The Alhambra, a palatial city, has witnessed the creation and transformation of numerous palaces, elegant mansions, grand residences and towers with palatial qualities. These structures have been remodeled or replaced over time, as each sultan had the desire to build his own palace or at least give the existing one a new look. The delicate materials used in the construction seem to adhere to Islamic principles of avoiding permanence in architectural creations. The Catholic Monarchs chose the Mexuar, the Palace of Comares and the Palace of the Lions as their places of residence in Granada, which ensured that these palaces were preserved. In contrast, many other palaces suffered mistreatment, neglect or destruction during the short French military occupation.