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If the magnificent and mighty
walls of the Alhambra Palace in Granada could speak, what a tale they would
tell! For historians and scholars, Christians and Muslims, not to mention
millions of sightseers, touring this vast and complex edifice is a breathtaking
and enlightening experience.
 The
Sabika hill, a foothill of the Sierra Nevada, was chosen by the Nasrid
Sultans as an ideal location to build both court and fortress, as it commands
a panoramic view of the Granada plains. Since its beginning around the
thirteenth century, the structure has evolved over the passing years. Today
it stands as one of the best known of all of the Islamic works of art.
The Nasrid Dynasty, last
of the Islamic sultanates on the Iberian Peninsula, ended in 1492 when
Christians re-conquered the area. In fact the Hall of Ambassadors in the
Alhambra was the stage for King Fernando's meeting with Columbus as they
discussed the voyage to seek an ocean route to India.
The Alhambra, in all its
variations, additions and extensions has long been a citadel and a fortress
as well as a palace, and many rulers have contributed their own enhancements.
As a visitor to this historic, romantic and fascinating site you will be
awed again and again by the marvels that unfold as you journey through
the Palace as it stands today.
The most famous part of the
Alhambra, the Royal Palace, has three parts: the Mexuar, the Serello and
the Harem. All are well worth viewing, but the Lions' Court, from which
the Harem extends, is probably the most famous and photographed area in
all of Spain. The American Washington Irving wrote about "the Arabian romance"
and "the abode of beauty" in his Tales of the Alhambra, contributing greatly
to the world's recognition of Moorish Spain and its glory.
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About the Author - A highly
detailed guide to all facets of life and tourism in Granada and the wonders
of Alhambra Granada |
