The
Alhambra
A Moorish palace dating back
to 1238, the city of Granada is set on and around three low hills against
the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains and is dominated by the
Alhambra palace.
In 1238, when Muhammad I took control of Granada, the Christians were
regaining ground across the Iberian peninsula, and Granada became a
Moorish vassal state of Spain. Under these unpromising circumstances, the
caliphs of the Nasrid dynasty produced the finest flowering of their art
and architecture ever to be seen.
The Alcazaba is the oldest part of the site, dating from the
mid-thirteenth century, and was built on the foundations of the original
nineth-century Moorish fortress. From the watchtower of the Alcazaba you
can see the Alhambra proper, a spectacular series of courtyards and halls
decorated with carved wood, ornate stucco, fantastic ceiling paintings,
horseshoe arches and the fabulous complex patterns of multicoloured
glazed tiles. There are many fountains and pools throughout the site and
the delightful sounds of water can be heard where ever you go. The pool
in the Court of Myrtles is a perfect example of Moorish architecture,
surrounded as it is by graceful columns and arches that are reflected in
the water.
The Hall of Kings is a vast banqueting hall in which sumptuous feasts
were held and the ceiling boasts marvellous hunting scenes painted on
leather. At the centre of the palace is the famous Court of the Lions.
Built by Muhammad V, the courtyard is lined with arcades supported on
alternating paired and single marble columns.
The Moorish parts of the Alhambra are a beautiful reminder of the rich
legacy and sophisticated culture of the almost forgotten Muslim
inhabitants of western Europe.
There is an entrance fee.
Limited numbers of tickets are available on the day, so book ahead.
Remember to visit the Tower of Comares, the ceiling of the Hall of
Abencerrajes, the Hall of the Kings, Generalife.
