Different strokes for different folks, right?

Hey Waynehazle!

I visited The Alhambra after travelling around Morocco, and I felt the same as you. Was like... hey! I want my money back!

What I liked the most in The Alhambra was the beautiful gardens maze-like.

Even they can have some similarities being muslim palaces..you just can't compare. The Alhambra is unique because no other palace or fort of its time is left on foot in the state of conservation Alhambra is. So, it's not only about beauty (which is a subjective opinion). Maybe on its time, Indian palaces where even more beautiful, I don't know, but sure the Nasrid dinasty was not there.

waynehazle, I have seen all four of them. Frankly, they are all very nice. Note that Mughal Architecture dates to 16th and 17th century while Alhambra is older and was built from 12th to 14th century. To me, somewhat hard to compare.

I answered you on Asia. I agree that the total experience of viewing the Taj (I saw it in the moonlight with few people around) was more thrilling. The sight actually brought my father to tears, the only time I had seen him cry! But I do not think you can really compare..

Also, is the Alhambra really the &quot;red fort?&quot; I always associated that with the one in Delhi......sorry, it has been along time since my last visit to India!!

ek, Alhambra = Al Hamra (arabic) = red palace. it is made from red clay in the area. Delhi's Red Fort = Lal Quila (hindi) = Red Fort. It is made with north indian deep red sandstones. Consequently they both look, well, red.

I am happy to revisit either of these two monuments, again.

And here are some black and white shots of the Alhambra

http://tinyurl.com/3b3tzz

Well I never!!! Thank you for the information; I had never heard that! But forgive me, as it has been a long time, but I don't remember the Alhambra as looking red (??) but the fort in Delhi is most definitely a deep red.... It has been years since I have been in Granada..maybe I have to pay another visit and see for myself!

I have been to all four of those places, but I visited the Alhambra prior to visiting India for the first time, and I was very impressed with Granada and the Alhambra. I was more impressed, though, with Cordoba's Mezquita, which I visited on another trip to Spain several years later.

ek,

Visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/cs2/sets and open &quot;Madrid Granada&quot; folder. Alhambra is definitely red/reddish.

Or better yet, go there again

I have also seen all four you mention and in my opinion the Taj is in a class all to itself.

I feel like a man with multiple mistresses! I agree Taj is amazing (also, anything made specifically as a dedication of someone's love to another has to be!). But in their own ways, so are the others because they are all unique. Taj is Taj. Alhambra is much older and pretty well preserved. The lights/sounds show at Red Fort brings it all alive. So.. let's visit them all Again