Some educational stuff now. The name Alhambra means "the red one" or "red earth" and refers to the color of the mountain on which it is built. The citadel is comprised of many parts - royal residential quarters, court complexes, a bath and a mosque - built in varying stages. It is literally a sublime maze of palaces, courtyards, gardens and lakes.
Fountain in Alhambra
La Alcazaba
This military fortification dates back to 9th century. It was modified again by Muhammad III, in 13th century, to be his private residence. I climbed up the tower, Torre de la Vela, to get a great view over the town and the snow capped Sierra Nevada. This is where to get the best view of Granada. Unfortunately, my photos were a little glary to post, but sometimes the trip isn't about the photo. You'll just have to see it for yourself.
La Alcazaba
Nasrid Palaces of the Alhambra
Alhambra's most famous portion is a series of courtyards surrounded by rooms, which consist of a varied repetoire of Moorish arched, columned and domed forms, decorated with colourful tiles, marble or mother of pearl. The slender columns frame the green arcades, fountains and reflecting water basins, to emphasise symmetry.
Reflections of Alhambra
The Lion Court in particular is the most famous courtyard, and it did instantly lift my mood. According to what I have read, the inscriptions claim it to be a physical rendering of descriptions of Paradise in Islamic poetry. Perhaps this is why it lies at the heart of the Harem section.
The Lion Court
At the centre of the Alhambra stands the massive Christian Palace of Charles V, which is Spanish renaissance, so stands in stark contrast to the delicate Moorish Royal Palaces next door. Check out the tourist with the video camera. Is that self-referential? This was taken at openning time, 8.30 in the low season, and the place was still too packed with tourists to get a photo without them. Still, it is such a peaceful place, that the tourists don't matter. You can manage to tune it out.
Part of Charles V palace
Other parts of the Alhambra are the Generalife Gardens - the garden of the architect - and The Medina - not the 'funky cold' variety. The Medina is the town for artisans and craftsmen who serves the needs of the court. Generalife consists of beautiful gardens, fountains and patios where the Moorish leaders had their summer palace built. On the day I went up, there was frost on all the flowers.
Alhambra seen from Albaicin
Floor tiles
Detail on the wall
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