Costa del Sol ("Coast of the Sun") of the Malaga region in Andalusia has been the favourite of world travellers and vacation homes of many European expatriates. This March we had opportunity to visit this beautiful place. There are many splendid and expansive Spanish villas along the hillsides. We also saw several property development sites laying idle. The effects of the financial crisis are still being felt here.
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| (Hotel and vacation houses in Costa del Sol) |
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| (Spanish villa overlooking the Mediterranean Sea) |
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| (Apartment buildings in the Port of Malaga) |
Andalusia had been under Islamic rule for more than seven centuries. Granada was the last Muslim strong hold under 1492. The Islamic roots can still be found in local culture and architecture.
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| (Colourful flower pots for sale) |
When the Arabs and Moors came to the Iberian peninsular, they were delighted to find more abundant water supply as compared to their deserts home. Flowing water and fountains are the main features of the Islamic gardens. There are wonderful examples of Islamic gardens in the Generalife Palace in Granada.
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| (Islamic garden in the Palace of Generalife) |
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| (Water fountain made of marble) |
Gardeners of the Generalife Palace have skillfully cultivated orange trees to make them parts of the garden decorations.
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| (Orange trees for decoration) |
In case you are interested to know more about Islamic gardens, you can read Brookes, John. Gardens of paradise: the history and design of the great Islamic gardens. New York: New Amsterdam Books, 1987.
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