The Alhambra is the number one reason why I decided to make a trip to Spain. I only learned about this fantastic place about seven years ago and have been fascinated by it ever since.
The whole complex is a combination of fortress, palace, gardens, and city. It was built in the mid 14th century by the Berber rulers of the Emirate of Granada, the last holdout of the Muslim portion of Andalusia as the Christian Reconquista moved in to take the whole of Spain.
Below is a shot that I took from about a 1/4 mile away across the valley in the Albayzin. On the far left you can see the Nasrid Palace. The large square building just behind it is the Palace of Charles V built by Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire in 1527. On the right side is the Alcazaba (citadel) which held the military and protected the city.
As I write this I realize that words and pictures cannot do justice to this place. I urge you to come and visit this place if you can.
The Palace of Charles V also holds the Alhambra Museum.
The Moorish King Mohamed III originally built a mezquita on this spot in 1308, but after the Christians conquered Granada they destroyed it and built the Church of Santa Maria de la Alhambra in it's place.
There are many gardens with beautiful plants throughout the city. Here is of the towers of the perimeter wall.
The Partal Palace.
The painted tiles and intricate plasterwork is consistent everywhere in the Alhambra. Here is one example with many more to follow.
The Generalife
This is the summer palace and coutry estate of the Nasrid Kings of the Emirate of Granada. It was built during the reign of Muhammad III.
The palace and gardens sit elevated on the hillside to the east of the rest of the Alhambra. From there the Emirates could look down on their fortified city.
The gardens feature an intricate system of water fountains. The constant sounds of flowing water create a relaxing environment that was supposed to recreate Heaven on Earth.
The Nasrid Palace
The highlight of any trip to the Alhambra is a visit to the Nasrid Palace.
The complex symmetrical patterns of the painted tilework are greatest in the Palace.
Everywhere you look there is such detail and fine craftsmanship.
The Court of the Myrtles looking south is the core of the family house. The name come from the mirth plants the line the pool.
A view from the inside of the Comares Tower.
Probably the most famous view of the from inside the Palace at the alhambra is in the Court of the Myrtles looking north towards the Comares Tower. Notice how the pool plays an important role in the architecture and symmetry of the buildings.
The Court of the Lions was unfortunately undergoing a restoration at this time. This is a good reason to come back one day to see the finished work.
This is the room Washington Irving stayed in while he was writing Tales of the Alhambra. I read this book a few months ago while preparing for this trip.
The Alcazaba
After almost five hours of touring through the Alhambra I finally made it to the Alcazaba. It was getting late in the day and there was hardly anyone inside. I love it when I have places like this at times when they are quite. Too many people takes away from the magic of the moment.
I meet the nicest French couple inside the Alcazar. They took several pictures for me. I'm always so happy to meet nice people while traveling. A couple hours later after walking down from the Alhambra back into the city I ran into them again in front of a shop and said hello.
I'm afraid you will be disappointed with the tile backsplash I installed after visiting the Alhambra and the incredible tile work there. It is really magnificent.
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