“….overlooking Granada, Spain. Built by Moorish Kings in the 12th and 13th centuries. The Alhambra is the finest example of Moorish architecture in Spain” as defined by Wikipedia.
Having booked three months in advance and scoring the last two available tickets for the day, certainly amped up our anticipation, while arriving amidst the confusion of crowds and queues, really got the butterflies in my stomach excited.
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The Nasrid Palaces are the most sought after attraction at La Alhambra – they consist of:
- The Mexuar
- The Comares, or Yusuf I Palace
- The Palace of the Lions, or of Mohammed V
Today I have only shown photographs and descriptions of the Palaces. (Look out for the Alcazabar and the Generalife in future posts). The founder of the dynasty, Alhama commenced building them in the thirteenth century, but the Palaces as they are today date from the fourteenth century.
The Nasrid Palaces are contained within the Alhambra fortress or citadel, perched atop al-Sabika, the hill that rises up from beside the Darro river, smack bang in the middle of Granada. From the minute we first strolled beside the Darro, looking up to the hill, La Alhambra and her palaces looked down on us, flags fluttering, inviting us to come on up.
The entrance to the Comares Palace and the Palace of the Lions is through the attached Mexuar – once used for Counsel of Ministers meetings, and the Oratory – a historical place of worship. The Nasrid Palaces whilst protected by strong functional fortress walls, contain delicate ornamental carvings on their internal walls and ceilings. The inevitable crowds could not detract from the beauty of these rooms. I looked up and let my imagination lead me.
Water trickles in channels, provides reflections in ponds, and sprays from the fountains throughout the whole complex, representing purity of soul.
It is channeled from the Darro River below and was also a practicality for sustaining life for the moors who originated from the desert lands of Northern Africa.
This close up shows an example of the hand carving that is seen throughout the Nasrid Palaces at the Alhambra as well as other sites throughout Spain and Morocco.
The craftsman applies a gypsum based mortar to the surface and carves his individual designs while the mortar is still wet.
Large gold fish inhabit the pond in the 42 metre long Patio de los Arrayanes (Court of the Myrtles), the Myrtles forming hedges on either side of the matching green pond. Completely surrounding this court is the Comares Palace. As seen in the photo below the paving of the Court is marble slabs.
We moved on to the Palace of the Lions where the fountain and lions had been removed for restoration work. The Fountain of the Lions consists of a central basin supported by 12 white marble lions whose mouths are the water jets of the fountain. We were so lucky that the lions had been returned in time for our visit, but not lucky enough to see the whole area restored and working again.
The Hall of the Two Sisters, immediately makes me think of two princesses, but NO – the two sisters are twin marble flagstones that make up the floor. From a channel in the floor, water flows to meet up with the Fountain of the Lions in the outside patio. But for me the most impressive thing about the hall was its elaborate walls and ceiling. Notice how the high windows flood light onto the flower like carving.
The palaces are 800 metres from the ticket office so take this into consideration when entering. A half hour time slot for viewing the Nasrid Palaces, is allocated on your ticket, and is strictly adhered to.
Apart from that you can wander around wherever and whenever you please within your morning (before 2 p.m.) or afternoon (after 2 p.m.) time allowance. Having said that the Alcabazar fortress or citadel is a once only entry and if you try to enter too close to the time of your Nasrid Palace time slot, the attendant will suggest you visit it after your palace visit so you will not be rushed.
Night sessions are also available see opening hours. Night time tickets are for 1.5 hours only from 8 p.m. or 10 p.m. depending on season, and are only for the Palaces or the Generalife, not both. Many people do this as an extra to their day time experience, as the lighting adds another perspective.
I was so glad we planned ahead and purchased tickets for La Alhambra. Although Granada is one of my favourite places in the world and I would happily visit there for the Albaicyn, the Tapas, and the cooling Sierra Nevada breezes alone, there is no doubt that La Alhambra is the jewel in Granada’s crown.
This post forms part of Budget Travellers Sandbox Travel Photo Thursday. For snapshots of cultures from across the globe click on the link.
Budget Jan
Gorgeous photos! I’ve always loved looking at any of the Alhambra’s photos. It’s is just an architectural masterpiece and I’ve been dying to see it. Thanks for the virtual tour for now.
Wonderful post, Jan! Loved the pics and it brought back so many memories for me, as I visited in 1979 with my parents. I can remember that large 17m pool so well, and taking my own pic!
Hi Johanna, I learned quite a lot about the Alhambra whilst researching this post. I think it would be good to go back and look at things with new eyes. Jan
You have captured these palaces beautifully Jan. It makes we want to go back to Spain …and the mention of tapas!
Thanks Jenny, I too want to return to Spain. Rick Stein is not helping either. If only I would wake up multi-lingual.
Your pics are beautiful! I have always wanted to visit Alhambra – hopefully we’ll get there soon. My younger daughter would love the Fountain of the Lions!
Thanks Lisa, I have loved revisiting the Alhambra – looking through all our photos. It was hard to choose just a few. Those lions are amazing.
Jan
Incredible photos – what gets me is how much labour must have gone into each building. Yet they dont make places like that anymore – something that can stand the test of time.
Its history behind the building of the Palace would be just as incredible as touring it. Thanks for sharing your time at the Citadel Palace Hill
Thanks Lisa, I have put off doing this post because it seemed impossible to do the palaces justice. But then I just did it, lol. Jan
I was there last year and still marvel at the detail and the ingenuity in building the palaces. I love how they look at night too.
Hi Leigh, Did you go up for the night sessions at the palaces? Jan
I’m so amazed by the beautifully intricate designs at La Alhambra. Your photos show it off well. The goldfish in that pond really are huge. I’ve never seen them so big!
Hi Cathy, I am going to do a post that is all designs at La Alhambra. Obviously the gold fish don’t mind the green of the pool! Jan
That carving is absolutely amazing. I had heard of this place but didn’t know what it looked like. Now that I know, I will definitely plan ahead (not my usual style) and get tickets months beforehand if I’m headed to Granada.
Hi Michele, Yes planning ahead is hard because you don’t even know what the weather will be like on the day, but we tend to be lucky with things like that. I plan on doing more posts on the Alhambra, showing the rest of the complex. I really like Granada. Thanks for commenting. Jan