According to the site's current architect Pedro Salmeron Escobar, the Alhambra evolved organically over a period of several centuries from the ancient hilltop fortress defined by a narrow promontory carved by the river Daro and overlooking the Vega or Plain of Granada as it descends from the Sierra Nevada [REF].
This crude earthiness is counterpointed by the startling fine alabaster white stucco work of the famous interiors [REF].