The Alhambra as
seen from the Albaicín
The Nasrid Palaces contain a wealth of Moorish
architecture and design, and are an absolute highlight of the Alhambra. There
is amazing detail in the carving, and you will find four materials used
throughout - plaster, wood, ceramic and marble.
Incredibly detailed
tiles with Islamic text
Water is a key element within Islamic landscape
architecture in general, and the Alhambra is no exception. Water helps to cool
the palace, but is also a symbol of power and prosperity. The Court of the
Myrtles contains a large central pond, significantly reducing the temperature
within the courtyard.
Court of the
Myrtles
At the centre of the Court of the Lions is a white marble
fountain with a central basin surrounded by 12 lions, all part of an elaborate
water feature, with four channels that run to the colonnaded sides at the
cardinal points.
The fountain is said to represent the heavenly garden of
Islam, with the water channels symbolising the four rivers of paradise.
Court of the Lions
To the east of the Alhambra you’ll find Generalife, which
has some stunning formal gardens that are a sight to behold when in full bloom
in spring/summer.
Court of the Water
Channel
View from
Generalife to the Alhambra
350 year old
Magnolia in Generalife
The Alcazaba, the oldest part of Alhambra, was a military
fortress originally constructed in AD 889 on the remains of Roman
fortifications. It subsequently fell into ruin but was rebuilt in the mid-13th
century. There are stunning views across Granada and beyond from the top of the
Alcazaba, as seen below.
Various points other within the Alhambra also offer
fantastic views of the surrounding land, with Sacromonte to the north, the Albaicín
to the north-west, Sierra Nevada to the south-east.
View of Granada from
Alcazaba
