The Alhambra of Granada

Translating literally to "the red one", the Alhambra is a vision in red stone standing proudly atop a hill on the southern border of Granada. Dating back to the 14th century, the story of the Alhambra is closely interwoven with that of Granada itself. The site was originally a military stronghold but with the coming into power of the Nasrid dynasty, became the seat of the resident palaces of the Nasrid kings. With passage of time, the structure was further fortified with military battlements, defensive structures and irrigation systems, gradually metamorphosing into a self contained fortress.

The Alhambra today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Sum of the Parts
The Alhambra is composed of four distinct sections – the Nasrid Palaces, the Alcazaba ramparts, the Generalife gardens and Charles V Palace.

The Nasrid Palaces require a special ticket to gain entry. The ticket must be pre-booked but you will find the effort and money well spent the moment you set foot inside this Moorish Royal Palace. The intricate carvings, beautiful tile work, elaborate stucco work and exquisitely detailed beehive ceilings coupled with the geometric precision of the interiors are all breathtaking. It will be helpful to have an audio guide to appreciate the function of the many chambers and courtyards in the Palace and to visualize the accoutrements of daily Moorish life. The most notable halts in the Nasrid Palaces are the beautifully serene Court of Myrtles, the Court of the Lions, the Hall of the Abencerrajes and the Hall of the Ambassadors, each made more fascinating by an intriguing legend of its own.

The Alcazaba is the oldest part of the Alhambra dating back to the 13th century, though its roots can be traced further back. This was the military centre of the fortress, housing the Emir’s royal guard and the site from where this palace city was defended. The Alcazaba offers panoramic views of both the city and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

The Generalife gardens are composed of the Emir’s summer palace and great expanses of gardens. The stunning gardens were highly functional in the Alhambra’s heyday, producing fruits and vegetables for the residents. Water was the symbol of life and prosperity to the desert hailing Moors and so the gardens naturally abound with water in all forms: still, gliding, gushing and trickling. The Generalife is believed to have been constructed in the image of the Quoran’s portrayal of heaven – lush gardens full of flowing waters. The amphitheatre in the gardens is at present used to host important concerts.

The Charles V Palace is the most recent addition to the Alhambra, built by the victorious Christian king to celebrate his reconquest of the citadel. The Palace has a distinctive circle within square design and is a fine work of the Renaissance period. The building currently houses two free Museums: Museo de Bellas Artes and the Museo de la Alhambra.
Book your tickets in advance and set aside a generous number of hours to truly appreciate this magnificent architectural delight. You will need it to appreciate and absorb the intricate work, the rich detailing, the fine vistas and the wonderful atmosphere that the Alhambra has to offer.