From every corner of the city you can see the magnificent and picturesque complex perched on the top of the hill. The crenellated stone towers and walls stand above a cloud of greenery, which spreads to the white-washed buildings of Generalife. You have the choice to climb on foot the hill Cuesta de Gomerez along the secluded paths under pine trees or take the red minibus which will bring you to the main entrance. If you travel by car the numerous road signs will direct you. There is another, not very popular route - from the bank of the River Darro up along the slope of Cuesta del Rey Chico reaching a path which leads to Generalife.
Alhambra consists of four main parts: the oldest one is the military fortification Alcazaba on the most unscalable area of the hill; the fascinating palace of the Nasrids (Palacio Nazaries) - the most perfect example of the Moorish architecture; the summer palace Generalife and the Renaissance palace of Carl V (Palacio de Carlos V). Between them, in a form resembling a labyrinth, is situated the paradise garden or, at least, a good earth likeness of the heaven bliss. Here you will fill with all of your senses the skillful combination of light, flower, sound and aroma coming from the flushing fountains, the unruffled lakes, the high hedge-rows and the abundance of sweet-scented flowers - roses, Jasmine and Bungavilia
Alcazaba - the early Moorish fortress
on the western summit of the hill
(a photo by Alaskan Dude)
The name "Alhambra" derives from the Arabic word for "red" - "al-hamra". This is because its walls are made of stones strongly soldered by red clay. In the ancient times the walls surrounded an entire city with four gates, 23 towers, living houses, work-shops, baths, an Islamic school and a mosque. Most of these building were ruined during the centuries but the remained palaces continue to radiate the same magic which had influenced Carl V. He built his own palace here but used it only for official ceremonies and preferred to live with his family in the more pleasant Moorish palace. In the peak tourist season it is better to avoid the long guided tours. This way you will have time for another visit during the day or in the evening when the ample illumination can show any details you have missed at the sun light. If you intend to see the interiors of the Nasrid Palace you have to book a ticket in advance. Visitors are permitted inside the palace every 30 minutes. It is better to choose a time in the late afternoon when the crowd of tourists is smaller and there are no other limitations to immerse in the charming atmosphere of Alhambra.
The Alcazaba is the best starting point for exploring Alhambra. You can not miss to climb the Torre de la Vela, from where you can enjoy fantastic views of the entire complex, Granada, the snow peaks of Sierra Nevada and the endless plain to the west of the city. Alcazaba dates back to the 9th century and it is the earliest considerable Moorish building in Granada. The two front toweres were erected 4 centuries later. The slightly isolated garden on the southern side is a real oasis for the human eyes.
The Nasrid Palace or Palacio Nazaries was called "a heaven on earth" by the French poet Throphile Gautier. The palace was built in the beginning of 14th century as a private residence of Emir Yusuf I ruled between 1333 and 1354. The two lovely inner courtyards, the gracefully carved ceilings, the various friezes, capitals, arcades and geometrical mosaics are a real apogee of the Moorish architectural style in Spain. From the lovingly lined hall of the advisors you will enter into Patio del Cuarto Dorado, and from here - into the splendid Hall of the Ambassadors (Salon de los Embajadores) which occupies the entire Torre de Comares and is the largest hall in Alhambra complex. It has the form of a square with side length of 12 m. Only in the incrusted tangles on the vaulted ceiling were used more than 8000 polygonal plates of cedar wood. The walls are entirely covered by incomparably beautiful stucco decoration. Take a close look at the amazing stucco mukarnas in the form of a honey loaf used on the arches, ceilings and vaults. Then you can enjoy the spectacular views from the windows of the tower (Torre de Comares). From here you will go out in the Patio de los Arrayanes (The Courtyard of the Myrtles). This is one of the most memorable sights in Alhambra. This wonderful inner courtyard has a pool ("birka" in Arabic) - to cool the palace and in the same time a symbol of power, as it was extremely hard and expensive to have it full of water in the hot summer months and on the top of the hill. The pool is surrounded my myrtle bushes to increase the atmosphere of freshness. The entire courtyard is surrounded by galleries supported by 7 m high, graceful marble columns on the southern side.
From the Courtyard of the Myrtles, through Sala de los Mozarabes, you will enter the enchanting Patio de los Leones (The Court of the Lions). This is an oblong inner courtyard, surrounded by rows of columns, divided into four parts according to the traditional Muslim style, emphasizing the fountain in the centre and the four canals which start from its and symbolize the four largest rivers of the world. The 12 stone statues of lions support the pool of the fountain, on which sides were engraved verses exalting the beauty of this court, the garden and the play of the water. This is one of the many Arabic inscriptions on the walls of Alhambra. Three halls are situated around the patio. Each of them is a graceful treasure, created by a master hand of the Moorish architectural art. In the breathtaking Sala de las Dos Hermanas (The Hall of the Two Sisters), situated to the left of the patio’s entrance, you will see a gorgeous octagonal ceilings, covered with finely worked mukarnas resembling stalactites shining in the natural light coming through the filigreed windows under them. A water canal connects Sala de las Dos Hermanas with the opposite Sala de los Abencerrajes (Hall of the Abencerrages).
Palacio del Partal (a photo by jamesdale10)
The Abencerrages are members of a noble Moorish family in Granada, taking a prominent role in its government during the 15th century. The hall distinguished with a high vaulted ceiling, adorned by a dome. The third hall – Sala de los Reyes, is located behind the main group of arches. It supposed that its beautiful ceiling was worked out by Christian artists, hired by Mohamed V. North of Sala de las Dos Hermanas there is another hall leading to the Mirador de Daraja where wonderful views over a an exquisite garden patio reveal. A little aside of the main palace is found probably the oldest part of the complex - Palacio del Partal. Its gallery leads to the Tore de las Damas (The Tower of the Ladies), which nicely reflects in the smooth water surface of the spacious artificial lake. From here start the gardens which will take you through different levels to the bridge, behind which is situated Palacio del Generalife.
Palacio del Generalife is situated on a high hill than Alhambra. It is a summer palace and real feast of the space under open air. Its main sight is the oblong lake with lovely fountains in Patio de la Acequia (The Court of the Main Canal). Here you will also see terraced gardens, alcoves and cypress trees creating secluded freshness even in the summit of the summer hotness. In the royal halls there is nothing more than incredible views from the windows. You can not miss the Mirdaor de la Sultana where awesome vies can be enjoyed too.
The Place of Carl V was projected by the Michelangelo's student – Pedro Machuca. The large circular inner court is a symbol of the world empire (the globe) and is somehow different form all the rest architecture in Alhambra, although it is beautiful in its own way. The palace houses two museums - Museo de Bellas Artes and Museo de la Alhambra.
- Navigation
- » Home
- » Contact us
- » Car Hire Spain
- Travel Articles
- » The Magical Granada
- » Granada City Centre
- » Alhambra
- » Albaicin