Alhambra Granada an Arabian Masterpiece

Alhambra

الحمراء

Overlooking Alhambra from Plaza de San Nicolas

Deriving its name from an Arabic word, meaning “the red“, Granada’s Alhambra is a mystic beauty of an Arabian palace. The palace is situated on a hill, which overlooks the city. Alhambra’s name comes from the reddish tint that is clearly visible on the stones that were used to build the palace. Its perfection in everything from architecture to symmetry is alluring even to the momentary passerby. Amazingly, the palace has survived through the ages from its days of glory when the Moors ruled Spain to its present-state in nearly unblemished condition. If one were to take the tourists and visitors out, then one you could almost imagine the Moorish lifestyle before them. The gardens, water canals, and fountains have been preserved in recent years by the Spanish government and add to its appeal and realness.

History and Background

Beautiful Alhambra

Through the years Alhambra, and the area that it was built on, has been used as a fortress, palace, shelter, and most recently a museum. Originally constructed around the year 890, the Alhambra began as a fortress. Later Moorish kings used it as a palace. Eventually, it was abandoned for many years until the Spanish began to use it again as a royal palace or castle in the 16th Century.Arches in Alhambra

When one walks through the Alhambra, you will notice the many different influences from the different periods when rulers added on. The Moor fortress still stands, but it is only the beginning of the grounds. There is also a Spanish palace there. And of course the most famous area where the Arabian palace is complete with hamams, places for worship, and excerpts from the Quran, the Alhambra has all the features of a true Arabian palace.

Facts about the Alhambra

1.) Its name is derived from an Arabic word meaning in feminine form meaning “the red”. The name refers to the reddish tent of the blocks used to build it.

2.) The Alhambra was not build all at once so many of the buildings are not built in unison.

3.) The Alhambra was abandoned for many years and at one point was the home of homeless people and gypsy communities.

4.) The Alhambra is one of Spain’s largest tourist attractions.Plaze de leones

5.)  Contrary to popular belief, the Alhambra is not just one building. The name refers to the entire area of construction built on the hill. This includes, a 9th century Arabian Citadel (Alcazaba), 14th Century Moorish Palaces, a 16th Century Spanish Palace, Generalife (a Moorish villa dating to the 14th Century), and other relics.

6.) The Alhambra has been set in several books and movies including Paulo Coelho’s famous novel The Alchemist.

7.) Many of the Alhambra’s works are carved completely by hand out of stucco and other materials.

8.) The Alhambra area covers over 1,500,000 square feet.

Getting to the Alhambra

You can take a vehicle or bus up the main road, but I walked. There is a nice trail that follows the Darro river (or Río Darro). It starts near the Albaicín neighborhood of Granada and runs up to the entrance of the entrance. You can find it by walking through Plaza Nueva and continuing towards the Alhambra with the River at your right.

Cost of Tickets to Alhambra  

When I visited the Alhambra, it cost around 13€ (as of 2014). You can purchase different packages with audio-guides, tours, or with admittance to less buildings, but the ticket that I purchased covered the costs of all entrances. With that, I got to see the Spanish Palace, church, citadel, and Arabian Palace. Just a reminder that on your ticket you should have a specific entrance time to the Arabian palace as there is high demand to see it. (In my opinion that Arabian palace is what you pay for if you cannot tell from the pictures.Orange trees in Granada Alhambra

It is important to note that there are only a limited number of tickets to the Alhambra palace. If you don’t purchase it in advance, then there is a small chance that you will not be able to get a ticket to enter. I did not buy in advance and just showed up early, but when I finally got my ticket the counter said that there were only 65 left to sell. I arrived around 9-10am. Keep in mind that there are also night tickets as well.

A good travel hack for Granada is that you can purchase your tickets to the Alhambra from any Caixa bank, assuming there are still tickets available. Check to ensure that this is still a valid process as it could save you some time waiting in line. 

Pictures of Alhambra in Granada

alhambre30 alhambre29 alhambre31 alhambre25 alhambre23 alhambre20 alhambre22 alhambre21 alhambre19 alhambre18 alhambre17 alhambre14 alhambre15 alhambre16 alhambre11 alhambre12 alhambre13 alhambre10 alhambre9 alhambre8 alhambre5 alhambre6 alhambre7 alhambre4 alhambre3 alhambre2

What do you think of the Alhambra?


Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Check Also

Part of the Yacromatic movement, the Yauco painted steps

Yauco, the beautiful Puerto Rican town you’ll love

Yauco, Puerto Rico, might be a town that you have never heard of but in …

13 comments

  1. Wonderful pictures Andy which really show how stunning and detailed Alhambra is. It is amazing to think that the place was abandoned for a while.
    The Guy recently posted…What A Beautiful Rathaus, I Mean The Town Hall in HamburgMy Profile

    • Thanks, it is really an incredible place to visit. One I won´t forget. I was thinking the same thing whenever I was told that it was abandoned at one time. I couldn´t imagine a place like that just being open to the elements and whoever cared to sleep there. History can be so fascinating.

  2. Wow, it is stunning. The work that must of gone into something like that is astounding. I visited the Segrada Familia (not sure if I have spelt that right) and that was breathtaking.
    Kelly recently posted…Printable Camping ChecklistMy Profile

    • I know Kelly! Isn´t it crazy to think about how many man hours were spent designing everything so intricately? I have been outside of the Sagrada Familia multiple times, but not yet inside. Maybe I will go soon!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badge