You will find it in Granada and it will impress you with its palaces, gardens and its courtyard of the lions.
Spain boasts 49 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This impressive list of monuments and architectural wonders showcases the country's rich cultural heritage. Of all these, the Alhambra in Granada is the most visited. Granada itself is one of Spain's most beautiful cities, renowned for this incredible masterpiece, as well as for its Cathedral, the Royal Chapel, the Albaicín and Sacromonte neighborhoods, some of Spain's best viewpoints, and its traditional tapas bars.
In any case, among all these places, the Alhambra stands out, a monumental complex made up of palaces, fortresses, churches and gardens, which receives an average of three million visitors each year.
Its dimensions, its architecture, its history, its strategic location on the al-Sabika hill, facing the Albaicín and with Sierra Nevada in the background, makes the place part of the landscape and history of Granada.
The Alhambra, considered the eighth wonder of the world, means "red castle" and is an unprecedented Arab citadel, palace and fortress.
It was designed to demonstrate to the city the power of the Nasrid dynasty and so that its star monument could be seen from virtually every point in Granada.
Their story
After the dissolution of the Caliphate of Cordoba in 1031, the territory occupied by the Muslims was divided into taifa kingdoms, which finally succumbed to Christian troops in the 12th century.
For two hundred years, the Kingdom of Granada remained the sole vestige of Muslim power on the Iberian Peninsula. The founder of the Nasrid dynasty, Al-Ahmar, ordered the construction of the Alhambra and moved the royal residence from the Albaicín to this new complex. It was then that Granada entered its period of greatest artistic splendor.
The walls and aqueduct of the Alhambra are the oldest part of the palatine city. Later, the Alcazaba and the main towers were built. During the 14th century, the three Nasrid palaces were erected: the Mexuar, the Comares, and the Palace of the Lions.
Following the Reconquista in 1492, the Catholic Monarchs carried out several reforms and built the Convent of San Francisco. Later, their grandson, Emperor Charles V, ordered the construction of a palace bearing his name.
Between the 18th and 19th centuries, the Alhambra suffered a period of neglect of almost one hundred years until Napoleon's French troops occupied part of the palace and almost destroyed it.
Finally, in 1870, the Alhambra became the property of the State and was declared a National Monument.
What to see in the Alhambra
The courtly city of the Alhambra is made up of several areas that fulfill different functions:
The Alcazaba
It is the oldest part and is located at the highest point of the hill. Its function was purely military, although it is believed that it may have served as a royal residence at some point. The Alcazaba is a large fortress protected by walls, where the four main towers of the Alhambra are located. From them, you will have a privileged view of the entire city.
In the Alcazaba is the Plaza de Armas, which currently features the foundations of the Arab houses that provided services to the military, as well as some dungeons and a beautiful garden area.
Nasrid Palaces
Each of the three palaces is associated with a specific era and a Nasrid king:
- Mexuar Palace: It is the oldest of the three and, therefore, the worst preserved. King Ismail I ordered its construction and used it for political meetings and to administer justice. The main hall is filled with valuable original tiles and latticework.
- The Palace of Comares, also known as the Divan, is built around the Court of the Myrtles. Its main pool is one of the most famous images of the Alhambra. Three monarchs were involved in its construction. It houses the famous Throne Room, where politics were conducted, and halls where festivities were held.
Source: Official website/El Español
