Art historians suggest that the Court of the Lions in the Alhambra is an architectural representation of Paradise, containing four distinct parts which represent the four corners of the world. The columns are like palms in an oasis, and each section of the garden is irrigated with a water channel to form four rivers. Though today the gardens are just dry stone gardens, they were full of trimmed flowers in the Middle Ages.
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In the Alhambra of Grenada, two nuns marvel at the swirling arabesques in the Court of the Lions. At the base of the fountain, surrounded by twelve lions, lines from a poem by Ibn Zamrak compare the water of the fountain to tears of a lover.
Philip III was the predecessor of Charles V, who built a palace in the Alhambra during his tenure as Holy Roman Emperor.
Andalucia is one of the most popular spots in Spain for the botanists - the wildflowers are legendary, and some grow nowhere else in the world.
Arabic and Spanish exist in tandem in Andalucia, reflecting the cultural heritage of the region. Centuries of Moorish rule produce the dual prevalence of Spanish and Arabic.
Olives are just as big an industry in Spain as they are in Greece and Italy. In Spain, they grow best in Andalucia.
The Caliphate horseshoe arch is a defining aspect of the Alhambra; the windows are almost all capped by a horseshoe arch.
Coastal Spain contains miles of salt evaporation ponds, or salterns. These are shallow, manmade ponds that extract salt from seawater. These salterns are located near the Bay of Cadiz.
Sherry vineyards contain white grapes that grow in bushes, rather than on the vine. Southern Spain is the home of sherry manufacturing, and essentially the only place in Europe where it is made.
Picasso-esque graffiti graces the plastered walls of Spain. True artists see beauty in the negative space.
Andalusia prides itself in its rich tradition of beautifully painted ceramic plates and jugs. Taking cues from the local architecture, geometric patterns, plants, and flowery motifs are popular.
This extraordinary Jewish philosopher and Jewish physician was born in Cordoba in 1135, and lived most of his life there. During this period, a high degree of tolerance permitted different religious communities to thrive. His compilation of the Mishnah stands as one of the outstanding works of medieval philosophy.
When the Alhambra was constructed, basically the only areas left undecorated came from the floor to about a meter plus off it, so that persons could recline against cool marble walls on hot days. Note the especially deep carving and the deep niches.
The famous "Courtyard of the Lions" contains intricate geometric patterns in the stonework surrounding the garden. The Nasrids mixed together the varieties of architecture that were common during Muslim rule of Spain. Sloping muqarnas and Almavorid palms greet tourists and experts alike at the Alhambra.
The Alhambra originated as a small Jewish fortress, and it was first called "Gharnatah al-Yahud," or "Granada of the Jews." That fact comes out in the plastered-over walls of the oldest buildings.
Peristyles around inner courtyard, Alhambra
The Alhambra was a spot of continuous construction from 889 CE to the 1500s as it went through a succession of different owners. The Islamic architecture and geometric motifs were added in the 1300s by Moorish emir Mohammed ben Al-Ahmar.
The high ceilings and deep recesses help keep interior spaces cool. At the center of this courtyard is a large reflecting pool, also designed for both comfortable and beauty.
Qu'ranic inscription incised on Alhambra wall
Verses from the Qur'an, written in a special form of Arabic, have been deeply carved into the marble walls of the Alhambra, built in the mid-14th century of the Common Era.
Muslim architects and builders devised many ways to keep structures cool in the hot summers of southern Spain. Having water within buildings cooled the surroundings naturally through ventilation. Pools of this sort also added to visual beauty.
This famous inscription stresses the visual beauty of Granada. "Give him something, woman, that there is nothing worse in life than to be a blind man in Granada," it reads.
The Alhambra takes its name from Arabic, meaning "Red Fort." Built in the mid-14th century, it remains one of the most glorious examples of Moorish architecture. Depiction of humans is not permitted in Muslim art. Hence, craftsmen turned to intricate designs in tiles, ceilings and the like.
