The Alhambra is an ancient palace fortress and citadel. The Alhambra was named for its reddish walls.

While touring the Alhambra, we learned that the structure was influenced by the Arabs. Spanish architecture has more diversity than other cultures due to the Moors, Christians, and the Renaissance. Since many ethnic groups inhabited Spain, they have mixed all of them into one unique culture. One of the first kind of structure built in Spain is called the dolmen. It is made out of rock and resembles a table. It was used for prayer. When the Romans conquered Spain, architecture became more civilized. They made houses and big cities. During this time, Spanish architecture was very similar to Greek and Italian architecture.

Pre-Romanesque architecture is Christianity based. These buildings had new traits such as arches and lattices, symmetrical buildings, and large towers. After Pre-Romanesque, Romanesque architecture became popular. Romanesque was similar to Pre-Romanesque, but it was innovated and sturdier. Most of these buildings were designed by monks and religious people. Monasteries and churches became popular in this time. Pre-Romanesque and Romanesque influenced modern Spanish architecture. Gothic style was also very popular. It included pointed arches, stained glass windows, thin walls and pillars, and gargoyles. Gothic style was changed into the Renaissance style and Baroque style, which are similar to Italian architecture. Modern Spanish architecture carries traits from all of these styles.