Discover the Beauty and History of The Alhambra: A Palace and Fortress in Granada, Spain
Alhambra
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE | Palaces | Gardens | Baths
Discover the Beauty and History of the Alhambra: A Palace and Fortress Complex in Granada, Spain
The Alhambra: A Testament to the Rich History of Granada
The Alhambra is a stunning palace and fortress complex located in Granada, Spain. Built during the 13th to 14th centuries, the Alhambra is a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region.
The complex is made up of the famous Summer Palace Generalife, Nasrid Palaces, Palace of Charles V and the Alcazaba fortress. American author and diplomat, Washington Irving wrote “Tales of The Alhambra” shortly after staying there.
The Palace of Charles V
The Palace of Charles V is a Renaissance-style palace that was built within the Alhambra complex in the 16th century. There is a clear difference between the modern design and the rest of the Islamic architectural style of The Alhambra and Generalife. The palace features an internal circular patio utilized for events and concerts which is surrounded by a series of arches.
The Alcazaba Fortress
The Alcazaba is a military fortress that was built during the 11th century and served as the main defensive structure of the Alhambra complex. The fortress offers breathtaking views of the city of Granada and its surrounding landscape. A great place to start your tour of The Alhambra.
Generalife
The Generalife or “Garden of Paradise” built during the 13th and 14th centuries is the Summer Palace where the Kings retired to rest in a peaceful atmosphere with fertile soil for food supply, beautiful mountain views and enchantment of trickling water and fountains.
The Nasrid Palaces: A Glimpse into Medieval Islamic Royalty
The Nasrid Palaces are the highlight of the Alhambra, and offer a glimpse into the opulence of medieval Islamic royalty. The rooms are decorated with intricate carvings, intricate tilework, and stunning stained glass windows. The Hall of the Ambassadors is particularly impressive, with its ornate arches, intricate carvings, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Ornate Courtyards and Lush Gardens
One of the standout features of the Alhambra is its ornate courtyards, which are lined with intricate tilework and adorned with lush gardens. The Court of the Lions is particularly famous and The Court of Myrtles is another beautiful area.
Court of the Lions
Court of the Lions is a spectacular rectangular courtyard has a fountain of 12 marble lions serving as a centerpiece of the space offering a glimpse into the ornate beauty of the Alhambra.
Court of Myrtles
Court of Myrtles is a beautiful open-air space that features a reflecting pool surrounded by lush greenery. The area is lined with intricate tilework and provides a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the palace.
Hidden Gems
Baths
Built following the Roman thermal baths with an area initially entering for changing, the Hall of The Baths area divided into a few chambers. Each one lit with sunlight up above with water available warm, cold and with steam. The resting room was offered after the bath with all of the areas having decorative tiles.
Convent of San Francisco
The Convent of San Francisco is a former 14th century medieval Nasrid palace transformed to a Franciscan Convent after the Spanish Conquest of Granada. The Catholic Kings were buried there and later their bodies exhumed and laid to rest in the Cathedral downtown Granada.