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The Alhambra is situated on a hill above Granada, and is
the main reason for a visit to Granada. It is the last
and greatest Moorish palace, highlighting the splendour
of the Moorish civilization in the 13th and 14th
Centuries. Approximately 8000 visitors tour it each day
and advance reservations are essential.
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The Alhambra was the last stronghold of the Nazarid Muslims who
were conquered as the Christian "reconquista" moved south.
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From the palace walls there is a view of Albayzín, and of the
viewpoint there looking back across at the Alhambra.
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The Moors who ruled Spain for 800 years had an advanced
civilization of education, philosophy, literature and science. |
The Alhambra was neglected and vandalized for centuries until it
was rediscovered by European travelers and scholars in the 19th
Century.
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The Generalife, with a small summer palace and fruit, herb, and
vegetable gardens supplied the 2000 residents of the Alhambra.
While some of the garden has been replanted, many features are
of the original 600 year old plantings and irrigation system.
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The Nazaríes Palaces are the highlight
of the Alhambra. They are built around three courtyards
interconnected with passageways. Architecture features ornate
pillars, domes, friezes and stuccowork.
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The Courtyard of the Lions features an 11th Century fountain
supported by 12 stone lions and surrounded by arcades of slender
columns. |
Rooms and chambers feature geometric patterns and ceilings
decorated with a unique stucco "stalactite" effect illuminated
by clerestory windows.
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The Charles V palace, built by the Holy Roman Emperor on the grounds of the
conquered Muslim sultans, is a unique circular design intended
to have a dome that was never built. Rooms under the porticos
serve as an art gallery.
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The Comares Tower is the highest in the Alhambra. It is said
that this is where the sultans surrendered Granada to the
Catholic monarchs, and where Queen Isabel offered her jewellery
to Columbus to finance his expedition. |
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Throughout the grounds the Moorish architectural elements are
evident. |
Walls and pillars are adorned with stylized arabesques and Arabic script
quoting verses from the Koran. |
As the complex was altered by Charles V, European
Renaissance designs were incorporated.
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The Court of Myrtles is the central courtyard of the Nazaríes
Palace, around which the royal chambers were arranged.
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Courtyards and terraced gardens, fountains and flowing water are
predominant features of the complex, remarkable engineering
feats of the time. |
