2012 Spain: Alhambra, Granada
After a full day exploring Granada, it was time for our ticketed entry to the Alhambra. We had been looking forward to this. We had read that Granada was a Muslim capital for eight centuries, and that this history is symbolised by the Alhambra. It is made up of four main parts - the Generalife, the Alcazaba, the Partal, and the Nasrid Palaces, and so a lot to see.
View of Alhambra
We wandered first through the Generalife, the area we hear about the most. The Generalife was the sultans' beautiful summer estate and dates to the 14th century. The Palace of Generalife was overshadowed by the gardens, which are not only beautifully designed, but also have an abundance of flowering plants that make it a wonderful sight.
Generalife gardens
Long rectangular pools and tinking water features add to the serene (and sometimees not so serene scene). It was busy here..Roses seem to do fabulously in Spain. Fountains, pools, and trees were arranged so that everywhere were long views but also private areas. And from it were views over the city.
Court of the Water Channel
Generalife Palace facade
The Alcazaba is the fortress area and the oldest part of the complex.
Ancient walls of the Alcazaba
Church of Santa Maria, Alhambra
Puerto del Vino, Alhambra
Then we waited in the queue for our window of time to see the Nasrid Palaces. The patios, carved woodwork and stuccoes of the three palaces are beautiful in their simplicity. After seeing so many cathedrals etc decked in gold etc, the design of these palaces with only a small range of adornments was refreshing. but still, the generalife was my favourite area.
Exterior of Nasrid Palace
Palace of Carlos V
View from Alhambra
Alcazar at the Alhambra
Bob at Alhambra
Nasrid palaces
The Partal also had a palace and gardens, but is now mainly a series of towers.
Partal Palace
Parador de Granada, a luxury hotel
56b
Cathedral of the Assumption, as we were leaving
The Alhambra had not disappointed. It really is a magical place...
This featured blog entry was written by jannettek from the blog Time to travel.
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