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Dec 18, 2023 · The Alhambra is a palace and fortress of the Moorish monarchs of Granada, Spain with several spaces that capture visitors’ attention. As seen in Torre de Comares, Patio de los Leones and Sala de las Dos Hermanas, the palace’s architecture helps define the Alhambra as one of the most unique structures in Granada and also in Andalucia.
- Overview
- History
- The palace and grounds
Alhambra, palace and fortress of the Moorish monarchs of Granada, Spain. The name Alhambra, signifying in Arabic “the red,” is probably derived from the reddish colour of the tapia (rammed earth) of which the outer walls were built.
Constructed on a plateau that overlooks the city of Granada, the Alhambra was built chiefly between 1238 and 1358, in the reigns of Ibn al-Aḥmar, founder of the Naṣrid dynasty, and his successors. The splendid decorations of the interior are ascribed to Yūsuf I (died 1354). After the expulsion of the Moors in 1492, much of the interior was effaced ...
The Alhambra is situated in a locale of rare natural beauty. The plateau upon which it was built overlooks the Albaicín (Albayzin) quarter of Granada’s Moorish old city. At the base of the plateau, the Darro River flows through a deep ravine on the north. The park outside the palace (Alameda de la Alhambra) was planted by the Moors with roses, oranges, and myrtles. Its most characteristic feature, however, is the dense wood of English elms brought there in 1812 by the duke of Wellington during the Peninsular War.
The lower entrance to the park is the Puerta de las Granadas (Gate of Pomegranates), a massive triumphal arch dating from the 16th century. Just inside the gate is a statue of American author Washington Irving, which was erected in 2009, on the 150th anniversary of Irving’s death, to commemorate his role in sparking interest in Spain’s Moorish past. A steep ascent leads past a fountain, erected in 1554, to the main entrance of the Alhambra. This is the Puerta Judiciaria (Gate of Judgment), a horseshoe archway surmounted by a square tower, which was used by the Moors as an informal court of justice. The Moorish portion of the Alhambra includes the Alcazaba, or citadel, which is the oldest part; only its massive outer walls, towers, and ramparts are left. Beyond the Alcazaba is the Alhambra palace and beyond that the Alhambra Alta (Upper Alhambra), which was originally tenanted by officials and courtiers and was part of a royal city constituting a seat of government.
The present entrance through the Oratory leads to the Patio de los Arrayanes (Court of the Myrtles). This court is 140 feet (43 metres) long by 74 feet (23 metres) wide. In the centre is a large reflecting pond set in the marble pavement. The brilliant green of the pond and the manicured myrtles growing along its edges provide a sharp contrast to the white marble of the surrounding courtyard. Surrounding the Court of Myrtles are the rooms of the Palacio de Comares (Comares Palace). The Facade of Comares, to the west of the courtyard, is an ornamental gateway constructed in the 14th century by Muḥammad V. It was in this area that the sultan customarily held audience with his vassals.
The Patio de los Leones (Court of the Lions) is an oblong court 116 feet (35 metres) long and 66 feet (20 metres) wide. Surrounding the court is an ornately decorated gallery supported by 124 white marble columns. A pavilion with filigree walls and a wooden domed ceiling, perhaps modeled upon a Cistercian lavabo, projects into the court at each extremity. The colonnade is paved with white marble, and in the centre of the court is the Fuente de los Leones (Fountain of the Lions), an alabaster basin supported by the figures of 12 white marble lions, emblems of strength and courage.
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The 14 th century the Nasrid Palaces are the jewel of the Alhambra. Visiting this Moorish royal palace complex will give you the opportunity to see most important remains of a culture that flourished and thrived, while the rest of Europe lived through dark times. Book tickets: Get your Alhambra tickets here!
The Alhambra, with its continuous occupation over time, is currently the only preserved palatine city of the Islamic period. It constitutes the best example of Nasrid art in its architecture and decorative aspects. The Generalife Garden and its vegetable farms represent one of the few medieval areas of agricultural productivity.
Mar 5, 2024 · The Alhambra: Granada’s Iconic Palace and Fortress Complex. Nestled atop a hill overlooking the beautiful city of Granada in southern Spain stands the magnificent Alhambra, a testament to Moorish architecture and Andalusian history.
Nasrid Palaces. Each of the three palaces is associated with an era and a Nasrid king: Mexuar Palace: it is the oldest of the three and, therefore, the worst preserved. King Ismail I ordered it to be built and used it for political meetings and to impart justice. The main hall is full of tiles and original lattices of great value.
Dec 11, 2023 · The Alhambra in Granada, Spain, is a majestic palace complex that showcases the architectural prowess and rich history of Moorish Spain. This historical marvel invites travel enthusiasts to step back in time and explore the grandeur of the Nasrid dynasty.
