The Alhambra looms above the city of Granada in southern Spain. This impressive fortress and palace complex ranks as one of the most famous attractions in all of Europe, and for good reason. The Alhambra's towers and battlements dominate the skyline, providing an optimal vantage point over the town center and distant Sierra Nevada Mountains. Intricate Moorish designs adorn the Alhambra's interior courtyards, gardens and royal chambers, inspiring wonder in all who visit.
The Moors invaded Spain and the rest of the Iberian Peninsula in the eighth century, conquering the pre-existing Visigothic Christian kingdoms and permanently transforming the cultural landscape. Construction of the Alhambra citadel began in 1238 by order of Ibn el-Ahmar, the first king of the Nasrids. Yusur I and Muhammed V, Sultan of Granada, completed the building near the end of Muslim rule in Spain in the late 1300s. The Moors held out against the Catholic Monarchs of the north until 1492 when the Arab defenders of the Alhambra finally surrendered control of the region. The complex gradually fell into disrepair over the following centuries. Napoleon's troops actually attempted to destroy the fortress in 1812, though this attempt failed. In the 1800s, the Duke of Wellington and Washington Irving came to live in Granada. These two figures played large roles in sparking a restoration movement for the Alhambra, which started in 1862. Restoration continues to this day, and the fortress is now in pristine condition.
Across from the main entrance of the Alhambra sits the Alcazaba. This was the original fortress, and its ruins feature the Torre de la Vela watchtower. This tower affords panoramic views of the entire region. Farther into the complex lies the Palacios Nazaríes, or Royal Palace. There are three sections here. The first section is the mexuar, formerly used as chambers for government administration. Next is the serrallo section with its stately courts. The Patio de los Arrayanes features a slender goldfish pool and a massive cedar door. The third section is the harem, once filled with the wives and servants of the sultan. The Patio de los Leones, or Court of the Lions, stands out as the primary attraction here. A fountain with 12 lion sculptures and four aqueducts occupies the center of this postcard-worthy courtyard. The Sala de los Abencerrajes lies on the south side of the palace. An ornate ceiling covers a reflective pool. According to legend, it was here that the King Abu al-Hasan allegedly slaughtered 16 members of the Abencerrajes family after discovering a secret affair with one of his women.
Adjacent to the Alhambra is the Generalife. Built in the 13th century, the Generalife consists of 75 acres of lush gardens and palace chambers. Slightly less elegant than the Alhambra, the Generalife boasts fertile orchards and enclosed patios with burbling fountains. These grounds served as a summer retreat for the Nasrid kings of old.
Palacio de Carlos V
Also of interest is the Palacio de Carlos V, located near the main Alhambra complex. The exterior of this Renaissance-era building is perfectly square, while the interior features a circular courtyard that once hosted bullfights. Today the courtyard hosts summer symphony concerts during Granada's International Festival of Music and Dance. The Palacio de Carlos has two museums. There's the free Museo de la Alhambra, which is devoted mostly to Islamic art, and there's also the Museo de Bellas Artes upstairs. Tourists can visit the Palacio de Carlos V independently of the Alhambra, according to Fodor's, but most guided tours will include this site as well as Generalife on the itinerary along with the Alhambra.
The Alhambra holds status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bringing in an average of 6,000 visitors per day. More than 2 million tourists come to the Alhambra each year, according to Fodor's. These staggering numbers easily make the Alhambra Spain's most popular attraction. The iExplore Travel Guide recommends booking tickets to this site at least one week in advance due to the high demand.
- palacio nazari y jardin image by RAMON CAMI from Fotolia.com