The Alhambra Treasure
Visiting a spectacular monument
If you decide to visit Granada, you have to visit its treasure: the Alhambra. Those who don’t have too much time at their disposal for Granada should leave aside any other part of the city and go to visit the spectacular Moorish architecture pearl, the best preserved and most exquisite example of Moorish palace not only in Spain, but in the entire Europe.
The ancient fortress represents the main attraction and actually, the most interesting one in Granada and it attracts visitors from all the corners of the world. The word ‘’The Alhambra’’ means the ‘’Red Castle’’ translated from Arabic into English and the Moorish poets cherish it as being ‘’a pearl set in emeralds’’.
Situated on a plateau that overlooks the Sierra Nevada Mountains and that is bathed by the waters of a river at its foothills, the Alhambra is not only a jewelry, but it also has picturesque views that take your breath away.
About the Alhambra
The Alhambra occupies a strategic place, as it used to be a fortress; Sawar den Hamdun is thought to have sought refuge within the walls of the ‘’Alcazaba’’ and decided to expand the site. The location had very powerful tactical strengths, so this is how the Alhambra started to grow and flourish.
The 13th century is the one when Alhambra was transformed into Royal Residence, but it was just in the 14th century that the palace started to look the way it does today. The opulence and the luxury that you would expect for the Moorish kings were present in the Alhambra, represented by the beautiful Arabesque architecture.
However, the 15th century brought some harsh days for the Alhambra, as the Christians started to be interested in it. In 1492 the Christians conquered the city from the Moors and started to put their own fingerprints, imposing a few changes on the architecture of the Site.
The Moorish architecture managed to survive almost entirely, but Renaissance elements were introduced in some of the constitutive parts of the site. The entire complex is superb and tourists need an entire day in order to see all its wonders; however, if you don’t have enough time at your disposal, do visit the Patio of the Lions.
The Patio has a beautiful rectangular courtyard which is surrounded by a spectacular gallery which is supported by 124 columns made of marble. You will love it, so make sure you visit it!