This extraordinary church (known officially as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption) is more popularly called the "Mosque Cathedral." The columns shown in this picture was constructed in several stages between 784 and 987CE. The city of Cordoba served as the capital of Andalusia (al-Andalus. in Arabic), the last Muslim stronghold on the Iberian peninsula. The church's giant arches, with 856 columns of jasper, onyx, marble, and granite, were made from pieces of the Roman temple which had occupied the site previously, as well as other destroyed Roman buildings.
As readily evident from the flags displayed -- British, Dutch, German, American and French -- this store caters to affluent citizens of other developed countries. Delft is the center of trade in fine pottery and china in the Netherlands
This stunning mosaic was assembled in the Roman outpost of Colonia Claudia Ara Agrippinensium, the basis for modern Cologne, during the third century CE. In all likelihood, it decorated an elaborate villa. In addition to realistic depictions of animals, note how realistically humans are portrayed. The mosaic was uncovered in 1941 during construction of an air-raid shelter. The museum in which it is housed dates from 1974.
Professor Welch by Rhine, with Maus Castle in background. Maus Castle, or Thurnberg, was the most-frequented residence of the electors of Trier. Its nickname, Maus Castle, comes from the legend that its 14th-century inhabitants spied on a neighboring stronghold like "cat and mouse."
Votive candles are purchased by individuals, lit, and placed before altars (especially in Roman Catholic and Anglican chuches). They symbolize prayers made by the buyer on behalf of others.
Nearly half of the Netherlands lies a yard or less above sea level, with one-eighth of the country actually below it. Reclaiming potentially rich agricultural land from the sea and keeping the polders dry for agriculture or urban development rank at the top of the Dutch agenda. Almost all pumping is now carried out by pumps powered by electricity rather than wind. However, in order to conserve resources, the Dutch government has invested heavily in renewable forms of energy.
Germany's economic might and Europe's growing integration are shown in this picture of a traffic jam.
Although Germany prides itself on its system of high-speed roads, in reality most are jammed and many brought to complete standstills at some hours or days, owing to heavy commercial traffic.
Stained glass window of Rembrandt, Rijksmuseum
This window depicts Holland's most famous painter, Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669). He became famous and relatively affluent during his lifetime through his portraits of the rich and famous, numerous self-portraits, paintings of groups, and etchings. The Rijsmuseum ("State Museum") was designed by the same architect who planned thhe Amsterdam railway station
similarities in style are obvious. The Rijsmuseum opened to the public in 1885.
Professor Jeannette Ludwig by the North Sea
Professor Ludwig, co-donor of this collection, loved her visits to Europe. This picture shows her in the Dutch resort town of Scheveningen.
The Netherlands became the world's wealthiest country in the 17th century through its trade. The Mauruithuis houses many of the country's most noted works of art. For example, artists such as Rembrandt, Hals or Vermeer. Works collected by the royal family were donated to to the Mauruitshuis by King William I. The structure itself, located in the Netherlands' royal capital, was constructed between 1636 and 1641 in symmetrical style.
In Trier, Germany, Roman Emperor Constantine commissioned a palace basilica. Today, the Aula Palatina functions as an Evangelical Church, but the original structure has not changed much since the 4th century.
Located in the picturesque Moselle Valley, this basilica dates from the period shortly after Christianity had been proclaimed the official religion of the Roman Empire. The basilica was constructed in the late fourth century by Constantine the Great, and was used to receive important visitors. The roof and upper walls were rebuilt in the 19th century.
Since the 16th century, Dutch pottery makers, especially those in the city of Delft, have been noted for their craftsmanship. The height of production was reached in between roughly 1640 and 1740, but specialty shops and small artisans' studios continue in operation to this day.
One of the oldest Christian churches still standing in the world, this basilica stands in Moselle Valley town of Trier. In the Roman era, it was known as Augusta Treverorum. Emperor Constantine I, known as The Great, added the basilica to the palace around 326 of the Common Era. Trier served as capital of the Prefecture of Gaul.
View from the Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp
Stone lacework on the Cathedral of Our Lady has been celebrated since its completion in 1518. The church replaced an earlier Romanesque church, which was demolished in parts to make room for the gothic structure.
