The Alhambra in Granada SpainAlhambra, the "emerald palace” of the Moorish Sultans of Granada must be on the bucket list when you visit Spain.
Ranking easily with the Taj Mahal and Angkor Wat, The Alhambra brings together a level of beauty and accumulated history that will wow even the most jaded tourist. Moors in SpainThe Moors of the Berber tribe came to Spain around 711 from the Roman province of Mauritania in northern Africa, Algeria and Morocco today.
For 800 years, the Moors ponced about Spain becoming more and more liberal while their Christian contemporaries became increasingly savage. Inevitably, it all had to end in blood and the nasty expulsion as the assorted leaders of the Church concluded that a good fire with your enemies in it solved a great many problems. However, prior to the expulsion in the 15th century, the Moors have created a culture and certainly an architecture which remains one of the most stunning achievements of human kind and the Alhambra is its living museum.
Constructed in 889 A.D. as a small fortress atop the ruins of the Roman fortification, the Alhambra was later on added and made more elaborate by the succeeding Moorish rulers. Each addition continued the theme of "paradise on earth" with columned arcades, reflecting pools and fountains with running water. The quadrangular shape was also followed all rooms open to an open courtyard typical of Moorish architecture. After the Reconquista, the Alhambra became the royal court of the christian rulers, Ferdinand and Isabela. For a while, the Alhambra was left to decay and became home to squatters until the defeat of Napoleon when intellectuals and romantic travellers gave it attention and life through songs, poetry, and stories. Tales of the AlhambraIf you have a chance, read Washington Irving’s book, Tales of the Alhambra. Written by that great 19th century American story teller, this book will give you a marvellous context that will almost offset the misery of the line up to get into the Castle today.
Don't miss the plaque recognizing Washington Irving on one of the Palace walls.
At its height, Islamic Granada, with The Alhambra at its heart, was the seat of the most ethnically tolerant regime that Europe was to see for another 600 years.
It is good to remember what both Islam and Christianity were 600 years ago when giving opinions on today's events. Interesting Features of the AlhambraHere are some of the interesting features of this Palace:
The 3 Sections of the Alhambra PalaceThe Palace has the following sections:
It includes the Salon de los Embajadores (Hall of the Ambassadors), with the throne of the sultan opposite of the entrance. Ambassadors had the long walk from the entrance to the throne with adequate time to develop a sense of deep humility.
The tiles used in this section are the most complex and exquisite in the Alhambra. The domed ceiling is lined with cedar and the central pool is surrounded by myrtle bushes leading to the name Patio de los Arrayanes (Court of the Myrtles). Imagine the impact of this pool in the heat of summer, bringing the temperature down to simply the torrid levels. Given the scarcity of water the pool was also a symbol of power and a reflection of the desert traditions of the Sultans. It is truly magnificent.
To the south is the Hall of the Abencerrajes with its amazing ceiling and opposite this is the Sala de las Dos Hermanas (Hall of the Two Sisters), a great example of the Moorish honeycomb style.
You can spend another day just visiting the expansive gardens in the Palace and the Generalife.
Tips in Visiting the AlhambraHere are some things you need to know before your visit:
Granada sets standards of religious and racial tolerance which we are still trying to achieve today. The living memories of this great city are crowned by the Alhambra and if you can slow down your rabid tourist space for just a little while, your visit will be an experience you'll never forget.
Have you visited The Alhambra? What of its features did you like very much? We'll be delighted to hear from you in the Comments. Read more on Spain:
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