Granada’s Alhambra – a Moorish dream

The breathtaking Palace and gardens of Granada’s Alhambra and Generalife epitomise an Arabian dream in the South of Spain.

alhambra

From the Moorish era in Spain

Five hundred years of Moorish rule have left a profound mark, particularly in the peninsula’s South.

The Alhambra is often called the Crown Jewel or a pearl set in emeralds.

It was originally built as a fortress in 889 on one of the seven hills surrounding Granada.

It was converted into a royal palace in 1333 by Yusuf I, Sultan of Granada.

It served as the abode of the rulers of the Nasrid dynasty until the reconquest by Queen Isabel and King Ferdinand in 1492.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, the Alhambra is the most significant example of Arab Islamic architecture in Europe.

You can approach the city by foot or car and enter the complex through La Puerta de Los Granados.

Follow a steep climb to the Puerta de La Justica, a massive arch to enter the Alhambra proper.

moorish_alhambra

Over the centuries, many buildings have been added to the original fortress, so there is no general ‘floor plan’.

However, each addition was designed to create a paradise on earth, with all the rooms of the royal quarters opening onto a central courtyard.

Walls and ceilings are covered with tiles, arabesques and calligraphy, often in red, blue and gold.

Intricate stone carvings alternate with mosaics and scriptures from the Koran.

The Alhambra rests on a platform, and the entire complex is completely walled in interspersed by 13 towers.

Some are watch towers, and some serve purely recreational purposes.

lions_court_alhambra

Courtyard of the Lion

The most prominent feature is, no doubt, the Court of the Lions.

A courtyard decorated with a huge fountain made of alabaster, supported by twelve lions carved from marble.

The lions symbolise the power and influence of the dynasty.

Generalife and the gardens

In tune with the paradise theme, you can feast your eyes on a sin fin of trees and flowers.

Gaze into reflecting pools and listen to the tinkling waters of countless fountains.

Another significant feature of the Alhambra is an abundance of nightingales that inspired many poets.

generalife

After a walk through the many halls and rooms, including the harem and the Court of the Myrtles and climbing one or two of the towers, proceed to the Generalife.

Designed and built by Muhammed III, the Generalife was the summer palace of the Sultans originally connected to the main court by a covered walkway.

The most outstanding feature of the Generalife is, however, the gardens.

Admire the Court of the Water Channel, a long pool framed by flower beds and fountains spewing fine water sprays into the air.

Follow the walkways paved with white and black pebbles from the rivers Darro and Genil beds, which flow through Granada, and rest your feet on one of the stone benches in the Garden of the Sultana.

Thought to be the best-preserved example of a medieval Persian garden in Al-Andalus and shaded by cypress trees.

You can visit Alhambra with a guided tour, or do it alone.

Remember comfortable shoes, because there is a lot of walking involved.

Destination

Check-in date

Mon 16 Sep 2024

Check-out date

Tue 17 Sep 2024

I don't have specific dates yet

Luxurious stay near Alhambra

Nearby Alhambra, you will find the beautiful Alhambra Palace Hotel.

Inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII in 1910 as a hotel and casino, the hotel preserves the luxury and style of the beginning of the 20^th century.

It is decorated in a design that reflects the art of the Alhambra but incorporates the amenities of a modern luxury hotel.

A home from home for many celebrities and artists, follow their example, sit on the roof terrace at night, look out over the illuminated Alhambra and the city below and let the dream continue.

Link to the hotel for more pictures and information: Alhambra Palace Hotel