Medina Al-Zahra

Two Fridays ago our program organized a small excursion to Medina Al-Zahra, the 12th-century (?) palace and political/economic center of Al-Andaluz (Andalusia today). Again, apologies for the links!

The palace was built into the side of the hill, for defence and cooling reasons.
http://photos-h.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v1794/32/14/2104379/n2104379_31684207_9455.jpg

Another view out into the fields - you can see the early morning mist hasn't dissipated yet.
http://photos-b.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v1794/32/14/2104379/n2104379_31684201_7488.jpg

Restoration work of the Salón de Ricos, thought to be a reception hall for foreign dignitaries and other Important People.
http://photos-e.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v1794/32/14/2104379/n2104379_31684204_8469.jpg

Restoration in progress
http://photos-f.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v1794/32/14/2104379/n2104379_31684205_8795.jpg
http://photos-g.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v1794/32/14/2104379/n2104379_31684206_9120.jpg

One last look...
http://photos-d.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v1794/32/14/2104379/n2104379_31684203_8140.jpg