THE SECRET TUNNELS OF SPAIN'S ALHAMBRA

On the scrub-covered hillside of the Alhambra in Granada, which slopes down to the Darro river, a cave that is partially concealed by ivy opens up into an underground gallery, which in turn leads up to this palatial complex built by the Nasrids, the last Muslim dynasty on the Iberian peninsula.

Who knows how many people descended the 200 steps into the dark, fleeing evil fostered by their relatives back in the palace, or rushing to meet their lovers for a night of passion?

Some experts say that this underground passage might have provided access to a grove housing exotic beasts brought over from distant lands a habit that was already popular among powerful sultans.