What took us to Granada? One thing and one thing only, a deep and long held desire to see the Alhambra Palace. For anyone out there who’s never heard of it, it’s a Moorish palace that was built over several centuries but started in the 11th Century that stands on a hillside looking over the city of Granada. This photo was shot in a part of the palace built in the 13th century.

We knew it would be amazing but I’m not kidding when I say it was the most beautiful place I have ever been and I’m pretty sure that I will not see any architecture that surpasses it in the rest of my life. Inside it’s layer upon layer of gorgeous honey-coloured carved stone, ceramic tiles, carved inlaid wood, made into columns, arches, rooms, perfectly-framed vistas and cool courtyards. Islamic architecture cannot be beaten in my view. Outside there are acres of delightful gardens, both formal and informal, cleverly irrigated to keep it all green and fresh. It’s not just a preserved monument though, it’s got modern bits that have been carefully constructed so they don’t intrude on the glory of the Moorish buildings. I have to admit to finding the (probably) 1970s bit which disappears into the background because of its living roof and low-rise construction hugely inspiring too.

I was moved to tears by what I saw today, not to mention inspired and awed. Travelling more than a thousand miles now seems like a small price to pay for an experience so intense and extraordinary.