The Alhambra – Granada, Spain

The Alhambra, Grenada, Spain, overlooks both the picturesque Granada and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada, standing tall on the mountains and surrounded by lush green woods. This old fortress comes across as tough and unyielding with its square and symmetrical style. However, head to the back and find beautiful gardens that soften the overall look of the structure. Find a shady spot and relax; let the pools of running water and colorful flowers take you to Koranic heaven.

History

The Alhambra was born as a result of wars between Christianity and Islam. Even though the Moors of North Africa overcame Spain in 711, their power declined around the 13th century. At this time, their small kingdom was formed by a few Muslim states in what currently is Andalusia, and it was being threatened by Christian reconquistas.

During the same century, prince Ibn al-Ahmar decided to build a new capital at Granada. The old fortress that the Alhambra used to be was rebuilt and renovated to keep the new capital safe. Then, Yusuf I, Sultan of Granada, turned it into a royal palace in 1333. However, the Christian Reconquista disrupted their centuries-long period of peace.

During the late 15th century, Catholic rulers, Ferdinand and Isabella, sent their army to knock down the Alhambra. After seven months of fighting, the Muslim kingdom gave way. The castle was partially revamped in the Renaissance style and converted into the Royal Court of Ferdinand and Isabella. Here, Christopher Columbus actually got endorsements for his trips.

Activity/Place Highlights

The Alhambra’s architecture

Nonetheless, the Alhambra keeps its typical Moorish architecture. The castle’s authoritative and defensive façade hides its delicate inner beauty. One of the main areas in the Alhambra is the Royal Palace or the Casa Real, which is also the most beautiful one. Most rooms are decorated with colorful tiles made out of carved stonework displaying quotes from the Koran. Other important parts of the castle are the Alcazaba, which is the fortress. The Generalife, that actually stands outside the defensive walls of the main structure, was once used as the summer palace.

The Alhambra’s fountains

When the Moors reached Granada, they must have thought that they had arrived in paradise after experiencing the heat of North Africa for such a long time. Thanks to the Sierra Nevada, covered in snow most of the year, the conquerors had enough water for the fountains and pools that make this place as remarkable as it is.

These fountains, which were highly appreciated by the Moors, are still in some of the rooms within the castle. You can also find small windows that look out to sheltered gardens or to the little white houses in the Albaicin district.

Mirador San Cristobal

If you want to contemplate the Alhambra from different places, you can head to the Mirador San Cristobal, where you’ll be able to look out to the Alcazaba against the Sierra Nevada.

Mirador de San Nicolas

You can also go to the Mirador de San Nicolas through the cobbled streets of Albaicin. There you will see astonishing sunsets bathing the Alhambra in gleaming red light.

View from the Sacromonte

Additionally, if you head to the top of the Sacromonte, an old gypsy quarter, you can appreciate how the Alhambra overlooks the town from its defensive location. However, if you go to the hill above the Generalife, you will see how the water terraces and gardens give the Alhambra a special touch. In the distance, you can spot the Palacio de Carlos V, a palace so big that it used to hold bullfights since the 16th century.

How to get there

You can head to Granada by road from the Sevilla or Malaga international airports. They take in flights by the Iberia airline from all around Europe. Even though you can contemplate the Alhambra from different points in the town, experiencing it from inside staying in the sophisticated Parador de San Francisco is a much better option.