For centuries, European cities' streets have been cleaned by people wielding large stick brooms ('besoms')
Amsterdam's canals yield to a contrasting culture of transportation that doesn't include cars. Cycling, walking, and boating are far more important in Dutch culture than taking cars. A testament to this are the rows and rows of bicycles parked for the day outside of an office building.
The Botanical Garden of Brussels houses tropical and semi-tropical plants inside, while still featuring a hedge maze and several bronze statues and fountains in its not-so-humble "backyard."
This relatively small parish church in Antwerp includes several precious works of art by by Rubens, Jordaens, and De Roeck. A smaller chapel off to the side of the church is the Chapel of Our Lady of Good Success, which protects sailors and merchants.
Edam is a wonderful Flemish day trip outside of the main city center of Amsterdam. Edam is a market town famed for its wax-covered cheese and a Wednesday morning market. The best cheese can be found there in summer season.
Known as klompen in Dutch, these traditional wooden shoes or clogs enjoy a long history as the preferred work shoes for farmers and gardeners. First made in the Middle Ages, they are easily fashioned from poplar or willow wood, and can be tailored to the individual foot. They are safe, durable, and especially good for keeping feet dry in the often soggy Dutch polder landscape. Painted clogs were usually worn as "Sunday best" and remain a favorite tourist souvenir.
These tiles are painted in the Delft style. They are originally from the United Kingdom. Perhaps these were shipped from the UK before the Anglo-Dutch Wars?
Sunset at Scheveningen with Professor Claude Welch
Claude Welch, major donor of this collection, shown on the Dutch coast.
The cuisine of Belgium is a blend of French and Dutch. Mussels, filet, and beef stew are common, and beer is extremely common.
Ostend's architecture is shaped by its history: Germans invaded Ostend in World War II, thereby destroying many of the older buildings. Most of Ostend's seaside buildings are modern resorts.
Ostend's location on the North Sea made it strategic as well as vulerable. Ostend was sacked by the Dutch and the Austrians, then became entrenched in the Anglo-Dutch Wars in the 1700s. Today it is a seaside resort, analogous to Brighton in the UK or Guethary in France.
Ostend is home to an annual sandcastle competition. These aren't your average sandcastles - most are several feet high and depict wondrous medieval castles, Disney movie characters, and other scenes that capture the imagination of young and old.
Located on the River Scheldt, Antwerp has the second largest port in Europe and was the birthplace of Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens. Due to its policy of religious tolerance, Antwerp became home to a significant Orthodox Jewish population in the 1500s. Culture shifted from Antwerp to Amsterdam after the Protestant Reformation due to economic downturn in Antwerp.
The Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp has never been completed, yet it is hailed throughout the Europe as a masterpiece of architecture. Holy Roman Emperor Charles V noted that the spire "should be kept under glass." 16 bell-ringers are required to sound the largest bell in the tower.
The Museum of Fine Arts (MSK) in Ghent collects Flemish and French art, with particular strengths in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Notable works include St. Jerome at Prayer by Hieronymus Bosch and Jupiter and Antiope by Anthony Van Dyck.
The Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent is home to paintings and sculptures as well as collections of traditional crafts and artful furniture. Pieces are arranged in such a way that they set a "scene" of a room, such as a dining room or family room. This arrangement of artworks allows us to reconstruct an image of what life would have been like in the Northern European Renaissance.
Ghent has many green spaces and little parks all throughout the city.
The stone streets and notched houses of Ghent provide a quaint backdrop for tourists.
Aside from being a monument to Ghent's long and varied history, the Gravensteen offers the best views of the cityscape, with the towering belfry, clock tower, and cathedrals accentuated against the red roofs of the Lowlands.
What makes a great European city? In Ghent, the city is composed of a clear juxtaposition between old and new: the graceful intersection of a medieval fortress built by an old Crusader and modern taverns, powerlines, stop signs, and guard rails.
