Paradise on Earth

"Here with a Loaf of Bread beneath the Bough,
A Flask of Wine, a Book of Verse - and Thou
Beside me singing in the Wilderness -
And Wilderness is Paradise enow"
                                            Omar Khayyam
 

Within the Arab-Islamic context the presence of water, trees, and light are the essence of paradise.  As such these qualities are emphasized in Moorish architecture.
The focalpoint of the courtyard is this marvelous marble and tile fountain. It is framed by two large salons and two smaller "portals."  The trees are orange, grapefruit and bayleave.
Interesting architectural components include the "mosque" motif surrounding this exterior window which sits above the front door and beautiful hand-carved plasterwork.


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