Though the more modern palace is an exquisite building of its period, it is the Moorish structure, with its ornate carvings, pools and courtyards, that is the more impressive.On Calle Real, outside the walls but within easy reach of the Alhambra, is the Generalife, a 14th-century summer palace that is surrounded by pleasant gardens, pools and shady terraces. Entrance to the Alhambra and Generalife is on Calle Real (00 34 958 227 525, ), and the complex is open 8.30am-6pm daily, and 8pm-9.30pm Friday and Saturday Tickets cost €10 (£7.15). You can book in advance on 00 34 91 537 91 78 or at .WHERE ELSE CAN I SEE MOORISH AND CHRISTIAN ARCHITECTURE?The Alhambra has a lot in common with the Alcazar in Seville, another Andalucian city that for a long time was dominated by the Moors. The Alcazar has its origins in the 12th century, but all that remains of the original structure built by the Almohads is one of the courtyards, the Patio de Yeso. The complex now includes two palaces that were added later - the Gothic Palace, which was built on top of the Almohad remains during the 13th century, and the Mudejar Palace, built in a combination of Moorish and Christian styles a century later. This is the oldest royal palace in Europe still in use; the king and other members of the royal family stay here when they are visiting this part of Spain.
Until the end of March the Alcazar (00 34 954 502 324; ) is open 9.30am-6pm from Tuesday to Saturday, and 9.30am-4.30pm on Sundays. During the summer, it opens until 8pm from Tuesday to Saturday, and until 6pm on Sundays. Entrance costs €5 (£3.60).WHERE IS THE KING'S MAIN HOME?King Juan Carlos and his wife live in the palace of La Zarzuela on the north-eastern edge of Madrid. It was built during the 17th century by King Philip IV as a hunting lodge, but the expansion of the city means that it is not the rural retreat it once was. La Zarzuela was seriously damaged during the Spanish Civil War and was subsequently redesigned to meet the needs of King Juan Carlos, but the original room layout remains.The king receives some visitors here, but most official entertaining is done in the Royal Palace, or Palacio Real, on Calle Bailen near the Plaza Mayor.
Unlike La Zarzuela, which remains a private home, the Royal Palace (00 34 914 548 800; ) is open to tourists from 9.30am-5pm Monday to Saturday (9am-6pm from April to September) and 9am-2pm on Sundays (until 3pm in summer). Opening hours can change when there is an official reception taking place. Entrance to the palace, the pharmacy and the armoury costs €8 (£5.75). Built after the existing palace burnt down in 1734, it was the official residence of the Spanish royal family until the fall of the monarchy in 1931. The rooms accessible to the public include the throne room, the banqueting hall and two music rooms, all elaborately decorated and furnished.IS THIS THE OLDEST ROYAL HOME?No. When Philip II became king in 1556 he decided to choose a new capital.
