This week on Designing Worlds we visit the regions of Al Andalus and in particular the Alhambra, home to some of the most beautiful recreations of historic real-life buildings you'll find in Second Life. In addition we talk to Rose Springvale and Jamie Palisades about how the political system in the Confederation of Democratic Sims operates. The programme represents a great introduction to the region and what goes on there. Click here to view the show.

On our tour of just a few of the sights, we visit the ancient "Red Fortress" from which the Alhambra gets its name, the Great Mosque, modelled on that in Córdoba, the Court of the Lions and the Partal Palace.

The name "Al Andalus" is Arabic and was the name for Moorish mediæval Spain. The period was marked by a remarkable confluence of cultures, in which Muslims, Christians and Jews lived in harmony.

Today in real life, many of the buildings are in ruins or have been repurposed by subsequent events and political changes. In Al Andalus in Second Life, however, you can see them in all their original glory.

In addition to interviewing Rose and Jamie (Vice-Chancellor and Chancellor respectively) about the region and how the CDS works, there's a slide show with some beautiful images from our photographer PJ Trenton.