Tempted by the stunning view of The Alhambra while attending the wedding of a good blogging friend in Nellie of wildjunket.com fame, I just had to make a stop in to checkout the inside view as well. I’ll be honest thought… I’d not really been up to speed on just what to expect inside the Alhambra except for some stinking hot Andalucian weather to follow me around all day.
Alhambra (literally called “the red one” in arabic) started off as a simple fortress in the 9th century and from there was built up by successive rulers over the centuries to become a palace of great beauty.
After the city was taken by Fernando and Isabel the then King and Queen of Spain, the Alhambra would be re-modeled and even parts destroyed. The gem of Alhambra, the Palacios Nazaries was once used as a prison and later Napoleons troops set about bringing the entire site to its knees as they looted and attempted to blow it up after their hold of the city was lost.
With such an agonising history it was amazing to walk the pathways of the Alhambra and see just how well it had been restored.
While I didn’t explore the entire site (the place is huge) I did make time to visit the Palacios Nazaries. From the famous Fountain of the Lions (under heavy restoration sadly) to the Comares Palace which houses the Patio of the Myrtles you soon find that there is so much beauty to see.
If you find yourself down the south of Spain around Granada then make time to checkout this amazing spot. A quick look around and you will see why its been listed as a UNESCO world heritage site and has been a source of inspiration for architecture, literature, music and even mathematics.
And lastly I must say many thanks to The Council of The Alhambra who so graciously offered free entry to explore this stunning place.
i love love love the alhambra…. its so beautiful!
Jade Johnston | http://www.ouroyster.com
Aaaah, one of my favourite places on earth. Those courtyards with the tinkling fountains send me into a happy trance – I have been there twice and will definitely return one day 🙂 Annoying about the Lion Fountain isn’t it? Glad I got to see it in 2005.
I first heard of the alhambra from a special concert by one of my favourite musical artists: Loreena McKennitt. She actually performed there! I wish I could have gone to that concert.
Looks beautiful! Ahh, I could see myself strolling through those gardens… 😀
Wow, so beautiful… Wish I could visit the place someday. Really loved the pictures especially the first one with the garden.
I love the Alhambra. I had the chance to visit on a business trip a few years ago, and it was amazing. Love the second picture!
We’re staying about 90 minutes away from Granada and we’re wondering about making a trip up there to see it. I’ve heard nothing but amazing things.
I’m wondering where you took that first picture? The one with the view on the Alhambra? i as because I stayed at a hostel in Granada that was situated on a hill overlooking the Alhambra. Amazing view from the terrace!
And about the Andalucian hotness: the day we visited the alhambra it actually rained and was pretty cold (and yes, I was there in summer :D)