Today's highlight was a visit to Granada's The Alhambra. This stunning red fortress is located along the top of a hill with the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the background. It dates back to the Middle Ages and represents the best example of Islamic art still standing in the western world. It's not just one building but several that were constructed over the course of several centuries when the Muslims and Christians were the ruling groups in Granada.
The Alhambra dates back to the 9th Century. The most impressive of the buildings is called the Palacio Nazaries, which was built in the 1300s. After the Catholic Monarchs conquered Granada, the mosque at the Alhambra was replaced with a church. Later, Isabel and Fernando's grandson Carlos I removed a part of the Palacio Nazaries to build his massive palace, called the Palacio de Carlos V. The Alhambra was abandoned for a bit in the 18th Century but it became a national monument in 1870. Since that time much work has been done to restore the fortress.
Since it is such a popular attraction, only 6,600 tickets are available each day, and it's always a good idea to get your tickets early to avoid long lines and ensure you get in. I bought my ticket online Wednesday when I was in Madrid and was even able to pick it up there at a place similar to TicketMaster.
I visited four parts of the Alhambra today during a four-hour visit: the Palacio Nazaries, the Alcazaba, the Palacio de Carlos V and the Generalife. I stared my tour at the Palacio Nazaries because my ticket to visit this part of the Alhambra was for 8:30 a.m. You have to enter the palaces within 30 minutes of the time on your ticket or you cannot go in, as they limit the flow of people into the area.
The Palacio Nazaries, also referred to as the Old Royal House, is where you find the most important parts of the Alhambra: Mexuar (the council chamber), and two palaces, Comares (this was the private residence of the ruler) and Leones. I walked through many of the rooms and courtyards, admiring the wooden ceilings, tiles, stucco, arches, rectangular pool, marble fountains and more. From there I visited the Alcazaba, or the old Citadel. There are several towers here, including the most famous, Torre de la Vela (Watchtower). It was built in the late 1200s and measures 52 feet by 52 feet and is 89 feet high. I climbed up the tower's winding staircase to get some amazing views of Granada and the Alhambra. At the top of this tower is where the cross and banners of the Reconquest were raised in January 1492.
I next went inside the Palacio de Carlos V, a rectangular building that contains a two-level circular courtyard with columns. Work on the palace began in 1527. My final stop of the day was a visit to the Generalife, or Architect's Gardens. It was a place where the monarchs would relax away from the court. It is divided into the upper and lower gardens, and I walked through both today. It is home to flowers, plants, pools, fountains, trees (including cypress trees) and more. It was a nice stroll and a great way to end my day at the Alhambra.
I enjoyed visiting the Alhambra, but it was so crowded. In a way, it reminded me of my visit to the Old Faithful geyser at Yellowstone National Park in 2004 because both places were so busy. Both are beautiful places and must sees but both are also so crowded that it takes away from the experience.
Later in the afternoon I returned to the grocery store to buy some more water and snacks, and I did a little more shopping in the evening before dinner. I'm taking the train to Ronda in the morning and am looking forward to the ride. It will be my first train trip in Spain, and the route between Granada and Ronda is supposed to be very scenic. Look for pictures from Ronda tomorrow night!
Hasta manana,
--Justin
Otro gato...
ReplyDelete