42 GRANADA 



patterns, receiving its support from pendentives 

 of mathematical construction so curious that they 

 may be rendered susceptible of combinations 

 as various as the melodies which may be pro- 

 duced from the seven notes of the musical scale ; 

 attesting the wonderful power and effect obtained 

 by the repetition of the most simple elements." 



Beyond this hall rises the Tower of Comares, 

 appearing to rest on the slenderest pillars and 

 almost to be balanced in the air. The real sup- 

 ports have been purposely kept out of sight. 

 The view from the summit of the massive battle- 

 mented tower is magnificent. From this platform, 

 Washington Irving remarks, the proud monarchs 

 of Granada and their queens have watched the 

 approach of Christian armies, or gazed on the 

 battles in the Vega. The walls of the tower 

 are of surprising thickness. 



The interior, which is a square of 37 ft. by 75 

 ft. high up to the centre of the dome, is occupied 

 by the Sala de Embaj adores, the reception- 

 room of the Sultans. It is the largest and 

 perhaps the most imposing of the halls of the 

 Alhambra. Lifting our eyes, we behold a glorious, 

 airy dome, of artesonado work, with stars and 

 painted angles. Owen Jones is of opinion that 

 the present ceiling replaced an earlier one, which 

 was supported by an arch of brick. The hall 

 lacks its former pavement of marble, its central 