The Gravensteen, a castle in Ghent, was commissioned and built by Philip of Alsace in 1180. Like many medieval buildings in Ghent, the Gravensteen has been used for a variety of purposes throughout history. Namely, a princely residence, a court, a prison, and a factory. In the 1800s, it was scheduled to be demolished, but the City of Ghent took up restoration efforts and now profits from tourism.
St. Bavo's Cathedral was the sight of the baptism of Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor. Its imposing tower offers a view of the other imposing tower in the city: the medieval Ghent belfry.
This view of the central "Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" panel shows the frame's nod to its makers: Hubert and Jan Van Eyck. Art historians believe that Hubert constructed and outlined the frame, but that Jan did most of the painting. The altarpiece was stolen from St. Bavo's Cathedral by Germans during World War I and again in World War II. After World War II, the altarpiece was returned in pieces over the course of the 20th century. It spent some of its time hidden in a salt mine and, consequently, has required much restoration. One panel, the Just Judges, has yet to be returned. A restoration sits in its place below Adam and the Singing Angels.
St. Bavo's is the home of the Diocese of Ghent. More significantly, it houses the Ghent Altarpiece, Hubert and Jan van Eyck's masterpiece. The altarpiece is one of the most significant works in the early northern Renaissance. The work was commissioned by the mayor of Ghent and was designed to fit St. Bavo's Cathedral.
One of three medieval constructions that tower over Ghent, the belfry was constructed in 1313 and finished in 1380, with a golden dragon brought from Bruges crowning the top of the spire. The hall attached to the belfry was used throughout history as a meeting hall for local militias, a jail, and even a fencing academy.
St. Nicholas' Church has undergone a series of renovations over the past 50 years which finally relieved centuries-long plaster and wood fixes that were common before the use of steel.
Sint Jorishof, one of the oldest buildings in Ghent, has operated as a cloth hall, an inn, a tavern, and much more. This humble hall in the center of town was constructed around 1000 CE and has had notable vistors such as Napoleon and Winston Churchill. Today, it's a hotspot for dinner and drinks.
Much like the city of Rome, the city of Bruges is a palimpsest: layer upon layer of architecture and construction piles up and breaks down through time, ultimately creating the city we know today,
Flemish clogs were made by hand in the middle ages and featured a thick wooden sole with a leather top. Such footwear was good for working in mud or in unsafe conditions, but it probably was not all too comfortable!
Bruges has been settled continuously by humans since the days before recorded history. Reaching cultural zeniths in the medieval period and the Renaissance, Bruges has held onto one constant: its workers and merchants. Merchants brought in foreign trade and textiles, while day-laborers manufactured finished textiles for retail and export.
Canals in Bruges create a unique boating, cycling and pedestrian culture which favors a greater connection with nature and the great moneymaker of the Netherlands: the shipping industry.
In Bruges, older buildings carry a distinctive pyramid-like structure with baroque stylings. The architecture clings to tradition as it embraces subtle innovation, much like the city itself.
The incredible Church of Our Lady looms over the city of Bruges. A whopping 400 feet tall, the church is home to a Madonna and Child sculpture by the Renaissance master Michelangelo.
Colorful banners fly through the streets of Bruges in celebration of its history going back to medieval times.
Hand-made lace has been almost completely supplanted in markets by machine-made lace. This museum shows excellent examples of decades-old handmade lace.
Plaque showing an enema being administered
The basic principles of enemas haven't changed in the four or more centuries since this plaque was carved. This woodcut, in Bruges, is a testament to that.
This magnificent high Gothic cathedral manifests the commercial wealth Strasbourg gained, due in large part to its position between French- and German-speaking areas on the Rhine.
Poster for the Louvre depicting Hans Memling's "Angel Holding an Olive Branch"
Prosperity from the wool trade meant merchants of Bruges built elaborate homes and offices, as indicated here.
This Bruges basilica is home to frescoes depicting church history, from the time of Christ to the Renaissance. Church fathers believe and maintain that the relic of a cloth with Christ's blood was taken from Jerusalem by crusaders in the twelfth century and brough back in a vial to Bruges, where it rests to this day.
