Granada and The Alhambra

Few architectural engineering achievements during the course of human history, rival that of the Alhambra. The 15th Century Moorish Citadel  has few equals known to contemporary man.

On-going renovation

The Alhambra's Moorish palaces were built for the last Muslim Emirs in Spain and its court, of the Nasrid dynasty. After the Reconquista (reconquest) by the Reyes Católicos ("Catholic Monarchs") in 1492, some portions were used by the Christian rulers. The Palace of Charles V, built by the Holy Roman Emperor himself in 1527, was constructed inside the Alhambra's Nasrid fortifications.

After being allowed to fall into disrepair for centuries, the Alhambra was "discovered" in the 19th century by European scholars and travelers, with restorations commencing. It is now one of Spain's major tourist attractions, exhibiting the country's most significant and well known Islamic architecture, together with 16th-century and later Christian building and garden interventions. The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the inspiration for many songs and stories.
 

My only request of travel buddy, Tom, was to carve one day and one night out of our schedule, hopefully en route back to Madrid from Cadiz, for a self-guided tour of this magnificent edifice and international treasure.

Tom was quick to accommodate my request. There are no words with which I can adequately describe the experience of spending a day viewing the Moorish era artistry and craftsmanship that comprise the Alhambra.

I substitute a brief photographic journey of our day trekking the citadel grounds in lieu of attempting to describe this remarkable and stunning achievement of the Moorish artisans.

Our day began by walking the steep two kilometer, cobbled calle leading to Alhambra's entry.

Early morning paseo

Additional on-going archaeological excavation and restoration

Breathtaking vista from a Citadel rampart.

The Alhambra was extended by the different Muslim rulers who lived in the complex. However, each new section that was added followed the consistent theme of "paradise on earth". Column arcades, fountains with running water, and reflecting pools were used to add to the aesthetic and functional complexity. In every case, the exterior was left plain and austere. Sun and wind were freely admitted. Blue, red, and a golden yellow, all somewhat faded through lapse of time and exposure, are the colors chiefly employed.

Typical Moorish architecture of the Alhambra

Of the outlying buildings connected to the Alhambra, the foremost in interest is the Palacio de Generalife or Gineralife (the Muslim "Garden of Arif," or "Garden of the Architect"). This villa dates from the beginning of the 14th century but has been restored several times. The Villa de los Martires (Martyrs' Villa), on the summit of Monte Mauror, commemorates by its name the Christian slaves who were forced to build the Alhambra and confined here in subterranean cells. 

The Torres Bermejas (Vermilion Towers), also on Monte Mauror, are a well-preserved Moorish fortification, with underground cisterns, stables, and accommodation for a garrison of 200 men. Several Roman tombs were discovered in 1829 and 1857 at the base of Monte Mauror.

General Life Villa (above)

Garden of Arif or "Garden of the Architect"

It is extremely difficult to articulate the overwhelming impact conveyed to anyone with a sense of human history, who visits Alhambra. It is, without question, a triumphant achievement of human creativity, ingenuity and physical effort. Hopefully, Alhambra will remain forever, one of mankind's enduring monuments.