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PART II, 
A DESCRIPTION OF THE ALHAMRA AT GRANADA. 
THE Engraving, which is introductory to the description of the Alhamra, exhibits
a combination of Arabian ornaments, selected 
from various parts of that celebrated palace. 
In the centre of this plate, round the circle, is the motto, which so frequently
occurs in the edifice,-" Wa la2 ghailib illa-llah," 
that is, " There is no Conqueror but God." 
In the left hand corner, at the bottom of the plate, is the obverse of a
fine gold coin, exactly of the size represented, which was 
struck by order of Milhammad Abu Abdillah Ebn Yusuf, surnamed AlghMib Billih,
a celebrated king of Granada: the coin in 
question is preserved in the Museum of the King of Spain. Within the square
is an Arabic inscription, of which the following is 
a translation: " In the name of God, the Merciful, the Forgiving. The
Blessing of God on Muhammad and his family.-There is 
no Conqueror but God."  On the segments of the circle round this square,
we read: " rour God is one God. There is no God but 
He,-the Merciful, the Forgiving." 
In the right hand corner, is the reverse of the same coin, containing the
following sentences: within the square: " There is no 
God but God. Miihammad is the messenger of God. Almahady, Prince of the people
qf Granada."  On the segments of the circle 
round the square: "The Commander of'the Faithful, Alghalib Billah Muhammad,
Son of Yusuf, Son of Nasr, whom God prosper." 
The central line, at the bottom of the engraving, has the following inscription
:---" Glory to our Lord Abit Abdillah. Glory 
to our Lord the Sultan." 
PLATE X. 
THE ROYAL PALACE AND FORTRESS OF ALHAMRA, AT GRANADA. 
ON looking from the royal villa or pleasure-house of Al Ge- 
neralife, which is delineated in the latter part of this work,* 
the spectator beholds the side of the palace of Alhamra, that 
commands the quarter of the city, called the Albayzin. The 
massive towers are connected by solid walls, constructed upon 
the system of fortifications which generally prevailed in the 
middle ages. These walls and towers follow all the turnings 
and windings of the mountain; and, previously to the in- 
vention of gunpowder and artillery, this fortress must have 
been almost impregnable. The situation of this edifice is the 
most delightfiul and commanding, that can well be conceived. 
Wherever the spectator may turn his eyes, it is impossible 
for him not to be struck with admiration at the picturesque 
beauty and fertility of the surrounding country.  On the 
north and west, as far as the eye can reach, a lovely plain 
presents itself, which is covered with an immense number of 
trees laden with fruits or blossoms, while on the south it is 
bounded by mountains; whose lofty summits are crowned 
with perpetual snows, whence issue the springs and streams 
that diffuse both health and coolness through the city of 
Granada. 
The Alhamra, usually, but erroneously, denominated the 
See it described infra Plates LXXXIX. to XCV. 
Alhambra, is a vast pile of building, about two thousand 
three hundred English feet in length; and its breadth, which 
is the same throughout, is about six hundred feet. It was 
erected by Muhammad Abu Abdillh, surnamed Algh-dib 
Billah; who superintended the edifice himself, and, when it 
was completed, made it the royal residence. 
For a minute account of this palace, with architectural ob- 
servations on the disposition of its several parts, the reader is 
referred to the "History of the Mahometan Empire in Spain," 
Part I. Chapter V. Sect. II. pp. 193-198. 
PLATE XI. 
AG 
1. The Pue2 
Fortre 
The gate, 
Towers. 
Armoury. 
Watch T 
A Batter 
Towers. 
Place oft 
Remains 
Palace of 
This g 
finished i