The Basilica of the Holy Blood, a minor basilica in Bruges, claims to own a relic of Jesus Christ: namely, his blood. Unveiled every Friday in a public procession, a vial containing a cloth soaked in Christ's blood lends its name to the Roman Catholic Church.
Bruges is home its very own belfry: a medieval bell tower that once doubled as the city's archives and central administration building. The building looms over Bruges' central market. To get to the top, you'll have to climb 366 narrow, rickety steps!
This magnificent square not only exhibits fine examples of Flemish architecture during its golden age, but also currently houses a wide variety of restaurants and bars.
Many little (and quite large) bronze statues litter the city of Belgium, calling attention to the artists and their many, varied muses. Off of a main square, a statue of Renaissance painter Rogier van der Weyden marveling at Jesus and Mary captivates tourists as they look upon the artist's chief inspiration.
The Aachen Cathedral in Western Germany is the oldest cathedral in northern Europe, built from 796-805 and commissioned by Charlemagne. It boasts a variety of mosaics, including one featuring a mother pelican feeding her young the blood of her breast. The pelican was a symbol of the passion of the Christ in medieval times and holds a prominent place in Aachen's great cathedral.
The Netherlands is noted for its production of tulip bulbs. However, the Dutch prize fresh flowers in their homes. This regular market does a booming business.
Bicycle and pedestrian traffic, Amsterdam
The flat, crowded setting of The Netherlands makes high-density urban planning essential. Dutch citizens use bicycles extensively, aided by the relatively moderate climate.
Amsterdam's winding canals necessitate a maze of bridges, which enable citizens and merchants to coexist peacefully. The bridges are pulled up to accommodate larger boats, and the canalside fosters a strong pedestrian and cycling culture.
The Dutch, like the Germans, rejoice in their beer. Today, Heineken is one of the Dutch's largest alcohol exports. Their regional take on the beverage, white beer, is made with added spices for a stronger flavor than the average lager.
The Frans Hals museum is housed in the former Old Men's Alms House. It displays art from the period of Hals (c.1579-1666) and items of local historical interest.
Pedestrian crossing by Amsterdam RR station
Amsterdam, and the Netherlands generally, have emphasized bicycle and pedestrian friendly urban environments for many years.
Because of his many commissions, Rembrandt accumulated significant wealth and built a fine home. This houses a major collection of his etchings.
Amsterdam accumulated great wealth in the late 16th and 17th centuries due to trade, as shown in these magnificent homes.
Canal house boats and private homes, Amsterdam
At the heart of the city of Amsterdam are five major circular canals, along which the most splendid homes stand. Population growth and lack of space -- in addition to high costs of permanent housing restrictions on building height and architectural character -- have increasingly driven newcomers and permanent residents alike to live in houseboats.
During her period hiding from the Nazis, Ann Frank was inspired by both the sounds of the bells in this church [the 'West Church'] of Amsterdam and by the sight of the tree shown in this picture. This view was taken from the window of the attic room where her family was concealed. Because of age and disease, this tree was cut down in 2008.
The Protestant Reformation prompted some Amsterdam Catholics, newly stripped of the right to worship openly, to build "schuilkerken," or secret churches. This secret church was constructed in the top three floors of a canal house in 1660 and was christened the second-oldest Dutch museum in 1888.
At the Frans Hals museum, tourists can view the subtle mastery of Dutch Protestant Reformation artwork, and experience what a dining room may have been like for the upper echelons of society.
The Frans Hals museum is located in a hofje, or courtyard surrounded by small homes. It houses municipal relics, mostly dating back to the Protestant Reformation.
Charming houses line the streets of one of Haarlem's oldest neighborhoods.
Haarlem was a center of culture in the Netherlands during the 1600s. A local Haarlem legend states that Laurens Janszoon Coster was actually the first inventor of the printing press. A statue commemorates him in the market square.
Some homes in the Netherlands have permanent hooks on the overhangs of their windows to facilitate moving furniture - the doorframes are too small!
This Dutch B&B just screams Rembrandt and Scarlatti. In the 1600s, the Dutch defined luxury. They became incredibly wealthy and prosperous merchants for a time.