Have you been to the Alhambra in Spain?
We arrived in Granada on 22nd April 2012, and visited the Alhambra on a day that was as beautiful as the two and a half weeks that followed it. Even though we live in a warm and sunny part of Australia, the weather at that time in Granada was truly spectacular.
It was the mix of blue skies, crisp air, crowds, anticipation (and of course amazing Moorish craftsmanship) that made our Alhambra visit a winner. Although we spent the rest of the two and a half weeks house-sitting in a village only one hour by bus away from Granada, we had planned this visit to the Palace and Citadel on a hill for the day before our house-sit commenced.
This post showcases the views from the Alhambra and the Generalife. The word Generalife means a garden of orchards, feasts or paradise – or all three. B.H. and I appreciate the outdoors much more than interiors so these photographs are amongst our favourites from the day.
The Generalife, originally designed as a rest and recreation area for the Kings of Granada, is one of the oldest surviving Moorish gardens in the world today.
Water and fountains were the lifeblood of the moors.
The courtyard of the water channel.
A view of the Orchard through the arches.
Looking across the courtyard I was struck by the humble feeling of this building (I liked it’s doors).
Looking over the ravine from the Generalife to the Alhambra.
Wisteria covered stairs leading to the romantic mirador.
The views from the top of the Watch Tower were amazing.
The Alcazaba (the military part of the Alhambra) is one of the oldest parts of the complex. It towers above the Nasrid Palaces and the fluttering flags of the watch tower, can seen when strolling along the Carrera del Darro at the base of the hill.
To get an idea of the size of the watch tower look at the people.
Nancie from Budget Travelers Sandbox is in Novia Scotia on holidays but you can still see travel photos from around the world at TRAVEL PHOTO THURSDAY.
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Beautiful photos… so colorful 🙂
oh how stunning, I have never wanted to see Spain before but after seeing your Photos {especially the Fountain} I now want to go there 🙂
Gosh That View from the Tower – stunning!!
Hi Lisa, Spain was not on my radar until we got the house-sit, and now it is my favourite European country. I am so glad we got that house-sit.
Stunning photos – the second is my favorite. Haven’t yet made it here which makes for a reason to return!
That is good Jackie, and I nearly did not put that photo in 🙂
Hi Jan,
I’ve been to Spain twice but I’m yet to visit Granada. Definitely next time. You photos are stunning. Love the Moorish gardens. My favorite shot is the ravine view from Genaralife. It so beautiful, I had good pimples.
Glad you got good pimples Marisol. Granada is really quite small, and definitely my favourite Spanish City so far, and it is hard to pinpoint why, although the Alhambra is a starting point 🙂
Wow, you were able to get impressive shots of the Generalife with no people, that’s amazing since this palace is always swamped with people.
Maybe it was because we had an afternoon time slot Noel?
One of the places on my “bucket list.”
I had not even thought about the Alhambra, until we got a house-sit near Granada – and then I realized the Alhambra was nearby 🙂
The Alhambra is high on my list. You got some fantastic shots. Thanks for sharing your trip with us.
These views are spectacular! I’ve always wanted to visit the Granada and the Alhambra and these beautiful pictures make me want to visit soon. Love all the windows and doors. It does look like paradise.
Hope you get there one day Mary 🙂
Love your photos, which brought back many memories of my visit there in 1979! I can remember walking alongside the pond in the first pic so vividly, and the views. Ahh, magic place. Thank you for reminding me, Jan 🙂
Thanks Johanna – I love Granada and the Alhambra 🙂
So very gorgeous! Everything is so scenic, but I especially like the view with the ornate arches.
Glad you liked that photo Michele – it nearly got the chop!
i traveled to spain by myself when i was maybe 24. it was tough traveling by myself when I was still not that experienced a traveler. But I loved being able to take all the time in the world to explore the Alhambra. no one would have stayed as long as i wanted to!
That is one of the good things about travelling by yourself (spending your time however you please). I travelled through Europe by myself when I was 21 and enjoyed it, even though I did feel helpless when I could not speak French in Paris, and got a bit panic stricken. But then I realized that other travellers who spoke English would help me out. It was all a steep learning curve.
that looks really beautiful, though not quite as I imagined it to be. Reminds me a bit of home.
Yes Denise, Moorish Palaces are not like the northern european palaces. I actually like the Moorish style.
No, I haven’t been to the Alhambra yet, much to my dismay. I’ve seen many photos of it, but not very many that take the persepective you did of the view from the place. Love it!
I love looking out – always wanting to see around corners 🙂
Spectacular views. I’d loveto visit the Alhambra. Sometimes they have classical concerts there; I imaging that must be a magical experience.
Also part of the Alhambra is open at night which would be beautiful – maybe that is when they have the classical concerts.
That’s so beautiful! I especially love the fountains. It looks quiet and peaceful, you wouldn’t expect it to be near views of that city.
There are always a lot of people at the Alhambra although they do limit the numbers. Even so, I thought it quite relaxing in the gardens. We had an afternoon time slot – maybe it is calmer in the afternoon.
I’ve never been before. I read your article and now I’m very curious.