Palace of Joy

Originally a fortress in the 9th century the building was extended as a palace in the 11th century by the Muslim rulers of this region (or caliphate). Apparently it is based on at fortress/palace model common in the deserts of Syria and Jordan. The Emir called this place his Palace of Joy. It's probably stereotype but I can easily imagine the Moorish royalty enjoying themselves among these joyous arches. There's obviously lots of restoration as all this would not have survived untouched by by centuries of Christian rule.